There are three choices for getting to Machu Picchu: a 4 day hike on the Incan Trail, a 25 minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes, or a 1 1/2 hour uphill hike (depending on your level of fitness) from Aguas Calientes. As we wanted to spend as much time as possible at Machu Picchu, we chose the bus.
Bus Ride to Machu Picchu
Only buses are allowed to drive on this narrow, bumpy road. The buses have to pull to the side of the road when they need to pass, which is fairly frequently. The buses are running constantly throughout the day and the roads are very worn down because of this. The back of the bus is extremely bumpy. If you have back or neck issues I recommend waiting for the next bus if the only seats left are in the back. It will only be an additional 5 minute max wait.
No Guard Rails on the Road to Machu Picchu
The ride is not for the faint of heart. There are no guardrails along the road and in places the drop off is extremely close to the road. The blurry picture above was taken out the window of the moving bus. After I took this photo, I stopped looking down. At one point the bus driver started backing up to let another bus pass. I started wondering if any buses have ever gone over the edge. I decided that I wouldn’t google that for two days, as we had three more bus rides ahead of us. The answer is no, not at this location, but yes on other highways in Peru. That could be why some people, not many, choose to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Bus Ride to Machu Picchu
The scenery is fantastic and an excellent distraction if you don’t look down. The bus ride is about 25 minutes. The bus stop is located on Avenida Hermoas Ayer in Aguas Calientes. You can purchase your tickets near the bus stop or online. Our tickets came as part of our travel package with Kuoda. The current round trip price is $24 for adults.
Bus Ride to Machu Picchu
During the peak season there are as many as 2,500 people at Machu Picchu on a given day. With so many tourists, you can imagine the lines. However, they move very fast as there is a bus arriving every 5 minutes or less. Many times one will be boarding while a second bus comes in to disembark. The bus ticket does not give entry to Machu Picchu.
Bus Ride to Machu Picchu
Our second day to Machu Picchu was raining in the morning, so the view out the window was mostly of clouds rolling through the mountains.
If you choose to walk from the town you will be climbing 1,280 feet. The altitude at Machu Picchu is 11,152 feet, which will make the hike seem more strenuous. The trail is clearly marked but at some points you will be on the road the buses take. I find that thought as terrifying as the drop off next to the road. The road is a switchback with blind turns all the way up making it difficult for the drivers to see pedestrians. You can also choose to ride up and walk down. There is quite a bit of climbing once you are at Machu Picchu, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
When we arrived at the entrance of Machu Picchu we stopped for a buffet lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. They have an excellent assortment to choose from and a lively environment with local musicians playing while you dine.
Up next was our first visit to Machu Picchu, my number one bucket list item, now on my ‘Been There, Done That’ list. As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
(All pictures are available for purchase as Fine Art or Digital Downloads at full resolution through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)
More Andes Mountain Adventures
Hiking to the Summit of Huayna Picchu
Aguas Calientes the Gateway to Machu Picchu
Hiking Down the Patacancha Valley in Peru
Visiting the Ollantaytambo Ruins
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