How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
The distance between Cusco and Machu Picchu are only 112km., however, there is no direct road.
The roads end at Ollantaytambo a small Andean town located halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Originally the only way to get to Machu Pichu from Cusco was on foot following the world famous Inca Trail or alternatives foot routes used by locals.
Nowadays, you can reach Machu Picchu by foot, train and a mix between road and train or road and foot.
A few years ago, you could also reach Machu Picchu from Cusco by helicopter. However, helicopters were banned as, according to government officials, the noise of rotors affects habitat for the spectacled bear and red-plumed Andean cock of the rock. So no helicopters are permitted to use airspace at Machu Picchu Archeological site or the surrounding 125 square miles.
Machu Picchu from Cusco by Foot:
There are two alternatives treks that can take you to Machu Picchu by foot. The world famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and The Salcantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
But for anyone with limited time (you will need at least 4 days for any of the treks), concerns about the physical challenge, or simply not keen on the lack of comfort during the trek, this alternative is out of reach.
Machu Picchu from Cusco by Road:
As mentioned above, there is no direct route from Cusco to Machu Picchu, the only road that indirectly goes to Machu Picchu is the road to Quillabamba and only the road trip could take up to 7 hours.
On the way, you will need to detour to Santa Teresa to finally get to the Hydroelectric (last train station) about 5 km. from Machu Picchu Pueblo.
From there, you could either walk or take the local train.
Anyway, getting to Machu Picchu by road is a true nightmare during the rainy season (November through March) as the roads would be almost inaccessible, while during the dry season the situation improves quite a bit but this is still a bit the “off the beaten track” road to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu from Cusco by Train:
The easiest, safety and quicker way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco is by train.
There are two train companies for tourists: Peru Rail and Inca Rail and their trains depart from Poroy Station (a 20-minute trip from Cusco) or Ollantaytambo Station, located in the Sacred Valley (a 90-minute trip from Cusco).
Both companies offer a range of options varying in price and luxury, while all trains arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes).
The train ride from Poroy takes nearly 4 hours and from OIllantaytrambo nearly 2 hours.
