There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu, among many alternatives the trip to Machu Picchu by bus may be the cheapest and most adventures present. Unlike the classic trip to Machu Picchu by train or classic Inca trail , the bus trip presents greater flexibility and combines a bus trip with walks at various points along the route .

The train trip to Machu Picchu.

This trip leads directly to the town of Aguas Calientes ( Machu Picchu town ) from the city of Cusco or Ollantaytambo through the railway line. The trip lasts between 2 and 3 hours and crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley and always accompanied by the Urubamba River (sacred river).

The world famous Inca Trail.

This route leads to Machu Picchu through ancient Inca trails, which pass different places and lesser-known archeological sites until reaching Machu Picchu, it has a duration of 4 days and 3 nights of walking ( classic Inca trail ). This adventure is recognized within the 5 best hiking trails in the world.

Travel to Machu Picchu by bus.

The route via Cusco – Hydroelectric – This adventure leads to the city of Aguas Calientes ( Machu Picchu town) through a bus and hike trip, crosses the Malaga (Veronica snow) and the so-called hydroelectric power station. The trip lasts 6 and 7 hours and crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the Inca jungle around Machu Picchu.

How is the trip to Machu Picchu by bus ?.

This route alternates to the classic travel routes to Machu Picchu, it can be divided into different sections as follows:

First section – Cusco to Santa Teresa.
A trip by bus or minibus from the city of Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa.

Second section – Santa Teresa to hydroelectric.
Travel by collective taxi from the city of Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric power station.

Third section – hydroelectric to Machu Picchu town.
Once in the Hydroelectric Power Station you can choose to reach the town of Aguas Calientes in 2 ways:

Walking : A 2.5 hour walk parallel to the Urubamba River. The journey on foot from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu town (hot waters) is very beautiful and is carried out parallel to the train rails and always accompanied by the Urubamba river. Along the way you can see many varieties of orchids, highland jungle flowers, crystalline streams and wildlife.

By train : this is the last part of the alternate route, starts from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes by train. The trip gives the option to board the tourist class train (economic) and arrive in 45 minutes Machu Picchu town (hot waters). This trip is short and much cheaper compared to the classic train journey from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu.

It should be taken into account that the only company that operates this route is PeruRail. The trip crosses the tropical landscape of the jungle near Machu Picchu.

Why choose the trip to Machu Picchu by bus?

It is an ideal route for all visitors and adventurers, some advantages that present compared to traditional trips are:

They do not require booking train tickets well in advance.
Travelers who need to save some budget and enjoy Machu Picchu.
Ideal for all adventurers looking for other non-traditional ways to reach the great Machu Picchu.
People who travel frequently to Machu Picchu, is an alternative that must be tested and known if you have already lived the trip in usual ways: travel by classic train and the classic Inca Trail.

How long is the trip to Machu Picchu by bus?

The alternate route to Machu Picchu ( trip to Machu Picchu by bus ) through Santa Teresa and hydroelectric has an approximate total time of 8 hours:

First section – The start of the bus trip from Cusco to Santa Teresa lasts approximately 6 hours.

Second section – The journey by taxi or collective service from the town of Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric Power Station is 40 minutes.

Third section – if the option of train travel from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes is chosen, the duration is 45 minutes. If the hydroelectric route to hot waters does it walking, it will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours .

Fourth section – the last leg of the trip is made by bus, from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel, it lasts approximately 25 minutes.

How much can the trip to Machu Picchu cost by bus on the Hydroelectric Route?

The alternative route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric has a maximum price of $ 67. It is a very economical trip, compared to the train trip from Ollantaytambo, where only train tickets exceed $ 68 or the Inca trail trip that has a cost approximate minimum of $ 850.