Before setting off for Machu Picchu, I thought the whole process would be incredibly complicated. In reality, it’s much simpler than expected! If you’re not into hiking, the only way to reach Machu Picchu is by taking a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Hot Water Town), then hopping on a bus to the archaeological site.
💯 For lazy travelers who still want to save money and see everything, here’s the ultimate guide to visiting Machu Picchu:
Book an online Day Tour of the Sacred Valley (Secret Valley). In the morning, your hotel will arrange a pick-up for a visit to the charming Pisac village, followed by stops at the stunning Maras Salt Pans and Moray Terraces. By evening, you’ll arrive in Ollantaytambo, where you can explore the ancient ruins before your guide escorts you directly to the train station (or you can walk there yourself—it’s only about 10 minutes).
A month in advance, purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket from the official website, and book your train tickets through PeruRail for the Expedition Machu Picchu service from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. (Note: Machu Picchu is the final stop, but there are intermediate stations along the way.) The basic Expedition train offers comfortable seating with panoramic views and a skylight—there’s no need to splurge on the Vistadome ($200+) or the ultra-luxurious Hiram Bingham ($1000+), which costs around $140 round-trip.
Spend the night in Aguas Calientes. (If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, booking your own accommodation might be cheaper than going through a tour operator.) The next day, head to Machu Picchu according to your ticketed entry time. Arrive at the bus station about an hour early to queue up for the short 15-minute ride to the site.
Allow at least two hours to explore the most iconic routes within Machu Picchu. Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. While mornings can sometimes be foggy, I personally found the views equally breathtaking during my 3 PM session.
For those who prefer zero hassle, I highly recommend the two-day Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu Tour offered by Sam Travel Peru. This package includes all tickets, transportation, and accommodations, with round-trip transfers from Cusco. During train travel, orange-colored tickets provided by your guide allow access to special express lanes—a stress-free option priced at around $400 per person.
