In Peru during the rainy season, it almost rains every day. But on the day I set off for Aguas Calientes, the skies cleared ☀️.
On the 359th day of my journey, I found myself in Machu Picchu.
I managed to grab the last 6 a.m. 2B ticket at the last minute, entering the site at 6:30 a.m., just in time to witness the breathtaking transformation as Machu Picchu emerged from the clouds into the sunlight. The ruins were still untouched by other tourists, and despite being an overdeveloped tourist hotspot, the place radiated mystery and grandeur. It truly deserves its reputation as one of the must-visit destinations in a lifetime.
**⚓ Transportation**
To reach the site from Cusco, you’ll need to transfer three times: Cusco 🚍 Ollantaytambo 🚞 Aguas Calientes 🚍 Machu Picchu.
**⭐ Three Ways to Get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes:**
1️⃣ Join a Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco and leave the group after Ollantaytambo. Walk 10 minutes to the train station and catch a train departing after 15:30, staying overnight in Aguas Calientes before heading to Machu Picchu the next day and returning to Cusco.
2️⃣ Purchase a through-ticket from Cusco directly to Aguas Calientes (⚠️ only possible if you’ve already secured your entrance tickets, potentially allowing for a same-day round trip). You’ll still transfer trains at Ollantaytambo.
3️⃣ Take a bus from Cusco to Hydroelectric Station and hike for 2–3 hours to Aguas Calientes (⚠️ the only budget-friendly option).
**💡 How to Buy Tickets?**
Purchase combined bus-train tickets from Perutrail/Incatrail’s official website or at the station in Cusco for travel between Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Alternatively, buy separate train tickets for the route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Booking early is cheaper, but last-minute single tickets can cost up to ±10soles more per leg.
Reservations can be modified up to 24 hours in advance, though additional fees may apply. Tickets for the bus ride from Cusco to Hydroelectric Station are available at the local bus terminal.
**⭐ From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu**
You’ll need to purchase an EcoBus ticket in Aguas Calientes for 24 soles round-trip, with no time restrictions.
**🪪 Entrance Tickets**
Machu Picchu offers ten different routes to explore, with the most popular being:
– **2B/2A**: Perfect for capturing iconic panoramic views and exploring the ruins up close.
– **1B**: Ideal for panoramic views without access to the ruins.
– **3B**: Climb Huayna Picchu for a distant yet stunning perspective of the site.
For the ultimate experience, pairing 2B with 3B is highly recommended. There are three ways to secure tickets:
1️⃣ During peak season, book at least one month in advance; during low season, two weeks ahead via the official website.
2️⃣ In Aguas Calientes, an additional 1,000 tickets are released the day before.
Collect your number in the morning and queue after 3 p.m., according to your assigned time.
3️⃣ Alternatively, purchase through travel agencies in Cusco or Aguas Calientes for convenience—at a price.
**⚠️ Tips & Tricks**
– During low season, it’s possible to join a Sacred Valley tour, leave the group, and still find tickets in Aguas Calientes without waiting in line. Early morning slots (6 a.m. & 10 a.m.) and all afternoon options on Route 2 typically have availability.
– Tickets can be purchased offline at the Ministry of Culture (Machu Picchu Park Passes), located just a four-minute walk from the train station.
– Some bloggers claim you can enter later even with an early ticket, but the official stance is that this isn’t allowed. While enforcement might be relaxed, strict checks could occur during high traffic periods.
– Entering early ensures a quieter, more immersive experience. Morning fog usually clears around 9–10 a.
m., though weather conditions can vary—today, the fog lifted at 7 a.m., turned cloudy at 9 a.m., and began raining by noon.
