Aguas Calientes

Bus & minivan tours

Secure your tickets to discover the wonder of the world: Machu Picchu! Your package includes entry to the iconic citadel and the company of an expert bilingual guide for an unforgettable experience. Important Note – Inca Trail with Guide Disclaimer: If you book the "Inca Trail with Guide" option, please note that this gives you access to Machu Picchu by entering through the Inca Trail route. The entrance to Machu Picchu is included as part of your Inca Trail ticket. With this option, you will not have access to Machu Picchu town, but you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the trail and during your guided visit inside the citadel. Note: No separate Machu Picchu ticket is issued – it's included in the Inca Trail pass Exploring Machu Picchu Once inside, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour guided tour (group tour) with our bilingual guide, immersing yourself in the history and mysteries of the Inca constructions. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Optional Bus Transportation - The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is optional and can be added at the end of your booking for a comfortable 30-minute ride to the entrance. - If you prefer, you can also purchase bus tickets separately in Aguas Calientes or choose to hike up (approx. 1.5-hour walk). Upgrade to a Private Guide Want a more personalized experience? You can add a private guide at the end of your reservation for an exclusive tour tailored to your interests. Return to Aguas Calientes After your visit, you can take the bus back (if purchased) or walk down, carrying with you unforgettable memories of this world wonder. Don’t miss this incredible adventure—book now and customize your Machu Picchu experience!

Discover the iconic Machu Picchu with ease with this bus transfer from Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a flexible schedule to suit your vacation style, comfortable transport, and beautiful scenery as you ride. The best way to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes and vice versa is by bus. Book the transfer in advance and the local partner will send you the public bus transportation tickets by mail.  The trip takes 30 - 45 minutes each way and your ticket will be valid for you to take the bus at a time suitable for you.  The service runs from 5:30 AM to 3:00 PM from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, and from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Buses come every 10-15 minutes

Day 1: Tour Sacred Valley Maras Moray Salt mines. It starts with the pick up from the hotel at 6:30 am to go to our first destination "Chinchero" where we will visit the archaeological site and the colonial temple. Continuing we will visit the agricultural laboratory of "Moray" where we will find agricultural terraces, we will also visit the salt ponds "Salineras" that are exploited since the Inca period. Then we will go to the town of Urubamba where we will have free time to enjoy an Andean buffet lunch. After that, we will go to the town of Ollantaytambo where we will visit the archaeological part, this town is also located at the train terminal where some travelers will stay to take their train to Aguas Calientes. Continuing with our trip our last visit will be to the archaeological center of Pisac where we will find many Andean terraces and the most preserved Andean cemetery of the Andean culture. We will return to Cusco at 07:00 p.m.

Start: Day 1 between 05:50 and 06:00 a. m. from your hotel in Cusco. End: Day 2 at 9:30 p.m. in the center of Cusco. Day 1: Transfer Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and Hidroeléctrica trekking to Aguas Calientes We start our "Machu Picchu by Car" at 05:50 from the main square of Cusco or your hotel. The first stop is in Ollantaytambo to have breakfast and use toilet services. Then, we continue along a curvy and poor condition road, passing through the highest point, Abra Málaga, at 4300 m altitude. We descend along a winding road, changing the landscape from cold and mountainous to warm and jungle. We return to the difficult route towards the Hydroelectric station. After lunch, we walked three hours along the train line to Aguas Calientes. Dinner with the guide, instructions and rest. Day 2: Visit to Machu Picchu, trekking Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric and transfer from Hydroelectric to Cusco We got up early to go up to the citadel by bus or walking for an hour, following stairs to the entrance. We meet the guide for the guided tour with explanations about the rediscovery by Hiram Bingham. Free time to explore. Around noon, we begin the three-hour trek from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica. We take transportation for the return land trip, stopping in Santa Teresa. End of the tour in the center of Cusco at 9:30 p.m. The road to Hidroeléctrica, with many curves and poor condition, can be challenging for some. Visit to the archaeological site: To enter Machu Picchu, you need the "Llaqta Machu Picchu" entrance. You can select one of the circuits at the time of booking, depending on availability. The entrance gives you access to one of the 4 circuits: 1. Circuit 1: Upper and lower part, platform and terrace area for 3 hours. 2. Circuit 2: Upper and lower part, routes to Inti Punku and the Puente del Inca for 4 hours. 3. Circuit 3: Lower part, includes agricultural area, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inka and Archaeological reserve for 1 hour and a half. 4. Circuit 4: Lower part, includes agricultural area, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inka, Sacred Rock and reflecting pools for 2 and a half hours. We recommend choosing circuit 2 to visit more attractions and capture classic photographs at the citadel.

From Aguas Calientes: Machu Picchu Entry and Guided Tour We offer a complete and well-organized experience to visit Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, with two options: a Classic Guided Tour (Circuits 1, 2, or 3) or the Short Inca Trail Experience (Circuit 5). Option 1: Classic Guided Tour (Circuits 1, 2, or 3) The tour begins with a personalized pickup from your hotel or the train station in Aguas Calientes. You’ll board the bus for a 25-minute ride to the main entrance of Machu Picchu. After passing the checkpoint, your professional guide will lead a 3-hour tour, following the selected entry time and assigned circuit. Once the tour concludes, you'll return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel, the train station, or another agreed meeting point. Total duration: 4 to 4.5 hours (including transportation). Option 2: Short Inca Trail + Machu Picchu (Circuit 5) Perfect for adventurous travelers looking to combine hiking with a visit to Machu Picchu. If you're staying in Aguas Calientes, we can pick you up from your hotel. You will walk approximately 2 hours to reach Km 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Alternatively, if arriving by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, you can disembark directly at Km 104, where your guide will meet you. From Km 104, you'll begin a scenic hike along the ancient Inca Trail, visiting archaeological sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. Then, you’ll ascend to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu before entering the site. After a short guided visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where the tour ends. Total duration: 11 to 12 hours ‍♂️ Hiking distance: 10–11 km ⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate – good physical condition recommended ⚠️ Important Information Machu Picchu has fixed one-way circuits. Switching routes is not allowed once inside. Availability is limited, so select your preferred circuit when booking. If it’s not listed, it’s sold out. For the Short Inca Trail, entrance is valid only for Circuit 5, which includes access through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and a guided visit inside Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Circuit Options Circuit 1 – Panoramic Ideal for wide panoramic views and photo opportunities. Requires more physical effort. 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain 1-B: Upper Terrace 1-C: Inti Punku / Sun Gate 1-D: Inca Bridge Circuit 2 – Classic The most recommended and comprehensive route. Includes both agricultural and urban sectors. 2-A: Designed Classic 2-B: Lower Terrace Circuit 3 – Royal Focused on sacred and quieter areas. Low physical effort unless mountain options are included. 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain 3-B: Royal Route 3-C: Great Cavern 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Circuit 5 – Short Inca Trail + Machu Picchu Exclusive for travelers arriving via the Short Inca Trail (Km 104). Includes entrance through Inti Punku and a shorter guided visit inside Machu Picchu.

After arriving in Aguas Calientes head to Consettur Bus Station to start your Machu Picchu adventure. Easily hand over your printed ticket, hop on and enjoy the breathtaking drive up through the clouds to Machu Picchu. Ignore the long lines with your pre-purchased entrance ticket in hand, and join your tour group.  Be led through the front gates on a 2-hour journey through the ancient citadel. Listen as your guide answers every question, and after the tour, have free time to explore, take photos, and maybe even make a llama friend.

Day 1 – Sacred Valley of the Incas & Train to Aguas Calientes Begin your adventure with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley, discovering picturesque villages and remarkable Inca architecture at various archaeological sites. Choose from two itinerary options: - 6:30 A.M. departure: Visit the charming town of Chinchero, the Maras Salt Mines, the fascinating agricultural terraces of Moray, and the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo. - 7:50 A.M. departure: Enjoy panoramic views from the Taray viewpoint, explore the impressive Inca terraces of Pisaq, and visit the Ollantaytambo fortress. Midway through the tour, savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Urubamba. Afterward, board the train to Aguas Calientes, soaking in breathtaking Andean landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, our staff will greet you and escort you to your accommodation. Spend your free afternoon exploring Aguas Calientes—visit the Butterfly Farm or relax in the town’s hot springs. In the evening, our team will provide important information for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day. Rest up for your morning bus ride into the mountains. Day 2 – Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco Board the bus from Aguas Calientes to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, taking in stunning jungle views along the way. Enjoy a fascinating two-hour guided tour, led by an expert local guide, as you uncover the mysteries of this ancient city. Explore its gardens, shrines, and intricate water channels, then take advantage of free time to wander the ruins at your own pace. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for a relaxing lunch (not included). Finally, head back to Cusco, bringing home unforgettable memories of your journey through the heart of the Inca Empire.

Journey to the iconic Machu Picchu on a 2-day tour specially designed to be an affordable alternative that takes you over scenic mountains, past indigenous villages, and through lush jungles hikes. Make your trip more comfortable by upgrading to options that include hotels in Aguas Calientes and additional bus and train add-ons. DAY 1: Cusco - Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes Pickup at 7:00 AM from hotels and hostels in central Cusco. Head through the Sacred Valley and appreciate different villages and climatic changes in the Andes. Arrive at Santa Teresa around 1:30 PM where a typical lunch will be served. Then, continue the tour until arriving at Hydroelectric around 3:00 PM. From here, start a walk on the train tracks through a native jungle to Aguas Calientes, about a 3 hours trek. You can choose add-on a train to Aguas Calientes at the checkout if you don't want to do the walk. At Aguas Calientes, your guide will show you to your accommodation (if option is selected). You also have the opportunity to go relax optionally at the hot springs (this activity can only be paid on spot) or take a stroll around town before dinner. DAY 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Hydroelectric - Cusco Get up early in the morning and 4:30 AM to start the walk towards Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. The steep walk up will last approximately 1:30 hour, and the objective is to appreciate the sunrise from the Inca citadel and be the first to arrive. The walk up to Machu Picchu requires a fair physical condition — you can also choose add-on a bus to Machu Picchu at the checkout, if you don't want to do the walk. Get a 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu and the surrounding sites. Enjoy free time to take photos and look around the citadel. If you chose one of the extra hikes to one of the mountains you will split ways with the group to go by yourself to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain — you can choose add-on these hikes at the checkout. Leave Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes at around 11:30 AM (walking or by bus, depending on if you choose add-on at checkout). Once in Aguas Calientes, start the walk back to Hydroelectric where your guide will be waiting to gather the group to return to the city of Cusco — again, you can choose add-on a train to Hydroelectric at the checkout, if you don't want to do the walk. Be back in Cusco around 9:30 - 10:00 PM. The drop-off will be in San Francisco square in the historic center, near Plaza de Armas. Distances for the whole itinerary: • Distance traveled by car/van Cusco to Hydroelectric: approximately 4 to 5 hours • Trekking Distance from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes: approximately 2:30 hours (1-way) • Trekking Distance from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: 1:30 hours (1-way) • Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: 25-minutes (1-way) • Distance traveled by car/van from Hydroelectric to Cusco: approximately 5 to 6 hours

Explore the historic Lost Citadel of Machu Picchu with a skip-the-line ticket and round-trip transportation from Aguas Calientes. Spend 2 hours in this legendary place and delve into the history of the Lost Citadel of Machu Picchu. Tour the site's labyrinthine stone constructions. Admire the beautiful panoramic views of the ruins and mountains. Get lost in the labyrinthine stone constructions before returning to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a flexible schedule. Entrance ticket for Circuit 2 (requires reservation at least 3 months in advance) and for Circuit 1 or 3 (requires reservation at least 1 month in advance), Subject to availability. from the Ministry of Culture in Peru

From Cusco : Ollantaytambo - Machu picchu town - Machu picchu City - Cusco Begin your adventure with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. Travel by comfortable tourist bus to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1.5 hours), where you'll board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes). Upon arrival, our team will assist you in boarding the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu (approx. 25 minutes). Enjoy a professionally guided tour of the majestic Inca citadel (approx. 2 hours). After the visit, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Later, board the return train to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes), followed by a tourist bus back to your accommodation in Cusco (approx. 1.5 hours). Detailed Itinerary: Pickup in Cusco: We will pick you up from your accommodation located in the historic center of Cusco. Transfer to Ollantaytambo: Travel by tourist bus to the Ollantaytambo train station (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). Train to Aguas Calientes: Board the train and enjoy a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes). Arrival in Aguas Calientes: Upon arrival at the train station (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), our staff will assist you. Bus to Machu Picchu: Take a 25-minute bus ride to the entrance of the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Guided Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the citadel with a professional guide (approximately 2 hours). Return to Aguas Calientes: After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes (approximately 25 minutes). Free Time for Lunch: Enjoy free time to have lunch on your own at one of the many local restaurants. Return Train to Ollantaytambo: At the scheduled time, take the train back to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes). Transfer Back to Cusco: Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, a tourist bus will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). Note: All services are subject to availability. Machu Picchu offers several visitor circuits. The most popular and recommended is Circuit 2A. In case this option is fully booked, you may choose Circuit 3, 1 or Circuit 5 instead. If Circuit 2A is unavailable when making your reservation, we will help you select the best available alternative.