Classic Machu Picchu is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the world and one of the most incredible places on the planet. There are 2 ways to get there: a) with the Inca Trail (4 days on foot to Machu Picchu) or b) with a train journey (2 hours by train to Aguas Calientes) and then a final bus journey.
1-day train trip to Machu Picchu
Most tourists prefer to visit Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu for 1 day. This means that the traveler will leave and return to the city of Cusco on the same day.
The 1-day train journey starts early with boarding buses to Ollantay tambo. In that city you have to board the train to the city of Machu Picchu (known as Aguas Calientes) . Finally, you have to take one of the buses that leave every 10 minutes towards the entrance door of Machu Picchu. The return is the same day in the afternoon, after meeting Inca City.
During the train journey you will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with incredible views of the Andes mountains, until you reach the rainforest where Machu Picchu is built.
2-day train journey to Machu Picchu
The 2-day journey by 1-night train to Machu Picchu is the quietest way to get to know the Inca city. This alternative begins with the journey from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes by bus and train. There the visitor will spend the night staying in one of the many hotels available.
Choosing this option will allow you to visit Machu Picchu very soon . Therefore, you can book tickets that include the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountains . Moreover, this trip will allow you to make your visit without haste and with enough time to enjoy everything in the Inca City.
Another option is to take an alternative train journey through the “Hydroelectric Station”. This long journey (it takes almost 8 hours to reach Aguas Calientes) can only be done with a 2-day train journey.
Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days is considered one of the best walks on the planet. Start from kilometer 88 of the train tracks to Machu Picchu. Each tourist will travel about 44 kilometers until reaching the Puerta del Sol (Intipunku) of Machu Picchu, after 4 days.
During the Inca Trail you will visit Inca buildings such as: Llactapata, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñaywayna . The journey is also full of exuberant flora and fauna such as birds, butterflies, orchids and some animals that you will not be able to see anywhere else in the world.
To get permits for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu you need to book them many months before . It is recommended to do this 6 months before, particularly between the months of May and August (high tourist season).
Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu 2 days route
The Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a cropped version of the classic 4-day trail. This version lasts only 2 days and covers about 10 kilometers until arriving at Machu Picchu through the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol) . Then spend 1 night in the city of Aguas Calientes to visit the Inca city the next day.
The walk begins at kilometer 104 of the railway leading to Machu Picchu. Then visit the archaeological site of Chachabamba before starting the 10-kilometer uphill walk. Along the way you can also visit the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna. Eventually, you arrive at Machu Picchu, but only to move directly to the city of Aguas Calientes. On the second day, tourists visit Machu Picchu.
Getting availability for the Short Inca Trail is not as difficult as the classic 4-day version . We recommend doing this a few days in advance. This adventure is ideal for people with little vacation time available.
How to go to Machu Picchu? By train or with the Inca Trail?
Both the train journey and the Inca Trail excursion are good experiences to get to Machu Picchu. However, consider the following when choosing how to get to Inca City:
The Inca Trail is expensive. The tour costs around 400 US dollars. The train journey, on the other hand, is more accessible.
To do the Classic Inca Trail, you must buy a tour online 6 months in advance. The train ticket is purchased only weeks in advance.
The Classic Inca Trail has a moderate difficulty. Tourists must be in good physical condition to carry out the adventure. The train journey, on the other hand, does not need any previous physical preparation.
Most tourists choose to get to Machu Picchu by Train 2 Days. However, the few visitors who did it on the Inca Trail testify that it was the best experience of their life.
Learn more about traveling to Machu Picchu
Currently, the only two ways to reach Machu Picchu are with a train journey or the Inca Trail. The fastest and safest way is the train. The most adventurous way is the Inca Trail.
Machu Picchu is located in Cusco, Peru. It has wonderful landscapes and mysterious constructions, such as: the Intipunku, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 windows, the Temple of the Condor, the Huayna Picchu and more.
The Inca Trail remains closed to all fevers due to constant rainfall.
The train service from Cusco and Poroy stations is closed from January to April. During those rainy months it is possible to use the Urubamba and Ollantaytambo stations.
The purchase of Inca Trail tours and train tickets are made online. If you do it once in Cusco, you run the risk of not getting availability. Ozark Trail Customer Service