BY TRAIN OR BY TRAIL: HOW TO GO TO MACHU PICCHU?

One of the most frequently asked questions that someone who has visited Peru listens to is: how to go to Machu Picchu? There are essentially two ways: by train or on foot. And the answer says a lot about the type of traveler, whether more adventurous or more relaxed. But it can also have to do with the time available and the need to maximize the trip itinerary. There is no right or wrong, better or worse, they are just completely different experiences.

As simple as the chosen class is, the train ride from Cusco to Águas Calientes , the closest village to Machu Picchu, is very comfortable. It is the best choice for those who have less time or less disposition or in a group with travelers of various profiles, such as families. The service is first class, and the need to book (and pay, of course) in advance is not as great as for the hikes.

Already walking it is possible to go in two ways. Don't fall for pranks: the only route that ends inside the ruins of Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail , which usually lasts 4 days and 3 nights. There are minor variations of the route, such as the Inca Trail of 2 days and one night, which also arrives at the lost citadel, but it is an option that has much less attractions.

The Salkantay trail is beautiful, but it does not end at Machu Picchu, but close to Águas Calientes. The Lares route involves trails in much wilder and less popular corners of the Andes, with the advantage of being alone in stunning landscapes. Some operators sell packages like Inka Jungle, which mixes biking and hiking with other outdoor activities, such as zip lining and rafting.

Always remembering that, once touring at altitude with a trail or without, abuse water and coca tea - no, it's not cheap, it's like Grandma's tea but it leaves you with less discomfort and headache. Let's go to the details.

How to get to Machu Picchu by train

The most practical and quick way to get to Machu Picchu is by train, leaving from Poroy station, 18 km from Cusco, to Águas Calientes, a village next to the ruins and accessible only on foot or by train. There are buses and vans from all Cusco hotels going to the station, it is a normal route.

The Peru Rail has a monopoly on the operation of the trains but offers 3 different types of wagons with three different price ranges for return. All trips take about 3h20, from Cusco to Águas Calientes. Keep an eye on the company's website to hunt for promotions on the dates you have available.

The most economical option, Expedition costs $ 80 per person and is a favorite of backpackers and people on a budget. Those who were unable to book a trail also opt for these tickets.

The intermediate ticket is the Vistadome, for US $ 95, often with a snack included. An alternative is to spend a day at the beautiful archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, sleep nearby and take the train at “Ollanta” the next day, for a slightly lower price.

For those who do not give up comfort, Hiram Bingham is a train full of perks, with lunch on board and a lot of luxury. Named after the explorer who revealed Machu Picchu to the world in 1911, it costs US $ 408 per person and guarantees transportation to the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu, the only hotel next door to the ruins. The hotel has some perks such as access to the park in the early morning and in the late afternoon, when many tourists are gone, but the prices are quite salty, with daily rates that cost around U $ 700. Most travelers stay in Aguas Calientes, in one of the city's many hotel options.

For a comfortable and relaxing tour to Machu Picchu, we recommend you the Machu Picchu 2 Days 1 Night Tour.

How to get to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail (4 days)

This is definitely the most “roots” and authentic way to go to Machu Picchu, although it is not the cheapest. But if you arrived in Cusco and are in good physical condition and up to date, you will be very happy with your choice. They are “only” 43 kilometers, but the altitude plays against and increases the challenge.

The classic Inca Trail is a 4-day and 3-night tour that can only be done with accredited operators, who provide everything from the tent to the food, prepared by an army of helpers. Packages cost between US $ 380 and US $ 500 and can be booked at various agencies

How to get to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail (2 days)

A more economical Inca Trail option in almost everything: less effort, less expense, less unique landscapes, less archeological sites along the way. You will only do the last day of hiking the Inca Trail and on the second day, early, a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

However, this option offered by many operators has a great advantage comparable to the 4-day package: the arrival in Machu Picchu by Inti Puku, the Porta do Sol, the entrance gate to the Sacred City of the Incas.

The only highlight of this short Inca Trail hike is the archeological site of Wiñaywayna. Perhaps there is a great advantage included in this package: the possibility of seeing Machu Picchu at dusk, on arrival, and at dawn, the next day, in the company of a certified guide and owner of many explanations.

How to get to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trail (4 or 5 days)

Only by praying to the Inca gods for a miracle will you disembark directly from the trail in Machu Picchu. Jokes aside, the fact is that the trail ends at the Rio Urubamba hydroelectric plant, a few kilometers from Águas Calientes. All packages include visits to Machu Picchu, of course.

There are hiking options of 4 and 5 days and the route is famous for being beautiful, but proportionally hard. A great advantage is the availability to book at any time and not in advance of the Inca Trail.

Usually agencies sell packages for values ​​ranging from $ 300 to $ 600, it has everything. The difference between services is usually proportional to the amounts paid. Anyone who doesn't want to camp can stay in comfortable Mountain Lodges of Peru accommodation with 7-day packages starting at $ 3,240.

How to get to Machu Picchu on the Lares Trail (4 days)

Lares trek is an alternative path to Machu Picchu, which lasts 4 days and 3 nights, which traverses high Andean landscapes inhabited by Quechua people. This adventure tour is also known as the Circuit of the weavers because during your journey you will learn the technique of weaving ancestral threads of the native peoples. The most usual way to book a tour to Lares Trek 4 days is via the internet. However, you can also buy one at a travel agency located in the Historic Center of Cusco. Unlike the Inca Trail, Lares Trek does not need to be booked far in advance. There is no restriction for a visitor to be encouraged to perform the Lares Trek on their own. However, unlike other tours, such as Salkantay Trek or Choquequirao Trek, the roads are not well marked, so it is difficult to follow.

To perform Lares Trek on your own, you must understand the way forward. For that, a good map would be effective. In addition, the inhabitants of this region are mostly Quechua speakers.