After exploring the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, we offer two choices for your trip back to the city of Cusco. You have the option to either travel by car or by train. Here, we outline the specifics of these two return alternatives to Cusco.
TRAIN OPTION
Your train ticket is usually scheduled for 2:30 pm, 2:55 pm, or 3:20 pm, subject to availability. To reach the train station, return to Aguas Calientes either by a one-hour walk or a $12 bus ride. Take some time to explore the picturesque town, have lunch, and relax. Arrive at the train station 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
The train ride takes approximately 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, where a Machu Picchu Reservations transfer with your name will be waiting for you. From there, you’ll travel by car back to Cusco for an additional 2 hours, with a drop-off at Plaza Regocijo, marking the end of your tour. You can expect to be back in Cusco around 6:30 pm.
Opting for the train provides you with more time at Machu Picchu, especially if you plan to climb one of the mountains like Waynapicchu or Montaña Machupicchu.
The train option offers greater convenience, comfort, and speed for your return journey to Cusco.
Following your visit to Machu Picchu, you will need to return to Aguas Calientes. You can choose to either walk for approximately an hour from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes or take a 25-minute bus ride for around $12.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you can explore the town, have lunch, and then board the train to Ollantaytambo, typically departing around 2:30 or 3:30 pm.
This scenic 1.5-hour train ride showcases stunning Amazonian and Andean landscapes as it operates during the day. Upon reaching Ollantaytambo, a transfer arranged by Machu Picchu Reservations will be ready to transport you to Cusco, a further 2-hour drive, with an estimated arrival time of around 6:30 pm. Your drop-off point will be at Plaza Regocijo, just a block away from Cusco’s main square.
“The Advantages of Choosing the Train”
- Extended duration at Machu Picchu, particularly advantageous for those considering additional treks.
- Convenient, swift, and soothing, especially following mountain expeditions.
- Enhanced safety during the rainy season (November to March) with increased flexibility and the option to reschedule train departures in case of inclement weather.
- Opportunity to upgrade to the Vistadome train for enhanced panoramic vistas.
It’s important to note that the train option is more costly compared to traveling by car, primarily due to the monopolistic nature of train services and their higher pricing. Nevertheless, many travelers consider the added comfort, safety, and time-saving advantages of the train well worth the extra expense.
CAR OPTION
Opting for the car alternative involves embarking on a 3-hour walk from Machu Picchu to the hydroelectric station, commencing before 11 am. This trek includes an initial descent lasting 30-40 minutes, followed by approximately 1.5-2 hours of walking on level ground alongside the train tracks. Aim to reach the hydroelectric station by 2:30 pm to catch the 3 pm car departure. The car journey typically spans 6-7 hours, bringing you back to Cusco around 10 pm, with a final drop-off at Plaza Regocijo in the heart of Cusco.
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