Machu Picchu Getting Around

Getting Around

Visiting Machu Picchu isn't cheap. The entrance fee is 119.00 soles; for students with an ISIC it's 59 soles. Tickets should be bought in advance in Cuzco. With the train ticket to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also formerly known as Aguas Calientes and a night's accommodation it easily adds up to US$100. Doing the Inca Trail is also an alternative to get in.

For the low- to no-budget tourist there is also the possibility of doing an alternative way to Machu Picchu puebloAguas Calientes via two little villages called Santa Maria and Santa Theresa.

From Machu Picchu puebloAguas Calientes you can hop on one of the frequent buses to take you up to the ruins (US$ 6 each way). It's also possible to walk the 8 kilometres. Locals will show you for a tip how to outrun the buses, on your way down, but for the rest of us it's a two hour walk. If you are in a rush, you can also take a helicopter from Cuzco.

You are not allowed to bring big backpacks, but there is a luggage storage at the entrance for those doing the Inca Trail.

Your ticket will tell you that it's not permissible to bring food or water bottles into the site. You will probably feel a bit silly if you don't bring them as everyone else will carry them in with success. Buying them at the site is expensive, and they do not even offer plastic bottles (glass only). Purchase food and plenty of water and bring it with you.