Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Around
From Aguas Calientes, frequent buses for Machu Picchu (S50 round-trip, 25 minutes) de-
part from a ticket office along the main road from 5:30am to 2:30pm. Buses return from
the ruins when full, with the last departure at 5:45pm.
Otherwise, it's a steep walk (8km, 1.5 hours) up a tightly winding mountain road. First
there's a flat 20-minute walk from Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas, where the road to
the ruins crosses the Río Urubamba, near the museum. A breathtakingly steep but well-
marked trail climbs another 2km up to Machu Picchu, taking about an hour to hike (but
less coming down!)
For information about getting to Aguas Calientes,
Click here
.
The Inca Trail
The most famous hike in South America, the four-day Inca Trail, is walked by thousands
every year. Although the total distance is only about 24 miles, the ancient trail laid by the
Incas from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu winds its way up and down and around the
mountains, snaking over three high Andean passes en route, which have collectively led to
the route being dubbed 'the Inca Trial.' The views of snowy mountain peaks, distant
rivers and ranges, and cloud forests flush with orchids are stupendous - and walking from
one cliff-hugging pre-Columbian ruin to the next is a mystical and unforgettable experien-
ce.
For information on trekking an alternative route,
Click here
.
