The imperial city of Cusco is a hot spot for travelers to South America. When in Cusco, you will experience some of the best hotels, restaurants, and nightlife than anywhere else on the continent. And with so many things to do in Cusco, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination with travelers. Cusco is full of wonderful ancient sites to see, including the wonderful Plaza de Armas and the surrounding colonial churches. The city has some amazing festivals throughout the year. Easter and Christmas are very special moments in the Imperial city. You should plan to spend a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before embarking on your adventure in Machu Picchu. And with Cusco Peru Travel we know that it is easy to get lost in this attractive city. So, we plan an article telling you about how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. In this way, you can take advantage of your guided tour.
The different ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu
To get to Machu Picchu you have a wide range of trains at your disposal. Some of these are exclusive and luxurious while others may be cheaper and more accessible. But it cannot be denied that traveling by train, whatever your decision, is one of the most pleasant and exciting ways to get to know the Inca citadel. Below we will show you some of the most popular train examples. If you plan to visit Cusco, the train can be an excellent option to save time. In this way, you will have enough time to get to know Cusco and the beautiful Sacred Valley.
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. Thousands of people take the train trip from Cusco each year and there are different trains to choose from. If budget is not a problem, take the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu from Cusco. This is one of the best train trips in the world. Travel through the Sacred Valley in luxury while enjoying excellent Peruvian cuisine.
The following train is one of the most popular within the PeruRail company. This train is a much cheaper one but the trip still has luxurious aspects. The entire train has glass panels on the roof and panoramic windows to enjoy the views. Experience a traditional show and refreshments along the way. The Vistadome train has leather seats to help you get to Aguas Calientes in style. Besides, the train has several daily departures and departs from Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Another great train to experience is the Expedition. This could be considered one of the cheapest among PeruRail trains. With many daily departures, the Expedition is a favorite among travelers on a budget. Inside you will be able to have a comfortable train experience for everyone to enjoy.
Keep in mind that the Machu Picchu train will only leave you in the town of Aguas Calientes. From there you can walk to the entrance of Machu Picchu or take the shuttle bus. This is quite accessible and will leave you at the entrance of the citadel ready to enjoy. There is also the alternative of taking a car from Cusco to Machu Picchu. But keep in mind that the route is considered a bit dangerous, so it is not recommended. Within our luxury Peru tours, you will have your train ticket as well as the bus ticket fully insured. In this way, you will not have any surprises during your trip and you can concentrate on enjoying yourself.
The alternatives to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu are many, among them, you can take one of the available walks. And among the different treks available, the Inca Trail is one of the most popular. Walking to Machu Picchu is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever find. Hiking can be hard work going up high steps and back down. But the sense of accomplishment at the end of the hike is something that all hikers experience. At the end of your trek, you will have a wonderful guided tour of the ruins of Machu Picchu. Some of the treks available to reach the Inca citadel are the famous Inca Trail, a four-day hike that follows the Inca trail to reach Machu Picchu. This is the most popular of all the hikes and tickets sell out in advance so you will need to reserve your spot. If you want to hike and don’t like the idea of camping for three nights, try the two-day Inca Trail. Walk from the train line to Machu Picchu and spend the night in a hotel. The next day, you will visit the ruins and enjoy a wonderful private tour. One of the most surprising things about Machu Picchu is that the Inca Trail was the original way to enter the citadel. The ancient Incas ventured along this route to reach Machu Picchu.
Another great hike in the Cusco area is the Salkantay trek, which also ends at Machu Picchu. The first day begins with a walk to Soroycocha, where the first camp is located. From here there are a few uninterrupted views of Mount Salkantay. On the second day, a long walk awaits you towards the Salkantay Pass. This pass is the highest point of the hike, here you can experience views that will take your breath away. From different glaciers and the magnificent Cordillera de Vilcabamba to photograph. In the afternoon descend to the cloud forest and the Salkantay River. On the third day, the weather will change as you will be entering the jungle. Following the Cachora river, you will notice how the landscape will also be greener. Then in the afternoon, you will walk to the train station at the hydroelectric plant to take the train to Aguas Calientes. On the last day of this five-day trek, you will have a tour of Machu Picchu. If you plan to arrive by climbing Machu Picchu, this is a worthwhile hike.
In case the Inca citadel wasn’t enough, take a look at the Choquequirao trek. This four-day hike does not end at Machu Picchu, unlike the other treks. And it doesn’t have the high steps that the other hikes have either. But as a reward, you will have a calm visit to the citadel of Choquequirao. The walk begins in Cachora and continues in a zigzag until Playa Rosalina. Once in Choquequirao, you will return by the same path that you reached in the beginning. On this hike, you will see a variety of breathtaking landscapes and mountains. An alternative to Machu Picchu that is worth considering.
“THE BEST DREAMS HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE AWAKE.”
We hope with the experts of Cusco Peru Travel to have been of help to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu. With so many varied ways to get to the Inca citadel, it is a matter of choosing the option that best suits your needs. Remember that you can decide on some of our scheduled tours and make your trip a lot easier. For this, do not hesitate to contact our qualified advisors, they will be happy to help you. If you want to know more about the ancient Inca citadel, you can check our other articles.
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