BUS TICKETS FOR MACHU PICCHU
How to Get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Bus or Walk?
When you finally arrive in Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo), you’re just one step away from reaching the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The last stretch is from the town up to the entrance gate, which sits high on the mountain ridge above. There are two main ways to get there: taking the official bus or hiking up on foot. Here’s everything you need to know so you can choose the best option for your visit.
Option 1: Taking the Bus to Machu Picchu
The Consettur bus is the official and only bus service that runs between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. It’s the most popular choice, especially if you want to save your energy for exploring the site itself.
Where to Buy Tickets
Online in Advance: You can purchase bus tickets on the official Consettur website comprar.consettur.com or through an agency. This is recommended during peak season (May–September).
When booking online, you’ll need your passport details, and payment is made by credit or debit card (usually in USD). Once purchased, you’ll receive your e-ticket by email, which you can simply show along with your passport when boarding the bus.
Buying Bus Tickets in Person
If you prefer to buy in person, you have several options:
In Aguas Calientes: The official Consettur office is located on Avenida Hermanos Ayar, near the bridge known as Puente Ruinas. The office is open daily from about 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, making it easy to purchase your tickets either the evening before your visit or early in the morning.
In Cusco: You can also purchase tickets before traveling to Aguas Calientes. Consettur maintains offices at Av. Infancia 433 in Wanchaq and Av. El Sol 380 inside the Banco Interbank building. These offices are generally open weekdays in the morning and afternoon.
At the Machu Picchu Entrance Gate: If you only need a ticket for the return trip back down to Aguas Calientes, you can buy it at the small Consettur booth located right by the main entrance to Machu Picchu.
Tips for Booking and Boarding
During the high season, lines at ticket counters can be long, so booking online ahead of time is strongly recommended.
You must carry your passport to buy tickets in person and also to board the bus, since the ticket is linked to your personal ID.
If you purchase online, you do not need to print your ticket—just show the electronic version on your phone along with your passport.
Prices
Adults: Around $24 USD (round-trip)
Children (5–11 years old): Around $12 USD (round-trip)
Prices are subject to change, but you’ll usually find one-way tickets for about half the cost.
Bus Schedule
First bus departs at 5:30 am (to catch the sunrise).
Buses run every 5–10 minutes throughout the day.
The last bus down from Machu Picchu usually leaves around 5:30–6:00 pm (after the site closes).
Travel Time
About 25–30 minutes each way.
Boarding the Bus
The bus stop is in Aguas Calientes, near the river (Avenida Hermanos Ayar).
Lines form very early in the morning—especially before sunrise. If you want to be among the first inside the citadel, line up around 3:30–4:30 am.
On the way back, you’ll catch the bus at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
Option 2: Walking Up to Machu Picchu
If you’d rather skip the bus and challenge yourself, you can hike up the mountain from Aguas Calientes to the entrance.
Trail Details
Start Point: The trail begins just outside Aguas Calientes. Cross the bridge over the Vilcanota River (Puente Ruinas) and follow the signs upward.
Distance: About 1.5–2 hours uphill (depending on fitness).
Difficulty: Steep, with lots of stone steps. It’s a tough climb, especially in humid or rainy conditions.
Time to Start: Many hikers begin around 4:00 am to reach the gate when it opens.
Advantages
It’s free (no transport cost).
A rewarding physical challenge with beautiful jungle scenery.
You’ll arrive with a sense of accomplishment.
Things to Know
Bring a headlamp if hiking before sunrise.
Don’t forget water, snacks, and rain gear.
The trail crosses the bus road several times—watch out for traffic.
Option 3: Walking Down from Machu Picchu
Even if you take the bus up, many visitors choose to walk back down. The descent is much easier (about 1 hour) and gives you more time to soak in the jungle environment.
Trail is the same as the uphill route.
Steep in places, so trekking poles can help.
Perfect for travelers who want a mix: comfort on the way up, savings and adventure on the way down.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Bus Both Ways: Best for saving energy, maximizing time at Machu Picchu, or if you have limited mobility.
Walk Up + Bus Down: Great for adventurers who want the challenge but prefer an easy return.
Bus Up + Walk Down: Ideal balance—comfortable ascent, but a budget-friendly descent.
Walk Both Ways: Only for the very fit and determined.
Final Tips
Always carry your passport (required to board the bus and enter Machu Picchu).
If you’re visiting in the rainy season (Nov–Mar), the trail can be slippery—bus is safer.
During high season, plan ahead. Lines for buses can be long, so factor waiting time into your schedule.
Whether you ride the bus or hike the steps, the final reward is the same: the breathtaking first view of Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world waiting to be explored.
