1.- INTRODUCTION
The Inca city of Machu Picchu is considered one of the modern wonders of the world and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site as it is one of the main emblematic archaeological sites that year after year receives thousands of visitors. Located in the Peruvian Andes, it has an altitude of 2430 m above sea level. Its scientific discovery was made in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham and since then it has sought its conservation and preservation in history, something that many historians and archaeologists debate is its purpose, although many people mention it as a religious retreat or intended only for the use of the nobles, some studies suggest that it may actually have been a multifunctional city as it is located inside enclosures oriented for storage, religious, military, administrative and others.
At the base of the mountain is the town of Aguas Calientes which is considered the gateway to the city of the Inca and its role is crucial because it is the place that connects by rail with other towns such as Ollantaytambo, which makes its entrance accessible. Although there are two ways to reach the Inca citadel, the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is the most traditional and used as it facilitates the movement of people both outbound and return, the town is quite small but very complete and has all the necessary services for a traveler to feel at home, It even has the option of enjoying its delicious hot springs where you can relax the body, if you arrive a day in advance you can get to the main bus offices to get the bus tickets Machu Picchu if you have not previously done so, always has availability.
2.- WAYS TO GET TO THE INCA CITADEL FROM AGUAS CALIENTES
To get from the town of Aguas Calientes to the city of the Inca, there are two alternatives you can choose from, which will depend a lot on your physical endurance as well as your availability of time, which will influence your decision-making. The first is the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, in which it is necessary to first obtain the bus tickets Machu Picchu either in Cusco or in Aguas Calientes, the second option is to do it the traditional way and walk to the top along the existing path.
2.1.- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
This service is provided from the town of Aguas Calientes, with a departure frequency of 10 to 15 minutes, the boarding point is in front of the local market that exists in the town, the trip generally lasts around 30 minutes and allows you not only to optimize time but also to enjoy a memorable landscape through the Peruvian Andes while you enjoy the vast vegetation and nature that surrounds the winding path of your life and down, the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu facilitates access for travelers who do not have much physical endurance to endure the path up. Travelers staying overnight can compare hotels in Machu Picchu Pueblo near this central boarding area. If you’re planning a Machu Picchu luxury tour, this transfer service ensures a seamless and relaxing ascent to the citadel.
2.2.- Walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Compared to the option of the Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, this is much longer since it takes around two hours to ascend to the top of the mountain. There is no specific opening time here, but you should keep in mind that it may take a little longer and if you enter in the early hours it becomes somewhat complicated. Also, if visiting the Huayna Picchu mountain is part of your planning, it is best not to hike and take the option of the Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu since this could exhaust you and it would be more complicated to ascend the mountain. On the other hand, if you are passionate about hiking and are looking to live an unforgettable experience, it becomes the best alternative for you.
3.- KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUS FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU
The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 30 minutes, however you must take into consideration that in order to take the service you will first have to wait in line since many travelers who have the same itinerary as you will also be waiting. For this reason it is estimated that the ascent takes between 45 minutes to an hour depending on the season in which you choose the trip, As for the hours of attention that can be used for the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, it starts at 05:30 am and frequently every 10 or 15 minutes a new unit leaves, it works the same way to be able to descend from Machu Picchu, the last bus leaves at 17:30 pm.
4.- PURCHASING BUS TICKETS MACHU PICCHU
Using the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is quite simple. The first thing you need to do is get one of the bus tickets Machu Picchu from an office belonging to the company CONSETTUR, who regulate this service:
The most direct way to do this is in the town of Aguas Calientes. You don’t need a reservation to get them since they are open from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 am to 17:00 pm and you can go there with your passport to buy them directly.
Address: Av. Hermanos Ayar S/N, before the Ruinas del Puente
Another option to buy them is during your stay in Cusco. There is a central office where you can go and also get the bus tickets Machu Picchu. Here the opening hours are from 08:00 am to 13:00 pm and from 15:00 pm to 18:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Address: Av. Pardo Paseo de los Héroes 827, Cusco 08000
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Finally, there is the option of buying the bus tickets Machu Picchu online. The company CONSETTUR has a reservation system where you can get them directly, but you must be very careful in choosing the dates well, since if you make a mistake, it is very difficult to make changes.
| UPDATED PRICES FOR THE BUS FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU |
| FOREIGN VISITOR | ||
| — | One Way | Round Trip |
| Adults | $12.00 dollars | $24.00 dollars |
| Children | $7.00 dollars | $12.00 dollars |
| NATIONAL VISITOR | ||
| — | One Way | Round Trip |
| Adults | $8.00 dollars | $15.00 dollars |
| Students | $6.00 dollars | $10.00 dollars |
| Children | $5.00 dollars | $8.00 dollars |
| Guides | s/6.00 soles | s/12.00 soles |
| RESIDENT VISITOR | ||
| — | One Way | Round Trip |
| Cusquenians | s/9.50 soles | s/19.00 soles |
| Locals | s/4.00 soles | s/8.00 soles |
| Guides | s/4.00 soles | s/8.00 soles |
A PLACE UNTOUCHED BY TIME
“The Inca city of Machu Picchu was never discovered by the Spanish, this is the reason why it is kept in such good condition otherwise probably there would be no record of it, the last one-armed Inca ruler was responsible for hiding all the traditional access points that existed to ensure that they could never reach the citadel, and in 1911 is HIram Bingham who would announce the scientific discovery of the citadel.”
FAQs ABOUT THE BUS FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU
- Can I take a large backpack on the bus?
During the use of the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, the traveler is allowed to carry a bag or backpack weighing no more than five kilos so it is recommended to take this into consideration to prevent a light luggage, if you have a large suitcase you can leave it in Aguas Calientes inside the hotel where you stayed one night before.
- What if I miss my bus?
Within the policies of the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu there is consideration for the non-use of the ticket, you are allowed to use it from the reserved date up to three days onwards, after this the ticket loses value and can no longer be used again. In case you have made a mistake in the date of use, you can communicate directly with their customer service and request a change.
You have everything ready for your next trip and to enjoy the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Auri Peru specializes in creating unique experiences that allow you to enjoy the trip without worrying about anything. Contact us now and let us take care of everything so that your only function is to live an unforgettable experience during your Luxury trip to Machu Picchu.
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