Getting There & Away: Aguas Calientes

Air Travel: Cusco as Gateway

Airport & Flights

The nearest major airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. This airport acts as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu region.

Flight Information

Domestic flights from Lima (LIM) are the most common route to Cusco (LATAM, Sky Airline, Viva Air Peru).
No direct international flights to Cusco. All international flights need a connection, typically in Lima.
Flight prices to Cusco peak during the dry season (June-August) and holidays. Book flights in advance.

Cusco Airport Services

Cusco's airport has basic facilities. It includes ATMs, currency exchange, small shops, and cafes. Car rental desks are present, though self-driving is uncommon for trips to Aguas Calientes.

Transfers to City/Accommodation Cusco

Taxi: Most common and convenient. Negotiate fare before starting (S/. 15-30 / USD $4-8 to city center).
Colectivo/Public Bus: Cheaper options from outside the airport, less convenient with luggage.
Pre-booked Transfers: Many hotels offer airport pickup services for a fee.

Affordable Flights

Dollar Flight Club: Finds cheap flights to various destinations.

Flight Comparison

Skyscanner: Compares flight prices from various airlines.

Car Rental

DiscoverCars.com: Compares rental options globally.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Network

No roads connect Aguas Calientes to Peru's main network. Private vehicles cannot reach the town.
Roads in the Sacred Valley (to Ollantaytambo or Santa Teresa) can be winding.
During the wet season, landslides or rockfalls can impact these routes, causing delays or closures.
Always check road conditions during the wet season if using bus or private car services.

Self-Driving

Self-driving to Aguas Calientes is not possible.
You can drive to Ollantaytambo or other Sacred Valley towns and park your vehicle there.
Many travelers hire private drivers for the Cusco-Ollantaytambo portion.
Border crossing information is not applicable for travel directly within Peru.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Landlocked Location

Aguas Calientes is a landlocked town.

Access by Train Only

The town is accessed solely by train.

No Navigable Waterways

No navigable waterways for passenger boats connect to the broader transportation network.

Land Transportation: Train Connections

Departure from Poroy Cusco

Poroy Station, near Cusco, is a common departure point. A taxi ride of about 20-30 minutes from Cusco city center takes you to Poroy. Services from Poroy mainly run during the dry season (May-October).

Important Note

During the wet season, PeruRail often shifts its main departure point to Ollantaytambo.
This shift is due to landslide risk on the Poroy route.
Check your train ticket and operator website for current departure station information.

Departure from Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley

This is the most common departure point for trains to Aguas Calientes, especially during the wet season. A taxi or minivan ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Traveler's Choice

Many travelers visit the Sacred Valley first and then take the train from Ollantaytambo.
This approach streamlines their itinerary.
Buses go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo for onward train travel.

Train Operators & Classes

PeruRail and Inca Rail are the two main train operators. Both companies offer various classes of service, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences.

Service Options

PeruRail: Expedition (budget), Vistadome (mid-range with panoramic windows), Belmond Hiram Bingham (luxury).
Inca Rail: Voyager (budget), 360° (mid-range with panoramic windows and observation car), First Class (luxury).
Booking: Book directly via official websites (PeruRail, Inca Rail, Belmond).

Budget Land Options

Direct long-distance buses do not reach Aguas Calientes. Buses travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where you transfer to the train. A cheaper alternative exists.

Hydroelectric Route

Bus from Cusco to Santa Teresa, followed by a walk or shared taxi to Hidroelectrica.
Then, a walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
This "Hydroelectric route" takes longer and needs more physical effort but is cheaper.

Departure Information

Exit Fees: Peru does not levy specific exit fees or taxes at departure. Costs are typically included in ticket prices.
Train Departure: Arrive at Aguas Calientes train station at least 30 minutes before departure. Have ticket and passport ready.
Bus from Machu Picchu: Allow ample time for the bus descent to Aguas Calientes (25-30 minutes). Factor in potential bus queues.

Timing: Allow at least 1.5-2 hours between your planned departure from Machu Picchu and your train departure from Aguas Calientes.
Station Facilities: Aguas Calientes train station has limited facilities (small shops, cafes). Cusco airport has basic amenities.
Sea/River Departures: Not applicable for Aguas Calientes. The town is landlocked and accessed only by train.

Train Services Comparison Table

PeruRail & Inca Rail Classes

PeruRail Expedition / Inca Rail Voyager

Standard, comfortable seats. Basic service, good for budget travelers. Journey time: ~3.5 hrs from Poroy; ~1.5 hrs from Ollantaytambo. Cost: S/. 100-250 (USD $27-68) one-way.

PeruRail Vistadome / Inca Rail 360°

Larger/panoramic windows, some cultural performances (Vistadome) or outdoor observation car (360°). Light snack included. Journey time: Same as above. Cost: S/. 150-350 (USD $41-96) one-way.

Belmond Hiram Bingham PeruRail

Luxury service with gourmet meal, live music, bar car. Includes bus to Machu Picchu and entrance, guide. Journey time: ~3.5 hrs from Poroy. Cost: S/. 1500-2000+ (USD $410-550+) one-way.

Booking Your Train

Book train tickets directly via the official websites: PeruRail or Inca Rail. For luxury service, consult the Belmond official site.

Getting There & Away