Getting Around Machu Picchu. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transit Systems

Cusco: No metro or tram. The main public transport consists of a network of small, private buses (known as Combis or Micros) and Colectivos (shared vans). These vehicles cover routes throughout the city and to nearby towns.

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo): This town is very small and pedestrian-friendly. No public transport operates within the town itself, except for the dedicated bus service that ascends to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Route & Fare Information

Route Maps: No formal, widely distributed route maps for the Combis. Buses display destinations on windshield. Main hubs near Mercado San Pedro and Avenida El Sol.
Colectivos (Shared Vans): Operate on fixed routes to nearby Sacred Valley towns (Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pisac). Departure points are usually designated "paraderos" or informal areas.
Machu Picchu Bus (Consettur): This bus provides the only public transport option between Aguas Calientes town and the Machu Picchu citadel. The bus stop is central, near the train station.
Fares: Cusco buses/colectivos are cash only (S/. 1-3). Machu Picchu bus tickets are purchased at the Consettur office in Aguas Calientes (USD $24 round-trip for tourists).

Hours of Operation

Cusco Buses: Generally 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM, high frequency. Machu Picchu Bus: First bus at 5:30 AM from Aguas Calientes; frequent throughout the day.

Accessibility

Public transportation is generally not wheelchair-accessible. Buses are crowded and involve steps. Private transport or specialized accessible tours are better options for travelers with mobility needs.

Navigation Tips

Ask locals or hotel staff for advice. Confirm fares before boarding colectivos. Watch your belongings, especially in crowded vehicles.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Cusco Taxi Information

Licensed Taxis: Abundant in Cusco, typically white or yellow. Some display company logos or registration.
Fares: Meters are rarely used. Negotiate the fare Before starting your journey (approx. S/. 5-15 for short rides). Pay in cash (Peruvian Soles).
Safety: Safer to have your hotel call a taxi, especially at night. Use official taxi stands at airports/bus terminals. Always confirm fare before starting.

Ride-Sharing & Local Options

Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber and Beat exist in Cusco but are less prevalent and reliable compared to traditional taxis.
Aguas Calientes: Taxis are not needed. The town is very small and easily walkable. The only vehicle transport is the Consettur bus to Machu Picchu.
Airport/Station Taxis: Taxis and colectivos are available outside Cusco airport and train stations for onward travel.

Rental Options Not for Machu Picchu

Car Rental

Not feasible for Machu Picchu (no roads to Aguas Calientes). Available in major cities like Lima/Cusco. Requires valid driver's license (International Driving Permit often recommended), passport, credit card.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Limited availability. Not recommended for Andean touring due to challenging roads and safety concerns.

Bicycle Rentals

No widespread sharing programs. Available in Cusco/Sacred Valley mainly for specific guided mountain biking tours.

Specialty Vehicle

Colectivos (shared vans) are a cost-effective and authentic option for inter-city travel within the Sacred Valley, operating on set routes.

Walking & Cycling

Walking offers the best way to explore many areas, especially Machu Picchu itself.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Cusco: The historic center is very pedestrian-friendly. Streets around the Plaza de Armas and San Blas are often pedestrian-only or have light vehicle traffic. Cusco is hilly with steep cobblestone streets, especially in San Blas.
Aguas Calientes: This entire town is walkable. No cars operate within the town, except for the Consettur buses that go up to Machu Picchu. You walk from the train station to your hotel, restaurants, and the bus stop.
Machu Picchu: The citadel itself is explored entirely on foot. Visitors follow designated circuits through the ruins, involving many steps, uneven surfaces, and inclines.
Walking Tour Options: Many guided walking tours are available in Cusco. Free walking tours (tip-based) explore the historic center. Self-guided walks are easy.

Cycling Information

Bicycle Infrastructure: Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is limited in urban areas like Cusco. Cycling for general transit is not common due to traffic and challenging terrain.
Cycling Tours: Cycling is more common as part of guided mountain biking tours in the Sacred Valley. These tours often take you on specific routes, sometimes downhill, passing through villages or archaeological sites. Tour operators provide bicycles and safety equipment.
No-Go Areas: In Cusco, avoid walking alone at night in very quiet, poorly lit, or peripheral neighborhoods. Stick to well-trafficked and well-lit areas. At Machu Picchu, stay on marked trails and designated circuits for safety and preservation.
Machu Picchu Guidance: A licensed guide is generally required for your first entry to Machu Picchu to explain the site's history. You can hire guides at the entrance or pre-arrange one with your tour.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Various tour operators in Cusco offer organized bus tours to the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and other destinations. These tours provide comfortable transport, often with a guide, and cover multiple sites efficiently.

Remove stress of navigating local transport.
Not hop-on-hop-off, but similar for multi-site visits.
Comfortable way to see attractions.

Machu Picchu Bus Consettur

This is an unique and specialized form of transport mandatory to get from Aguas Calientes town up to the Machu Picchu citadel. The bus ride takes approx. 25 minutes on a winding road.

Only public transport to the citadel.
Tickets bought at Consettur office.
Alternative is a challenging 1.5-hour uphill hike.

Accessibility Services

Machu Picchu and surrounding areas present significant challenges for travelers with mobility impairments (cobblestone streets, steep inclines, stairs). Public transport lacks accessible infrastructure.

Limited accessible infrastructure.
Newer hotels may offer accessible rooms.
Specialized tour operators provide customized itineraries.

Important Accessibility Note

Challenges

Cobblestone streets and steep inclines are common in Cusco and around Machu Picchu.
Uneven terrain and numerous stairs are part of exploring the ruins.
Public transportation generally lacks accessible infrastructure.

Recommendations

Research specialized services well in advance for travelers with mobility needs.
Some tour operators specialize in accessible travel to Peru, offering customized itineraries and assistance.
Full accessibility at Machu Picchu itself is difficult due to the nature of the ruins.

General Transportation Advice

Navigating Peru, especially the Cusco and Machu Picchu region, is an unique experience.

Planning Your Routes

For long distances: Air travel (Lima to Cusco) is the quickest and most popular method.
To Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes): Train is the only land access. Book well in advance.
Within Cusco and Sacred Valley: Utilize local Combis (buses) or Colectivos (shared vans) for budget travel. Taxis offer more convenience.
Within Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu citadel: These areas are best explored on foot.

Maximizing Your Experience

Carry small denominations: Essential for local buses, taxis, and market purchases.
Learn basic Spanish phrases: A few words go a long way in local interactions.
Factor in travel time: Mountain roads, potential weather delays (wet season), and airport procedures mean extra time.
Book ahead: Popular trains, mountain permits, and Inca Trail permits sell out months in advance.

PeruRail / Inca Rail

Scenic train journeys are the only way to reach Aguas Calientes by land. Book early for preferred times and classes.

Consettur Bus

The exclusive bus service from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel entrance. Essential for saving energy for exploration.

Taxis & Colectivos

Convenient for city travel and Sacred Valley towns. Negotiate fares beforehand and opt for official taxis for safety.

Navigating Cusco & Sacred Valley

Walking in Cusco

The historic center is highly walkable and rewarding.
Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and hilly areas like San Blas.
Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night. Stick to well-trafficked zones.

Exploring the Sacred Valley

Colectivos are a popular, affordable way to travel between towns like Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo.
Organized day tours from Cusco offer a convenient way to see multiple sites without self-navigation.
Consider guided cycling tours for an unique way to experience the landscape.

Local Travel Tip

For exploring Cusco, embrace walking the charming cobblestone streets. For reaching Machu Picchu, the train journey is a fundamental part of the adventure. Embrace the experience!

Always have small bills for local transport and market purchases. It simplifies transactions.

Getting Around Machu Picchu