If not arriving at Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, you will arrive at the town of Machu Picchu (formerly Aguas Calientes) in the valley below. To get from here to the ruins there are two options. The first is to walk, requiring a 2km walk following the river before heading up, ascending over 300m in altitude to the ruins. In total, this takes about 1 ? 1½ hours. Alternatively, there are tourist buses from the town up to the ruins. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs $4.50 one-way ($9 return). There are buses throughout the morning, leaving every 30 minutes or so from around 6am to 11am.
To return from the ruins to the town, it is again possible to either walk or take the bus. The walk down is a bit quicker than the ascent, but is very hard on the knees. Buses leave throughout the afternoon, from about 2pm to 6pm. It is possible to buy bus tickets either in the town or in the ruins.
There had been plans to construct a cable car between the town and the ruins, although after much outrage and protest at the suggestion the scheme has been abandoned.
Information on getting to the town of Machu Picchu is provided in the appropriate section.
www.peru-guide.com - the most comprehensive travel guide to Peru available on the Internet.
The Peru Guide is © 2004-2008 Llama Travel
Peru Holidays from Llama Travel