Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Consettur bus (20 min, $24 round trip) or hiking (2 hours, free). Prices, schedules, tips.
There are two ways to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: the Consettur bus (20 min) or hiking (2 hours). Here's everything you need to know.
Option 1: Consettur Bus (recommended)
Consettur S.A.C. is the only authorized bus company. Buses zigzag up Hiram Bingham Road.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20-30 minutes |
| Distance | 9 km (5.59 miles) |
| Frequency | Every 15 min (5 min peak hours) |
| Upbound hours | 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
| Return hours | Until 5:00 PM |
Bus prices (2025)
| Ticket | Foreign visitor | National visitor |
|---|---|---|
| Round trip | $24 USD | $15 USD |
| One way | $12 USD | $8 USD |
Tip: Buy tickets online at consettur.com or at their office in Aguas Calientes the day before. Peak hour (5:30-7:00 AM) lines can be 30+ minutes.
Option 2: Hiking (free)
A steep but rewarding hike up stone steps parallel to the bus road.
- Duration: ~2 hours uphill, 1.5 hours downhill
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep stairs)
- Cost: Free
- Route: Start at Puente Ruinas, follow stone steps uphill
Popular combo: Hike UP in the early morning (start 4:30 AM) and take the bus DOWN after your visit.
How to return
- Bus down: 20 minutes, same prices
- Hike down: 1.5 hours via stone steps
Our Magic Machu Picchu Tour includes bus tickets, entrance, guide, and train. Visit the Handicraft Market and Manco Capac Plaza while in town.
Whether by bus or on foot, the moment Machu Picchu appears before you makes every minute of the journey worth it.
