The Route from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
The town of Aguas Calientes is the closest to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. It is just 10 kilometers by road, located in a small valley by the Vilcanota River and surrounded by towering mountains.
There are two ways to get from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance: by bus or on foot. The bus takes around 30 minutes on average. Walking takes about 2 hours, more or less depending on the visitor’s fitness level.
The bus ride costs around 12 USD per foreign adult. Walking is free for all tourists who already have a Machu Picchu ticket.
The same applies for the return trip from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Visitors can choose to return by bus or on foot, depending on their energy and the train schedule back to Cusco.
Most visitors prefer taking the bus to Machu Picchu to arrive with full energy. Within the archaeological site, visitors still need to walk along one of its three tourist circuits.
💡 Why do most visitors choose to take the bus to Machu Picchu? – The final stretch to Machu Picchu connects Aguas Calientes with the archaeological site entrance. This route is 10 kilometers by road and 8 kilometers on foot. Most visitors prefer the comfortable bus ride, costing around 12 USD. Although walking is free, most choose the bus to arrive at Machu Picchu with full energy, as there are still walking circuits inside the site. Those who walk are mostly young visitors with enough energy for this challenging hike.
What is the Walking Route from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Like?
The walking route from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is around 8 kilometers on average. It is challenging, mostly uphill along hundreds of stone steps. Aguas Calientes is at 2,040 meters above sea level, while the Machu Picchu entrance is at 2,430 meters. That’s nearly a 400-meter ascent.
| Walking Route Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu | Description | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| From Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas | The first part of the walk follows the bus route along Hiram Bingham Road. Visitors simply follow the path, mostly downhill, passing beautiful gardens. The most striking scenery is the Vilcanota River flanked by tall, lush mountains. Along the route, visitors can also see the Machu Picchu butterfly sanctuary and the municipal campsite. Walk on the side of the road to allow buses to pass. After 20–30 minutes, you reach Puente Ruinas. | The walking distance from Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruinas is nearly 2 kilometers and takes about 30 minutes on average. |
| From Puente Ruinas to the Machu Picchu Entrance | At Puente Ruinas, which crosses the Vilcanota River, visitors must show their Machu Picchu ticket to continue. The route continues along a series of stone steps cutting across Hiram Bingham Road. Some sections follow the road again to reconnect with the stairs. This is the most challenging part of the walk, taking an average tourist about 1 to 1.5 hours. | The walking distance from Puente Ruinas to Machu Picchu is about 6 kilometers, taking roughly 1.5 hours for an average visitor. |
What is the Walking Route from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Like?
The walking route from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is also about 8 kilometers. It is less challenging than the ascent, mostly downhill along stone steps. The Machu Picchu entrance is at 2,430 meters, while Aguas Calientes is at 2,040 meters, descending nearly 400 meters.
| Walking Route Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes | Description | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| From Machu Picchu to Puente Ruinas | The entrance to Machu Picchu is the same as the exit. From there, a path on the left descends along stone steps to Puente Ruinas. This route is less strenuous than the ascent, but visitors should be careful not to slip and protect their knees (trekking poles recommended). The average tourist takes about 1 hour or slightly less. | The walking distance from Machu Picchu to Puente Ruinas is 6 kilometers downhill, taking roughly 1 hour for an average tourist. |
| From Puente Ruinas to Aguas Calientes | After crossing Puente Ruinas over the Vilcanota River, continue uphill along Hiram Bingham Road to Aguas Calientes. The road is narrow; walk on the side to stay safe from buses. An average tourist completes this section in about 40 minutes. | The walking distance from Puente Ruinas to Aguas Calientes is nearly 2 kilometers, taking about 40 minutes on average. |
Recommendations for Walking Up to Machu Picchu
Here are some recommendations for walking to Machu Picchu:
- The walking route to Machu Picchu is challenging, so you may arrive at the entrance with your shirt or blouse soaked in sweat. It is recommended to bring a change of clothes to be more comfortable during your visit.
- Good walking shoes are essential to complete the hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- The dry season at Machu Picchu runs from April to October. During these months, mosquito repellent and sunscreen are highly recommended. In the rainy season, from November to March, bring a rain poncho.
- The walking route from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is recommended for visitors in good physical condition. It is suggested for those over 12 years old. Older adults should be in good health, especially regarding their heart.
- It is not recommended to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain afterward, as both routes are very challenging.
More Information
Learn more about the walking route from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu:
- A Machu Picchu ticket is required to board the bus and to walk the route. At Puente Ruinas, you will need to show your ticket to continue the walk.
- The walking route is not the same as the bus route. Buses follow Hiram Bingham Road, while the walk cuts across the road using stone steps. Only the first part of the walk, up to Puente Ruinas, follows the same path as the road.
- To walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, visitors must cross Puente Ruinas. This bridge allows access starting at 4:30 AM. The first entrance to Machu Picchu is at 6:00 AM.
- After touring Machu Picchu, you can also return on foot to Aguas Calientes. Be mindful of the train departure time back to Cusco when planning this route.
- If you decide not to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, you cannot board the buses along the route. Buses only pick up passengers at the main stop on Hermanos Ayar Avenue in Machu Picchu town. The same applies for the return trip. Buses always leave full and do not stop to pick up additional tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many kilometers is the walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
The walking route is about 8 kilometers on average, mostly uphill.
2. How long does it take to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
An average tourist can complete this walk in about 2 hours.
3. How much does it cost to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Walking is free for all visitors. The bus ride costs about 12 USD per foreign adult.
4. Is the walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu suitable for all ages?
This walk is recommended for visitors in good physical condition, ideally over 12 years old. Older adults should be in good health, especially regarding their heart.
5. Is walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu dangerous?
No, the route is very safe with signs to guide visitors. Walk on the side of the road to avoid buses going to Machu Picchu.
6. Is the walking route from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu available year-round?
Yes, both the walking route and the bus operate every day of the year, including public holidays in Peru.
7. What should I bring for the walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Bring comfortable clothing, an extra shirt or blouse, a rain poncho if needed, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks, rehydration water, and a comfortable backpack.
8. Who should not walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
This walk is not recommended for children under 12, older adults in poor physical condition, or anyone with heart problems.
9. Can I hop on a bus during my walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
No, buses depart Aguas Calientes full and do not stop to pick up additional passengers along the route.
10. What time can I start walking to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?
The walk is available daily starting at 4:30 AM, as the first Machu Picchu entry is at 6:00 AM.
