Machu Picchu captivates the majority of people who visit its monumental Citadel. However, the journey to reach this ancient sanctuary can be one of the best experiences of your life. Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu offers visitors a fascinating adventure that will captivate them from beginning to end.
There are various ways to reach this World Heritage Site, from trekking the legendary Inca Trail to traveling in a luxury train that will take you comfortably to Machu Picchu. It all depends on your budget and the type of adventure you want to have. In this opportunity, we will explain how to get to the Inca Citadel from Poroy Station (Cusco) by train in 10 steps.
Step #1: Train tickets
To make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu, the first step we recommend is to purchase your train tickets in advance to avoid any setbacks. On this website, you will find various train stations heading to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Poroy Station is one of the closest to the city of Cusco and is ideal for starting this journey as it is only approximately 20 minutes away. Additionally, it offers different schedules for the departure of the different train services available.
Step #2: Jorge Chávez International Airport
There are two ways to travel to Cusco if you are in Lima, by land or air. If you choose to travel by plane, you must go to Jorge Chávez International Airport, located at Elmer Faucett Avenue s/n, Callao. From this place, national and foreign tourists can start their journey. It is advisable to use this means of transportation due to the comfort, safety, and speed of the flight. Additionally, the arrival in the city of Cusco would be approximately 1 hour.
However, if the national or foreign traveler is in any other region that is not Lima, they can go directly to Cusco from these places by land or air. It would also be ideal to travel by plane to arrive in a short time to the Imperial city. It is worth mentioning that there are other alternatives such as the PeruRail Titicaca and the Belmond Andean Explorer (if coming from Puno), bus or private service.
Step #3: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
From the plane, you can see the bright sky of Cusco and the houses that surround Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, located at Velasco Astete s/n, Wanchaq, Cusco. The flight to the Imperial city takes approximately 1 hour from Lima.
From this airport, you can take a taxi or private service to the hotel where you will be staying.
We recommend that the traveler rests in their hotel for at least one night to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco and be able to carry out the tour under optimal conditions.
Step #4: Purchase of tickets to enter the Citadel of Machu Picchu
To enter Machu Picchu, you can buy tickets at the ticket offices authorized by the Ministry of Culture, located at Calle Garcilazo SN – Museo Casa Garcilazo, Cusco. They are also available at the Cultural Center in Machu Picchu Pueblo (next to the central square), you just need to present identification documents such as: ID (for Peruvians) and passport (if you are a foreigner). Don’t forget that payments are in Peruvian national currency (soles) and in cash.
Likewise, you can reserve and pay for the entrance ticket electronically on this website www.machupicchu.gob.pe.
Step #5: Travel to Poroy Station (Cusco)
}If you are in the city of Cusco, you must head to Poroy Station (Cusco), as the starting point to travel to mystical Machu Picchu. There are two ways to get to this point, by taxi or private mobility service if you have hired a tourist package. The travel time will take approximately 20 minutes.
Step #6: Board the train at Poroy Station (Cusco)
It is recommended to arrive at Poroy Station 30 minutes before the chosen train’s departure time. At boarding, you will need to present your train ticket and your ID card (if you’re Peruvian) or passport (if you’re a foreigner) for the corresponding check-in. You can simplify the process by showing your boarding pass from the PeruRail eTicket app. The journey will take approximately three and a half hours and will make a stop at Ollantaytambo Station for around 10 minutes, as some travelers choose to start their journey to Machu Picchu from there in the Sacred Valley.
PeruRail offers various train travel options, each providing a different experience. Discover the variety of train services we have for you.
Step #7: Arrival at Machu Picchu Station
After approximately three and a half hours of travel, you will arrive at Machu Picchu Station, the last train stop located in Machu Picchu Pueblo. From this point, reaching the top of the Inca Empire is just a few minutes away.
Step #8: Bus tickets for Machu Picchu ascent and descent It is recommended to buy round-trip tickets for the bus to Machu Picchu to avoid any issues on the return trip to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
To get to this location, you will need to walk approximately 15 minutes. First, cross the market located outside Machu Picchu Station towards the bridge. Once you have crossed the bridge, you will see the ticket booth for bus tickets located downhill at A.v Hermanos Ayar S/N, Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will need to purchase the tickets.
Step #9: Ascend to Machu Picchu by bus
After buying the tickets to Machu Picchu, you will need to wait a few minutes at the bus station located directly in front of the ticket booth. The bus ride to the Inca Citadel will take approximately 25 minutes. However, if the traveler prefers, they can trek and reach the top in an average of two hours.
Step #10: Arrival at Machu Picchu
Finally, you have arrived at the dream destination, where you can explore Machu Picchu in detail. The traveler has the option to explore the citadel on their own or hire a tour guide who will explain the entire history and construction of this architectural gem of the Inca Empire at the entrance to the Citadel. When the tour of the Historic Sanctuary is complete, do not forget to go to the bus stop where you were dropped off for the return trip to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
It is essential to have cash in Peruvian currency to avoid any inconvenience.
