How to get to Machu Picchu + Staying Overnight in Aguas Calientes | Silent Travel Vlog
Starting the day at our hotel in Cusco. Here’s how we reached Machu Picchu. We first flew to Lima, Peru’s capital. Most international flights to Peru land here. Next, we flew from Lima to Cusco. Some South American airports offer direct flights to Cusco, one of the nearest airports to Machu Picchu. From Cusco, head to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the closest city to Machu Picchu. Option 1: By car/bus to Aguas Calientes. Roads can be dangerous, so hiring a local driver is safer than driving yourself. Option 2: Take the direct train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (May–Dec). It’s safer, faster, and avoids the scary roads. Option 3: Car/Bus + Train. Travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by road, then take the train to Aguas Calientes. Train companies (Inca Rail & Peru Rail) offer bi-modal tickets (bus + train). This is the only option from Jan–Apr when Cusco’s train tracks are closed. Since we visited in late September, we chose the direct train from Cusco’s Poroy station to Aguas Calientes. Poroy station is a 20–30 minute drive from central Cusco. We’re taking the Peru Rail Vista Dome train, which cost $123 USD per person round-trip. Book early—it sells out quickly! The seats were spacious and comfortable. Time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views. Many people take a day trip, skipping Aguas Calientes and heading straight to Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. We stayed one night in Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu early and avoid the crowds. Most hotels in Aguas Calientes are small and simple. Ours was fine—perfect for a one-night stay without high expectations. The room and bathroom were outdated, but for $44 USD per night, it was one of the cheaper options in town. No soundproofing in the hotel room. It was noisy, right in front of train tracks, and train smoke came in through poorly sealed windows. Time for lunch. We tried a recommended restaurant for Peruvian food. Large space with a buffet and a menu. The views were stunning! The food was disappointing. Pricey, with bland lamb shank despite being tender. The lamb rack was mostly fat and lacked seasoning. Frozen veggies. Wouldn’t recommend. At least the view made up for it. Aguas Calientes is full of shops in the city center. After resting, we explored the city. Lots of Incan-themed items to see. Cuy (guinea pig) is a traditional dish here. I didn’t try it this time—maybe next visit. After a disappointing lunch, we found a gem. Cheaper prices, and the food was much better! Not a Peruvian dish but made with local ingredients. Creamy, flavorful, and delicious. The Aji de Galinha was our favorite. Traditional Peruvian dish with moist, well-seasoned chicken and great flavor. Calling it a night. Early start tomorrow for Machu Picchu. A new day, but foggy and rainy. We weren’t sure if we’d see much in Machu Picchu. Rain had been constant for days. Let’s see what happens! To reach the mountain, you can hike for free or take the shuttle. The shuttle costs $24 USD per person round-trip. We made it to Machu Picchu! Bought tickets 3 months ahead, just before the circuit changes. Tickets cost 152 Soles for circuits 1, 2, and the Inca Bridge. Prices and circuits may have changed—double-check before visiting. It was so foggy we couldn’t see anything. We hired a guide and decided to visit the Inca Bridge first. The hike to the Inca Bridge is steep and narrow—avoid it if you fear heights. The fog helped me feel less scared, but I didn’t go all the way. The views were stunning. Down there is Aguas Calientes. When we returned, it was still foggy. Our guide told us to wait, so we stayed patient. And then, after 30 minutes, this happened! The fog cleared, and it turned sunny. We were so lucky—enjoy this incredible view! Now heading to circuit 2. It got really hot! Bring sunscreen, repellent, and wear layers to adjust to the weather. Spotted lots of llamas at the end of the trails. Time flew by. We stayed for hours, soaking it all in! There’s no time limit for your visit. We had a 3 PM train to catch, so we returned to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Went back to Chullos since we loved dinner there the night before. The yuca croquettes were a great appetizer. Tried alpaca for the first time—it’s similar to beef, lean, and tasty. The pasta was well-cooked too. The trout was our favorite—so fresh and delicious! It started raining right after we left Machu Picchu. What a lucky day! Time to head back to Cusco. The return train was the same as before. A relaxing trip with beautiful views. Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for more videos and destinations.
Join us as we uncover the magic of Machu Picchu and share everything you need to know to plan your visit! We’ll guide you through the journey, from reaching this iconic destination to spending a night in Aguas Calientes, with honest reviews, travel tips, and unforgettable views along the way.
📍 Highlights include:
✈️ How we traveled from Lima to Cusco and onward to Machu Picchu
🚂 Exploring transportation options: trains, buses, and shuttles
🏨 Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes – what to expect
🍴 Restaurant reviews: where to eat (and what to avoid!)
🗺️ Tips for navigating Machu Picchu, including ticket info and circuits
Planning your visit to Machu Picchu? Learn the best routes, when to book your tickets, and how to make the most of your time in this breathtaking location.
Missed our first video in Lima? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/4X6ktIlLfnw
Missed our second video in Cusco? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/ZGFbI-U6L_Y
Whether you’re looking for practical travel advice, reviews of local spots, or inspiration for your next adventure, this video has you covered. Stay tuned for more content from Peru and beyond!
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0:00 Video Summary
0:30 Journey from Montreal to Cusco
0:47 Cusco to Machu Picchu – Option 1 – Bus or Car
0:58 Cusco to Machu Picchu – Option 2 – Direct Train
1:08 Cusco to Machu Picchu – Option 3 – Bus or Car & Train
1:25 Direct Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu with Peru Rail (Poroy Station)
3:08 Arrival in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
3:27 Check-in & Room Tour at Runa’s Inn – Review
3:44 Lunch at Toto’s House
4:09 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Pueblo
5:11 Dinner at Chullos Craft Beer
5:47 Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
6:05 Machu Picchu – Inca bridge
7:26 Machu Picchu Timelapse
7:58 Machu Picchu Circuits
13:06 Bus back to Aguas Calines
13:38 Lunch at Chullos Craft Beer
14:00 Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
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