Hiking to MACHU PICCHU from AGUAS CALIENTES in 4 Easy Steps

• Machu Picchu is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from Aguas Calientes.
• The elevation difference between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is 1,279 feet (389 meters).

Specifically, Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level compared to Aguas Calientes, which is at an elevation of 6,693 feet (2,040 meters) above sea level.

The distance is quite manageable, however, it is the elevation change that is something to think about.

• Hiking to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes is a strenuous endeavor. The hike is steep and pretty much up the hill the entire time.

If you are unsure if you are physically able to complete the hike, or you simply want to save your energy for touring Machu Picchu Inca ruins, then take the bus. It runs every 10-15 minutes from Aguas Calientes and the journey takes about 20-30 minutes.

• It will take you about 2-3 hours to complete the hike. You will be hiking along Camino Peatonal Trail.

Following is a picture of the switchback road that the buses take up the mountain to Machu Picchu.

Camino Peatonla Trail runs straight up to Machu Picchu on the eastern side of the mountain.

Aguas Calientes is a small place and everything evolves pretty much around the train station. It is a busy area with lots of visitors going to or coming back from  Machu Picchu.

Once you exit the station, cross the bridge that spans the Urubamba River.

Then continue straight and right ahead of you will be the main bus hub for all the buses that transport visitors to and from Machu Picchu. This is the starting point of your hike.

Next, follow the road that buses take to get to Machu Picchu.

The road is called Avenida Hermanos Ayar. However, do not look for any signs with the name of the road. I could not find any whatsoever. That is why, it is important that you see where the buses are going and follow their route until you get to the trailhead.

Next, continue along Avenida Hermanos Ayar for about about 15-20 min.

The road runs along the Urubamba River. On your way, you will come across the sign for Machu Picchu Pueblo. It is a cool place to stop for a second and take a couple of pictures.

Next, you will come across The Butterfly House – Mariposario of Machu Picchu. If you have time, then stop by and learn all about the butterflies. It is a pretty cool place!

One word of advice, be cautious of the buses! Make sure to step aside when you hear the buses are coming. The bus drivers will not slow down even if they see you. And, they drive at reckless speeds!

Also, it is a good idea to have a scarf and tie it around your nose and mouth. It is very dusty and it gets even worse when the buses pass by you.

Eventually, the road will take you to the bridge that spans over the Urubamba River.

Next, cross the bridge once you get to it, and then, turn right.

By the way, at this point, the buses will be turning left. You will turn right.

Next, continue for no more than 5-10 minutes.

The sign for Camino Peatonal Hiking Trail will be on your left. This is the trailhead of the hike to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes.

Now, if you look to your right, there will be a small sign directing you to the museum. It is the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum (Machu Picchu Museum).

If you have time, then make sure to check out the museum. It is a great place to learn about the process of building the Machu Picchu City of the Incas, as well as find out how it was discovered.

Stick to the trail and continue up the hill. It will be a grueling climb almost entirely up the hill.

The trail is fairly well signed and there are plenty of arrows pointing you in the direction of the trail.

However, what you need to know is that the trail intersects with the road that the buses take to Machu Picchu three times. At these intersections, you will need to follow the road for a bit until you pick up the trail again.

Again, just another reminder about the buses! When you are hiking on the road, make sure to immediately move out of the way if you see or hear a bus coming. The bus drivers have little patience for the hikers. Moreover, If you have a hat or a scarf, wear it! The buses create an incredible dust storm during the dry season.

Be on the lookout for the arrows pointing from the road back to the trail. It is easy to miss them.

The climb is steady and continuously up the hill. And, your knees will be probably taking a toll from the climb.

Needless to say, after about two hours you will start to get rewarded with some pretty awesome views!

As you are hiking, the views will get better and better!

Now, I hope you enjoyed your hiking to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. Another suggestion I have for you is to plan of hiking down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. It is so much easier to hike down! And, it should not take you more than a hour to get it down.