How Scary is the Bus Ride to Machu Picchu?
How scary is the bus ride to Machu Picchu? In two words: pretty scary!! And why is this question relevant to thousands of people who visit each year? Because there’s only ONE WAY to get there…up a HUGE, STEEP mountain. And there are only two ways to get up that mountain: by bus, or with your own two feet! No one else, aside from private drivers to Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (the hotel right next to Machu Picchu’s entrance), is allowed to drive up the mountain.
And when you make the journey, you’ll see why…
My friend Nina taking shots of Machu Picchu from our crazy bus ride up the mountainside…
Quick Facts About the Machu Picchu Bus
- Where to Buy Bus Tickets for Machu Picchu: At the bus stand in Aguas Calientes (in a small, wood hut by the river). Bring cash, as they only accept certain credit cards. Everyone in town knows where the bus stand is, in case you get lost. Also bring your passport when purchasing bus tickets.
- Where Do You Line Up to Catch Your Bus? In lines (that you’ll see) right by the bus stand.
- How Long is the Bus Ride from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu? About 20-30 minutes, up a steep road with MANY switchbacks. The road is so narrow, when buses pass each other, one typically pulls over to the (very narrow) side of the road. This part is SCARY!!
- What Times Do Machu Picchu Buses Run? Generally, from 5:30AM (for those wanting to catch the sunrise), until closing, around 5:30PM. Expect new buses to arrive at either depot every 15 minutes.
Sooo…Can I Hike Up Instead?
If you’re afraid of heights, I would NOT hike from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu. Plus ~ you’ll need to climb over 2,000 steps!! This can take 1-2 hours, depending on fitness levels. And remember, you’re at an elevation of 8,000 feet, which makes breathing far more difficult than at sea level.
Then, once you actually reach Machu Picchu: the hiking isn’t over! The site is massive, & you’ll be walking for several hours, up & down large rocky staircases. And if you’re hiking either of the two “extra” hikes: Machu Picchu Mountain (super steep) or Huaynu Picchu (scary steep!), trust me…you will NOT want to hike those extra 2,000 steps.
Unless you’re a superstar athlete!
Once you get to Machu Picchu: the hiking is just beginning. To reach the Sun Gate & many famous sites, requires lots of climbing.
Soo..How Scary is the Bus Ride to Machu Picchu Then?
If you’re afraid of heights, you probably WON’T like this bus ride! If you’re always the driver, & like to be in control: you also probably won’t enjoy the ride. The scariest thing, aside from the steepness of the mountain ~ is passing other buses coming down the mountain. That part can be terrifying.
Bus drivers (in general) in Peru drive fast, & they tend to take turns fast…& that can lead to some really hairy situations.
Machu Picchu is a remote place, & hard to reach. The Peruvians have done their best to make getting there as easy as possible…but given the treacherousness of the Andes, they can only do so much. That said, thousands of people (of all ages) have made it there safely ~ so, unless you have a debilitating fear of heights, you’ll be fine!
Video of Machu Picchu Journey
In the beginning of the video below, you’ll see footage of the Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu ~ plus the bus ride there. On a scale of 1-10, with “10” being the scariest, I’d rate the Machu Picchu bus ride as a solid “5.” Neither of us were wetting our pants, but when you pass dangerously close to other buses (& the cliff edge), it’s very disconcerting…
Where We Stayed by Machu Picchu
- If you’re coming ALL the way to Machu Picchu, I highly recommend staying at least one night in Aguas Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu). We stayed at Inkaterra’s luxury property in town, El Mapi Hotel ($$), which I highly recommend. Their food is incredible, as is their day spa with jungle views (their “Head Scratcher” will make the end of your massage absolutely orgasmic)! Inkaterra’s other property, Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, is even more high-end ~ set on lush jungle grounds.
Is this “The Jungle Book?!” Photo of Inkaterra’s Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
Here’s a more complete list of hotels in Aguas Calientes. Book your hotel in advance ~ this town is always busy!
Goodbye…Machu Picchu..
Peru is filled with steep mountains ~ & with crazy drivers! Either you’re down for the adventure….or you’re not, but it’s good to be informed beforehand. Read about the time my friend & I got into a head-on collision in Peru, or about my favorite post-Machu Picchu retreat: El Albergue.
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Best Hotels in Cusco, Peru
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Ohhh my, I do remember this bus ride in vivid detail! I was gripping onto my husband’s side for dear life, every time we made a turn! Peruvian drivers seem to be fearless. I’m terrified of heights, but at the end of the day, I think Machu Picchu was worth it! We may be taking our family for a return trip: do you have any thoughts on the Belmond Hotel that sits right next to Machu Picchu? We’re not sure it’s worth the cost, though it does look like a once-in-a-lifetime spot. Thank you! Debbie
Hi Debbie! Thanks for sharing your insight on the bus ride to Machu Picchu ~ it’s just a little terrifying! In all fairness, I have never stayed at the Belmond Sanctuary (hotel next to Machu Picchu), though we did have breakfast there. If spending $600+/night is no big deal to you & your family, than I’d say to go for it. You literally can’t get any closer to the ruins, & if you want to visit them two days in a row, it’s an ideal choice. But my only problem with the hotel is: once you’re up there, you’re pretty much stuck. All meals need to be eaten there, & you can’t really explore the town of Aguas Calientes. So, it just depends what you’re looking for! For a luxury option in town, try one of the Inkaterra Hotels…they’re fabulous! xoxo Noelia
Is the Belmond the only hotel actually up by Machu Picchu?
Yes, Gisele ~ that’s right: the only hotel that actually sits up, right next to the Machu Picchu entrance is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. There really is no more room for any other hotel up there, & I’m sure the whole area is a protected site. xoxo!