From Aguas Calientes up to the citadel gate, Consettur runs the only buses allowed on the 13 switchbacks that climb almost 400 vertical metres to 2,430 m. Peruways sells the Consettur ticket online — same price as the on-site window, no 45-minute queue in dry season.
How the booking works
Pick your date and the direction (up, down, or round-trip). Pay. The PDF lands in your inbox with the QR code the Consettur boarding staff scan. No printed tickets needed on-site, no exchange window to wait in.
What the ride is like
The buses are modern, air-conditioned Scania and Mercedes-Benz coaches that handle the switchbacks at a steady 25 km/h. 30 minutes up, 25 minutes down. Large side windows, reclining seats, no bathroom (take care of that in Aguas Calientes before boarding).
Timing it with your entrance ticket
The first bus leaves Aguas Calientes at 5:30 a.m., which lines up with the 6 a.m. first entry wave at the citadel — the quietest hour of the day. Buses then run every 10 minutes or so until mid-afternoon.
Booking the whole chain
Peruways sells train (PeruRail or Inca Rail), Consettur bus and entrance ticket in one checkout — one booking reference instead of three, same prices as the operators direct. Visit Peruways to put the full Machu Picchu day together.
