Getting from Aguas Calientes to the main gate of Machu Picchu is a 25-minute switchback ride on the Consettur bus. The buses run from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with departures every 10–15 minutes in high season, from a dedicated terminal at the end of Aguas Calientes’ main street.
The ride climbs 400 m up 13 switchbacks on a dirt road the Incas never contemplated. Views are of the Urubamba gorge below, with Veronica (5,750 m) visible on clear mornings. The alternative is a steep 1,500-step hike up the mountainside — fit people do it in an hour, most take 90 minutes.
Buy tickets ahead of time to avoid the Aguas Calientes queue, which can run 90 minutes at 5 a.m. in July–August. Peruways sells Consettur tickets online — you print the voucher and board directly.
Once you reach the gate, you’ll present your citadel entrance ticket and ID, and start the circuit. The bus service is honestly the most practical part of the whole operation — don’t walk up unless you want to.
Book Consettur bus tickets at Peruways alongside your citadel entrance.
