How to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

The Machu Picchu hiking trail is located 30 to 40 minute walk from most hotels in Aguas Calientes. To find the start of the hiking trail, you simply follow the main road in the direction that the shuttle buses leave Aguas Calientes towards Machu Picchu. After approximately 25 – 30 minutes, the road takes a sharp left turn over the Vilcanota River, passing a large metal bridge. You must cross this bridge until the end. Immedately after the metal bridge take a right turn down to a small dirt road. This dirt road leads to the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum (Machu Picchu Museum). A further 1 minute along this dirt road, you will see the trail sign to hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

From the start of the Machu Picchu hiking trail you will follow a path uphill for about 1 hour or more depending on your physical fitness. The path is made out of stepped stones for the most part. However, please note that the trail intersects 3 times with the road that buses use, so please be careful, bring a mask to avoid inhaling the dust created by the buses specially during dry season. In Peru, pedestrians do not have the right of way, so you must be very careful. You may need to follow the road for a few minutes to pickup the continuation of the trail. Signs are clearly marked.