Many questions are asked about how to get to Machu Picchu.
No roads exist to MP , you can only get there by train. The operating train company is Peru Rail.Trains depart from Cusco Wanchak station or from Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley.Three type of services are offered, the Hiram Bingham , the Vistadome and the Backpacker. A local train also does the route but you have to be Peruvian to be able to use it. The ride from Cusco takes about 4:15 hours and from Ollantaytambo about 1:15 hours.
You can get to Ollantaytambo by taxi (1:30 hrs, $40) or by bus (2:30 hrs, $2)
For schedules and ticket prices go to the Peru Rail web page: http://www.perurail.com/web/tper/tper... You can also correspond with Peru Rail via reservas@perurail.com
It is recommended to secure your train tickets before you make your plans to visit MP, then you can reserve the rest of your trip schedule. During the high tourist season from June to August you have to be specially careful. You may reserve tickets via their web page, then you will need to pick them and pay at their Wanchak station in Cusco .No other pick up place nor electronic tickets are available.
It might prove quite difficult to make reservations for your train tickets. What happens is that travel agencies and hotels and others can block a number of seats on the train in advance. Only 11 days before the departure date, the tickets have to be reconfirmed with names, passport numbers and paid. At this time, is when tickets become available again on a first come first serve basis. This is why you need some one in Cusco to help you with the daily follow up for ticket availability.
Another way is to ask your hotel to get tickets. You need to provide your passport number. Tickets are issued in your name and are none transferable nor refundable. Some hotels provide this service for a fee.You can also check with hotels in the Sacred Valley, as they are smaller hotels, they normally provide these extra services at low commissions.
Do not risk going to Cusco with the idea of getting tickets a couple of days before going to MP as you could be very disappointed and miss your opportunity to visit MP altogether.
