Puente Ruinas
Explore the awe-inspiring Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world nestled high in the Andes Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Puente Ruinas
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the awe-inspiring Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world nestled high in the Andes Mountains.
"The hike up is tough but worth it for the views, just be mindful of the strict entry times! "
⏳ Respect Entry Times
Your ticket has a strict entry time. You can only enter 2 hours before your ticketed slot. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Consider the Hike
Walking up to Machu Picchu is a beautiful, albeit strenuous, alternative to the expensive bus. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Inca Citadel
Machu Picchu
Explore the breathtaking ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Scenic Walk Up
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Opt for the rewarding hike up to Machu Picchu instead of the bus for stunning mountain views and a sense of accomplishment.
Aguas Calientes Thermal Baths
Aguas Calientes
Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs that give the town its name.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent to Machu Picchu
Navigating Aguas Calientes & Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Respect Entry Times
Your ticket has a strict entry time. You can only enter 2 hours before your ticketed slot. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Consider the Hike
Walking up to Machu Picchu is a beautiful, albeit strenuous, alternative to the expensive bus. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Don't miss the town's namesake thermal baths for a relaxing dip after exploring. :tropical_drink:
⚠️ Bus Service Alerts
Bus services from Aguas Calientes can be disrupted. Stay informed about local conditions. :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Respect Entry Times
Your ticket has a strict entry time. You can only enter 2 hours before your ticketed slot. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Consider the Hike
Walking up to Machu Picchu is a beautiful, albeit strenuous, alternative to the expensive bus. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Don't miss the town's namesake thermal baths for a relaxing dip after exploring. :tropical_drink:
⚠️ Bus Service Alerts
Bus services from Aguas Calientes can be disrupted. Stay informed about local conditions. :warning:
🗺️ Plan Your Peru Trip
Machu Picchu is a highlight, but plan your entire Peru itinerary starting from Cusco. :airplane:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the magnificent Machu Picchu, praising its historical significance and breathtaking scenery. The challenging hike from Aguas Calientes is often highlighted as a rewarding experience. However, many find the transportation costs, particularly the bus tickets, to be excessively high, and the strict timed entry can feel restrictive.
"If you're going to hike up to Machu Picchu ruins instead of taking the very expensive bus that leaves from Aguas Calientes, they'll hold you up here until exactly two hours before the scheduled time. For example, if your Machu Picchu ticket says 9 a.m., they won't let you in before 7 a.m.
The buses are also expensive, and they operate with these restrictions that they never warn you about.
What a monopoly on transportation throughout Machu Picchu."
Rafael Hernández Espitia
"Very nice walk,"
Celso Morlan
""
Florencio Varela
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The journey typically involves a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus or a hike up to the Machu Picchu citadel. The nearest airport is in Cusco, about 70 km away.
You can take a bus operated by Consettur, which is quite expensive, or embark on a challenging but scenic hike up the mountain. Be aware that bus services can be subject to disruptions.
Yes, it is possible to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. This hike offers beautiful views but is quite strenuous.
While the train and bus are the most common, some travelers opt for multi-day treks like the Inca Trail. The train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes is a popular and scenic option.
Aguas Calientes, meaning 'hot water,' is famous for its thermal baths and serves as the primary base town for visiting Machu Picchu.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bus tickets can be purchased in Aguas Calientes. However, it's advisable to check for any service disruptions before relying solely on the bus.
Entry is strictly timed. You will not be allowed to enter the site more than two hours before your scheduled ticket time.
It is highly recommended to book your Machu Picchu tickets well in advance, as they often sell out, especially during peak season. Buying on arrival is not guaranteed.
Yes, there are different circuits within Machu Picchu, and some tickets include access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Ensure you book the circuit that interests you.
The bus tickets are considered expensive by many travelers. It's advisable to budget for this cost or prepare for the hike.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds. The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) also tend to be less crowded than the peak summer months.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing as the weather can change, and rain gear, especially during the wet season.
Photography is allowed and encouraged! The views are spectacular. However, drones are generally prohibited.
Restrooms are available near the entrance of the citadel. It's a good idea to use them before you enter the main archaeological site.
While 'Puente Ruinas' isn't a specific named ruin within Machu Picchu itself, the term might refer to the ancient bridges or structures found within the broader Inca complex or nearby areas. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting the citadel, focus on the main circuits that offer the most iconic views without excessive climbing. The timed entry system means you'll need to manage your children's energy levels carefully.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for more affordable accommodation options in Aguas Calientes, perhaps slightly further from the main tourist strip. Booking train tickets in advance, especially for less popular times or classes, can also help reduce costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of 'Puente Ruinas'
+3In some regions, 'Puente Ruinas' might refer to specific remnants of old bridges, like those found near Talagante, Chile, which were part of historical industrial sites like the Bataflor tannery.
Similarly, in Canelones, Uruguay, there are ruins of an old bridge over the Santa Lucía River that was once a main connection route. These examples highlight the historical importance of bridges as remnants of past infrastructure, often found in conjunction with other ruins. +1When visiting Machu Picchu, keep an eye out for the ingenious Inca engineering, which included sophisticated road systems and bridges that allowed them to navigate the challenging Andean terrain. While not explicitly named 'Puente Ruinas,' these ancient crossings are integral to understanding the scale and complexity of the Inca civilization.
Navigating the Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Journey
The primary way to ascend to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes is via a shuttle bus service. However, this service is known for being quite expensive, leading many visitors to consider alternative methods.
It's important to be aware that transportation in the region can be unpredictable. There have been instances where bus services have been suspended due to local protests or incidents, leaving travelers with no option but to walk.
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