Salkantay Trek with Return by Train:

• After your visit to Machu Picchu, which lasts up to 3 hours, you’ll return to the town of Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. To get from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you can either walk for about 1.5 hours or take a bus for $12. Bus tickets can be purchased at the entrance to Machu Picchu, and the ride takes approximately 25 minutes.
• Once back in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch before boarding your train. Train departures are typically scheduled for 2:30 PM or 2:50 PM, though later options may be available. It’s essential to arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
• Before heading to the train station, don’t forget to pick up your duffle bags from the hotel so you can take them with you back to Cusco.
• It’s worth noting that Aguas Calientes is a very small town. Walking from one end to the other takes about 10 minutes, and most places, including the train station and hotels, are within a 5-7 minute walk. Everything is conveniently close, making it easy to navigate during your stay.
• The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you’ll exit the train station where Machu Picchu Reservations staff will be waiting for you. They will hold signs with your name and the Machu Picchu Reservations logo.
• You’ll then board the private transport provided by Machu Picchu Reservations, which will take you back to Cusco in about 2 hours. The drop-off point is Plaza Regocijo, located near our main office and the final point of the trek.

Advantages of Returning by Train:

1. Speed and Comfort:
   The train is faster and more comfortable than returning by car. Tourist trains are clean and provide a relaxing experience, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views during the journey. Additionally, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train, which features panoramic windows for an even more special experience.

2. Perfect for Optional Mountains:
   If you plan to add a hike to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to your visit, the train gives you enough time to enjoy these activities without worrying about your return.

3. Less Fatigue:
   After 5 days of trekking and waking up early (around 5:00 AM most days), returning by train is much less exhausting. If you prefer a more relaxed ending to your adventure, the train is the best choice.

4. Greater Safety:
   The train journey is safer because it is shorter and follows a stable route through an ancient valley. This area has well-settled terrain, significantly reducing the risk of landslides or delays compared to road routes.

5. Convenient Timing:
   With the train, you’ll arrive in Cusco around 7:00 PM, a perfect time to enjoy the evening in the city. You can have dinner, explore a bit more, or simply relax after your exciting experience.

• Choosing the train return combines comfort, safety, and extra time to enjoy your stay in Cusco.

Disadvantages of Returning by Train:

1. Higher Cost:
   The train return is $70 more expensive compared to the car option, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

2. Potential Delays:
   While delays are uncommon, they can occur, especially during the rainy season. Occasionally, a train may experience mechanical issues due to the fact that some of the fleet includes models from the 1970s. However, such incidents are rare and typically resolved quickly.

3. Despite the slightly higher cost, the train remains a reliable and comfortable option with minimal chances of significant disruptions.

Salkantay Trek with Return by Car:

• After your visit to Machu Picchu, which lasts up to 3 hours, you’ll begin a 3-hour hike from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica. The first hour of the hike involves descending stairs, while the remaining two hours follow a trail alongside the railway tracks, making the walk more manageable.
• It’s important to reach Hidroeléctrica by 2:30 PM to catch the transportation back to Cusco, which departs at 3:00 PM. For this service, Machu Picchu Reservations works with a third-party transportation provider to ensure reliable travel for all clients who choose this option.
• Once you board the vehicle, the journey back to Cusco begins at 3:00 PM. The drive takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, with arrival in Cusco around 10:00 PM

Advantages of Returning by Car:

1. Cost Savings:
   Returning by car is $70 cheaper than taking the train. If your priority is saving money, this option might be the best fit for you.

2. Different Landscapes:
   During the car journey, you’ll get to enjoy different landscapes from those you saw on the Salkantay route. While the trip is longer, the first 3 hours offer unique views before night falls, as the rest of the journey takes place in the dark. This option is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly return and the opportunity to experience new scenery along the way.

Disadvantages of Returning by Car:

1. Limited Time for Optional Mountains:
   If you plan to climb one of the optional mountains, Wayna Picchu is more feasible as it takes about 2.5 hours round trip. However, you’ll need to be very quick, as you must leave Machu Picchu no later than 11:30 AM to walk the 3 hours to Hidroeléctrica and catch the car departing at 3:00 PM.

2. No Alternate Transportation Schedule:
   There is only one departure time from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco, at 3:00 PM, as the service is provided by a single transportation company. Missing this schedule means you won’t have another option to return that day.

3. Longer and Riskier Route:
   The car route is longer and more prone to delays, especially during the rainy season (November to March). Landslides or rising rivers can cause significant delays or complications on the return trip.

4. Exhausting Journey:
   Returning by car is more tiring as it requires a 3-hour walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica. There is no alternative to this hike. Afterward, the drive from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco takes another 6 hours, making the overall journey more physically demanding.

5. Chaotic Bus Station at Hidroeléctrica:
   The bus station at Hidroeléctrica can be disorganized. There is no fixed waiting point, and the transportation company must gather all passengers choosing this return option, which can cause delays before departure.

6. Late Arrival in Cusco:
   The car typically arrives in Cusco around 10:00 PM, with the final drop-off point at Plaza Regocijo. However, delays are possible due to the challenges of the route, particularly during the rainy season. Travel times are approximate and not as reliable as those of the train option.

• This return option is suitable for budget travelers, but it requires more effort, patience, and flexibility with timing.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

1. Machu Picchu Visit Duration:
   The maximum visit time at Machu Picchu is 3 hours, as set by the Peruvian government. This applies to all visitors, regardless of whether you return by train or car—the visit time is the same.

   If you’d like to extend your visit, you can purchase an optional ticket to climb either Wayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, which adds an extra 3 hours to your experience. If you choose one of these options, we recommend the train return, as it allows you more time to enjoy your visit without rushing.

2. Car Return Route:
   Returning by car takes a different route than the train. The car route is:
   Hidroeléctrica → Santa Teresa → Santa María → Abra Málaga → Ollantaytambo → Cusco.

   If you’d like to stay in Ollantaytambo instead of continuing to Cusco, you can let the driver know. The car makes a brief stop there before heading to Cusco.

3. Train Return Route:
   The train follows a more direct path:
   Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo Train Station → Cusco.
   This route is shorter and more comfortable, taking approximately 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

4. Time Comparison:

   • By Car: You’ll need to hike 3 hours from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica, then travel 6 hours by car to Cusco, for a total journey of about 9 hours.
   • By Train: The train route doesn’t require additional hiking and takes about 4 hours from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

If you’re looking for a faster and more comfortable option, the train return is ideal. For a more budget-friendly option, you can choose the car return, though it requires more travel time and a hike from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica. Select the option that best fits your schedule and travel preferences.