Updated 2026 guide to the Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu bus. We compare Camino a la Maravilla (former Consettur) and Torontoy — prices, schedules, where to buy tickets and which one is worth it.
To get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, you have two options: take the official shuttle bus or hike up on foot along the stone staircase trail. If you go by bus, there's an important update for 2026 — two competing companies now operate the same route, replacing the 30-year monopoly that existed before.
This guide covers everything about the Machu Picchu bus in 2026: verified prices from both companies, schedules, where to buy tickets online, and when it makes sense to hike up instead.
Before you arrive in Aguas Calientes, there's a lot more to plan. Read our complete guide to visiting Machu Picchu in 2026 so you don't miss anything.
What Changed with the Machu Picchu Bus in 2026?
For nearly 30 years, Consettur was the only company authorized to operate buses on the Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu route. Their contract expired on September 4, 2025, triggering a public tender process that led to legal disputes.
The winning bidder was San Antonio de Torontoy, but their concession was annulled in December 2025 for failing to meet the minimum fleet requirements. Since February 2026, both companies operate the route simultaneously on a provisional basis.
Meanwhile, Consettur is rebranding as Camino a la Maravilla — same service, same routes, new name, with over 30 years of experience.
Does this affect your trip? No. The Machu Picchu bus service runs normally for tourists. The legal dispute is between the companies and local authorities — you just choose which bus you prefer.
Camino a la Maravilla (formerly Consettur): 2026 Prices
The company with over 30 years operating the Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu route, now rebranded as Camino a la Maravilla.
Camino a la Maravilla Bus Prices 2026
Foreign Tourists
| Passenger type | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $12.00 USD | $24.00 USD |
| Child (under 12) | $7.00 USD | $12.00 USD |
| Under 5 years | Free | Free |
Peruvians (national rate)
| Passenger type | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $8.00 USD | $15.00 USD |
| Student | $6.00 USD | $10.00 USD |
| Child | $5.00 USD | $8.00 USD |
| Guides | S/. 6.00 | S/. 12.00 |
Local residents
| Passenger type | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Cusco resident | S/. 9.50 | S/. 19.00 |
| Machu Picchu resident | S/. 4.00 | S/. 8.00 |
| Local guides | S/. 4.00 | S/. 8.00 |
Camino a la Maravilla Schedule
| Time | Detail |
|---|---|
| First bus up | 5:30 a.m. |
| Last bus up | 4:00 p.m. |
| Peak frequency | Every 10 minutes |
| First bus down | From 7:30 a.m. |
| Journey time | ~25 min up / ~20 min down |
How to Buy Camino a la Maravilla Tickets
- Online (recommended): comprar.caminoalamaravilla.com — card payment in USD
- At the ticket office: Hermanos Ayar Station in Aguas Calientes, opens at 5:00 a.m.
Tip: In peak season (June-August), early morning buses sell out days in advance. Buy online at least 3-5 days ahead.
San Antonio de Torontoy: 2026 Prices
The new bus company on the Machu Picchu route, operating since February 2026 on a provisional basis. Service is running normally for tourists.
Torontoy Bus Prices 2026
Foreign Tourists
| Passenger type | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | $11.00 USD | $22.00 USD |
| Children (5-11 years) | $6.00 USD | $10.00 USD |
| Under 5 years | Free | Free |
Peruvians (national rate)
| Passenger type | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | $7.00 USD | $13.00 USD |
| Students (12-17 years) | $5.00 USD | $8.00 USD |
| Children (5-11 years) | $4.00 USD | $6.00 USD |
| Guides | S/. 5.00 | S/. 10.00 |
Local residents
| Passenger type | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Cusco residents | S/. 8.00 | S/. 16.00 |
| Machu Picchu residents | S/. 3.00 | S/. 6.00 |
| Local guides | S/. 3.00 | S/. 6.00 |
Torontoy Schedule
- First bus: 5:30 a.m. (same as Camino a la Maravilla)
- Frequency varies depending on fleet availability
How to Buy Torontoy Tickets
- Online: torontoy.com
- At the ticket office: Hermanos Ayar Station in Aguas Calientes
Full Comparison: Camino a la Maravilla vs Torontoy
Machu Picchu Bus Prices Side by Side
| Passenger type | Camino a la Maravilla | Torontoy | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult (RT) | $24.00 | $22.00 | $2 cheaper |
| Foreign child (RT) | $12.00 | $10.00 | $2 cheaper |
| Peruvian adult (RT) | $15.00 | $13.00 | $2 cheaper |
| Peruvian student (RT) | $10.00 | $8.00 | $2 cheaper |
| Peruvian child (RT) | $8.00 | $6.00 | $2 cheaper |
| Cusco resident (RT) | S/. 19.00 | S/. 16.00 | S/. 3 cheaper |
| MP resident (RT) | S/. 8.00 | S/. 6.00 | S/. 2 cheaper |
Torontoy is consistently $2 cheaper across all categories. For a family of 2 foreign adults + 1 child, the total round-trip savings would be $6 USD.
Other Factors Compared
| Factor | Camino a la Maravilla | Torontoy |
|---|---|---|
| Years of experience | 30+ years | New (since 2025) |
| Online booking | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fleet size | Larger, more established | More limited |
| Departure frequency | High (every 10 min) | Variable |
| Nationality pricing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Which Machu Picchu Bus Should You Take?
- Camino a la Maravilla if you prioritize experience, frequency, and reliability. 30+ years on this route makes it the safer choice for families, groups, and peak season.
- Torontoy if you want to save $2 per ticket. For groups the savings add up, and the service is fully functional.
- Peak season: buy from whichever company has availability online first.
The Free Alternative: Hiking Up from Aguas Calientes
You can hike up from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu — it's completely legal and free (you only need your Machu Picchu entry ticket, not a bus ticket).
Hike Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~5 km (uphill only) |
| Elevation gain | 390 meters |
| Steps | ~1,700 stone steps |
| Time going up | 1h30 – 2h depending on fitness |
| Difficulty | Moderate-high |
| Cost | Free |
When hiking makes sense: you're physically active, traveling in dry season (May-October), and not doing additional hikes (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain) the same day.
When to skip it: in rainy season (November-March) the steps get dangerously slippery. Also skip if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain the same day — you'll arrive too tired.
Real tip: Many travelers take the bus up and hike down. The descent is much easier and the cloud forest views on the way down are stunning.
Where to Catch the Bus in Aguas Calientes
Both companies depart from Hermanos Ayar Station at the end of Hermanos Ayar street, along the Urubamba River — about 10 minutes on foot from the Plaza de Armas of Aguas Calientes.
The trailhead for the hiking path starts at the pedestrian bridge over the Urubamba River, at the southern end of town.
FAQ: Machu Picchu Bus
Do I need to book the bus in advance? In peak season (June-August), yes — especially for early morning departures. Buy online 3-5 days ahead. Outside of peak season you can usually buy at the ticket office on the day.
How early should I arrive at the bus stop? At least 30-40 minutes before your Machu Picchu entry time. In peak season, 45-60 minutes to avoid long queues.
Does the bus drop you right at the Machu Picchu entrance? Yes. The bus drops you at the main gate (Gate 1). You'll then need 5-15 minutes in the entry control line to scan your ticket.
Can I hike down after taking the bus up? Yes, completely free. No additional ticket needed.
Are prices in USD or soles? Bus tickets are priced in USD for foreign tourists. Residents and guides have rates in Peruvian soles (S/.).
Summary: Which Machu Picchu Bus to Take?
| If you are... | Best option |
|---|---|
| Tourist with a tight schedule | Camino a la Maravilla bus (round trip) |
| Traveler looking to save | Torontoy bus ($2 less per ticket) |
| Backpacker / trekking lover | Hike up + bus down |
| Traveling with small children or elderly | Bus round trip, no question |
| Doing Huayna Picchu the same day | Bus (arrive fresh) |
| Visiting in rainy season | Bus (steps are dangerously slippery) |
At Machupicchu Agency, we include bus transport in all our Machu Picchu packages, coordinating your schedule so you arrive on time and stress-free. Want us to plan your trip? Contact us — we'll take care of every detail.
