Via railway or your own two feet are the two main ways to get to Machu Picchu, with a shuttle bus thrown in for good measure.

By Rail   ( www.orient-express.com)

There are several options for rail travel, depending on your  budget :

From Cusco  :

• Hiram Bingham = $ 588 return or $ 334 one way
• Vistadome = $ 142 return or $ 71 one way
• Backpacker = $ 96 return or $48 one way

From Ollantaytambo : One way is half price of return ticket. Class is determined by the time scheduled or the service

• Vistadome Premium = $ 120
• Vistadome Regular = $106
• Vistadome Economy = $ 86
• Backpacker Premium = $ 86
• Backpacker Regular = $ 68
• Backpacker Economy = $ 62

By Your Own Two Feet

There are two options when trekking the Inca Trail. For both options you need to sign up with an officially sanctioned trek outfitter or travel agency, as individuals are not allowed to hike on the trail and instead must travel as part of a group. There is a four day /three night pathway. which is "hard core".  Or there is a shorter two day/one night trek that you can take. Both trailheads are located outside of Ollantaytambo located along the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad track at marker 82 km. and 104 km. for the 2 day trek.

Regardless of the route you choose, allow yourself plenty of time to acclimate to the elevation, to help you avoid high-altitude sickness. Don't push yourself, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.