All normal transport to Machu Picchu
leaves from the city of Cusco. There are basically three
alternatives (OK, four if we consider helicopter flights
to Aguas Calientes):
Train
transport to Machu Picchu is the most common way
to reach the Inca citadel. Rail transportation is managed
by Peru Rail, a company of the Orient Express, and features
two basic route alternatives and three carriage qualities.
Prices range from US$70 to US$120 for a tourist-class,
round-trip.
Hiking
the Inca Trail is the second most common alternative.
A good physical condition is highly recommended, both
for the four-day and two-day hikes. The fatigue though
is completely recompensed: beautiful Andean and cloud-forest
landscapes, plenty archaeological sites along the route,
and a majestic entrance to Machu Picchu through the
Sun Gate.
It is also possible to take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo,
and from here to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
Frequent buses depart from Aguas Calientes and complete
the journey right to the site entrance.