jssmith1978

I'll be doing a 5 day trek to Machu Picchu and everything is organized and included in the price of the trip EXCEPT transportation back to Cusco.

I see there is a train that take you back to Cusco, but it's about $90 pp and I have my 3 kids with me. I'm wondering if there is an alternative way back that won't be so costly.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you for your help!

mlgb

The off peak trains back to Ollantaytambo are somewhat less. Then you can take a taxi or bus back to Cusco.

Idioteque

Yeah, train back only to Ollanta and then taxi is the cheapest option.

The annoying part is that the one-way tickets for incarail are ~50% more (55*2 if you buy return and 75 if you buy only one way!)

Perurail doesn't seem to have this problem.

I didn't buy mine yet, I was planning to get a combination (pick the better hours of the both) but I don't feel like paying 50 dollars extra for this so I'll just have to decide on the one or the other.

PS: By the way, ticket prices for kids are cheaper, 30 dollars or so..

jssmith1978

Thanks. I will look into taking a train to Ollanta and then taxi or bus back to cuzco.

jwhitt

I would get train to Ollantaytambo set up as soon as possible. If you walk to the town center you can take collectivo mini vans for 15 soles. Some might stop in Urubamba, but many go direct to Cusco. They will take you to the San Pedro market which is couple blocks from main plaza.
Or you can share a taxi. The driver will try to get other passengers to fill the vehicle. Sometimes you have to wait few minutes.

mlgb

jwhitt make it sound like there aren't private taxis. This is not true. If you want a private taxi you can find them either at the train station or in the Plaza de Armas. The shared taxis are not comfortable if you have luggage.

If you use public transport you can take a minivan to Urubamba, and then walk through the Urubamba station and take a regular bus to Cusco on the other side. I didn't look for direct minivans to Cusco, but tjey may exist.

crellston

Just returned from Ollantaytambo to cusco yesterday. We took a collectivo from Ollantaytambo to Urumbamba for 1.50 soles and then a bus from Urumbamba to Cusco for 4 soles. The last part was pure hell as the bus stopped continually to pick up people until there where at least 30 standing and it was physically impossible to get anymore on board!, par for the course here!

When geetingbonnthe bus I was approached by a couple of taxi drivers and was offered a fare of 80 soles to Cusco. I am sure I could of bargained for 50 soles. Most taxi drivers here will stop for other passengers en route. Just make it clear at outset that you are booking the whole taxi.

BTW we got a vey comfortable mini bus to Ollantaytambo for 10 soles a head

colduphere

I admire your spirit Crellston. I don't let much bother me but overcrowded buses would have me drinking heavily.

pepel

We hired a private driver from our hotel in Pisac...he will make stops.Ceck with your lodging staff.