How to Get to Machu Picchu
Our travel guide features the best ways to get to Machu Picchu, Peru, from Cusco or Lima. Read more about getting to Machu Picchu by train, bus, plane, car, trekking, hiking, or with a guided tour.
Machu Picchu is the top attraction in Peru, and travelers from all over the world come to visit this South American country in order to see this famed Incan citadel with their own eyes.
It could seem that the visit to Peru would not be complete without visiting Machu Picchu so that many travelers might get an idea that getting there is very straightforward, and no preparation is needed.
One of the biggest surprises hiding behind your trip around Peru is that getting to Machu Picchu is more challenging than you would think.
For starters, Machu Picchu is not connected with the rest of the country by road. This fun fact makes things a bit harder.
Even though the recent development in the area made the Inca site more accessible than ever, it's still not exactly easy to reach it, at least without proper trip planning.
Second, the name Machu Picchu Pueblo is often misused, which makes things a little bit more confusing when planning the trip.
Machu Picchu is the name for the world-renowned UNESCO archaeological site perched on the top of the hill, and the village that sits at the base of the mountain is, in fact, called Aguas Calientes.
Simply put, Aguas Calientes is the place where you find all hotels and restaurants and where the train from Cusco or other destinations stops.
If you encounter the name of Machu Picchu Pueblo (sometimes referred to as Machupicchu), it is most likely a modern reference to Aguas Calientes to make it simpler for tourists.
Playing with the names is mostly essential for orientation for budget backpackers or independent travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu without a tour.
The fortune smiled upon us while traveling around Peru, and as a result, we were incredibly lucky to visit Machu Picchu twice in the span of two weeks.
We arrived at Machu Picchu different way both times, but each time, we returned to Cusco by train from Aguas Calientes.
In this travel guide, we've included the best ways to get to Machu Picchu and personally tried and tested tips so your trip to this New World's Wonder gets as smoothly as possible.
GETTING TO MACHU PICCHU
Regardless of your choice of transport, you have to reach Cusco first.
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, and you can base yourself in the city for days or weeks, depending on the length of your vacation - check out our 7-Day Cusco Itinerary.
There are so many things to do in Cusco and so many day trips from Cusco you can make, that the time before your trip to Machu Picchu will surely be well-spent.
Beyond Cusco, there are two more places worth mentioning.
Ollantaytambo is a popular choice among travelers looking for an escape from the busy streets of Cusco. Ollantaytambo sits on the banks of the Urubamba River, and it's the last train stop on the way to Machu Picchu (you can get on the train here).
One of the main reasons Ollantaytambo is so popular is that this lovely town also has an excellent location for exploring some of the Sacred Valley's best places.
Moreover, the beautiful Ollantaytambo ruins are located in the northwest corner of this pueblo.
Poroy is only a short drive from Cusco and has a train station, where you can get on board the train as well.
Lastly, plenty of visitors decide to get to Machu Picchu from Lima. Keep in mind that Lima is far from Machu Picchu, and you have to still get to Cusco first.
BY TRAIN
Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train is by far the most traditional and scenic way. There are currently two train companies operating between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Well, you might be wondering which is a better company? A quick comparison between Inca Rail and Peru Rail will make you not any smarter.
Inca Rail is a younger company, while Peru Rail is a more established one, though the real-world difference between them is negligible.
Honestly, we don't see any difference between Inca Rail and Peru Rail, so you should choose the company according to your schedule.
Since 2019, Inca Rail offers two trains per day leaving San Pedro station in Cusco only a short walk from the Plaza de Armas.
We rode twice with the Peru Rail, but only because our tour operator had bought tickets through them.
The service was surprisingly good, and the train ran on time. Ticket price varies depending on availability and season. You can purchase Machu Picchu train ticket here.
It is more common that a company books a ticket on your behalf; for example, if you plan on hiking the Inca Trail, but if you want to travel independently, expect to pay anything between 50 and 190 USD.
Make sure you know where the departure point is and plan your trip to Machu Picchu carefully.
When getting to Machu Picchu by train, it is always better to book the ticket to Aguas Calientes, spend there the night and visit the citadel the next day. This alternative will leave you with a more laidback experience.
If you're looking for a more luxurious experience and want to make your Machu Picchu trip even more unique, there's actually one more company or rather a train line we did not include among the traditional two companies, which provides a slightly more upscale service.
We are talking about Belmond Hiram Bingham Train. This train is several times more expensive, but the furnishing, the views from the train, and overall the service are much better.
Before you book the seat, compare the prices and most importantly timetables of each company, this is the only advice you can get from us.
As mentioned above, Poroy, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo are the three available train stops on the way to Machu Picchu, plus the San Pedro station when traveling with Inca Rail.
The train from Cusco's Poroy station leaves all-year-round, and the station is close to the city center, but traffic in Cusco can be crazy, so set off at least one hour before train departure.
If you are wondering how long it takes to get to Machu Picchu, then it depends on your departure point.
The ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu takes about an hour and a half; the trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes about three hours.
It is possible that tickets for your departure point would not be available, and you can encounter the same problem when returning back.
In that case, you need to arrange transport from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo and the same for the way back.
Keep in mind that in order to get to Machu Picchu site, you need a passport that matches the name on the ticket, so make sure it is safely packed in your backpack.
BY CAR
The least popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by car, but we wanted to outline all possibilities. Who knows, maybe exploring the country in a rental car will get more common in the future.
The nearest town to Machu Picchu where you can get by vehicle and park your car is Ollantaytambo, and from there you have to board the train.
Remember, there is no road to Machu Picchu.
Some van tours use the western road to Machupicchu Hydroelectric Plant (Hidroelectrica). However, parking for independent travelers is prohibited, so you would have to join a tour to get to this place and walk from there to Aguas Calientes.
Although getting around Peru by car might sound appealing, it's not the case of Machu Picchu.
BY BUS
There are two levels of getting to Machu Picchu by bus. As Aguas Calientes is not connected with the outside world by road, getting to Machu Picchu by bus exists, but it has a different meaning as you always need to combine the bus journey with either train ride or hiking.
If you are traveling independently, you can take a bus (typically a van referred to as colectivo) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Aguas Calientes.
It is also possible to take a tour to above mentioned Hidroelectrica and walk to Aguas Calientes (the hike takes about 3 hours).
In the end, the majority of travelers take a shuttle bus to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, no matter what their original mean of transport was.
Once you reach Aguas Calientes (your preferred way), you can take another bus that gets you from the bottom of the valley to the Machu Picchu entrance gate.
The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes, and buses frequently leave (every 5 to 10 minutes), but it is more than recommended to purchase the shuttle bus ticket in advance.
The roundtrip ticket costs 34 USD, which is quite expensive, though in our case, these bus tickets were included in both treks we did (another reason for trekking).
In case your ticket is not included in the tour package, you have to buy it online in advance to secure the seat and time slot.
Of course, this bus is optional (though highly convenient), and if you travel on a budget, you can always hike to Machu Picchu for free, but we would save the energy for exploring the site.
BY PLANE
The nearest airport from Machu Picchu is in Cusco, and it receives both domestic and international flights. In fact, it's the second busiest airport in Peru due to its proximity to Machu Picchu.
There are almost zero direct flights to Cusco when flying in from another country (exceptions are Santiago and La Paz), so you have to change planes in Lima anyway.
The flight from Lima to Cusco takes only an hour and a half.
Jorge Chavez International Airport is the name of the international airport in Lima, and it takes about 45 minutes to get there from the city center's most popular areas such as Miraflores or Centro Historico, in case you would like to break the journey and enjoy Lima in one day.
Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport is a bit closer to the Centro Historico, though you still need to get a taxi to get to Cusco's main tourist area.
Until the construction of a highly controversial Chinchero International Airport in the proximity to Machu Picchu is completed, Cusco's airport is your best bet.
TREKKING TO MACHU PICCHU
As soon as we started planning our year-long trip around South America, we immediately knew that visiting Machu Picchu is a must.
We also had heard of Inca Trail before our planning had even started, and it seemed like an obvious choice. We pictured it as a perfect travel experience.
Start with trekking in the magical Andes and end our multiday journey in the lost city of Incas. Soon enough, we found out that we were not the only ones who dreamed of this.
As it turned out, Inca Trail is one of the best treks in the world, and this fact comes with a few tiny issues.
Inca Trail is not the cheapest tour in the world, but there is a bigger problem. Due to its massive popularity, the Peruvian government limits the number of hikers per day, and you can't go without a guide.
For this particular reason, Inca Trail is often booked out, usually months and months in advance in high season.
So unless you plan your travel itinerary exceptionally carefully, the chances are that you might not be able to hike the Inca Trail at all. Not all is lost, though.
Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to Inca Trail, and we would say it's equally beautiful, though both treks deliver a little bit of different experience.
In November, however, the slots were still available, and we were able to trek the Inca Trail, although we had to wait for almost two weeks.
Meanwhile, we didn't want to sit in Cusco, so we decided to try the Salkantay Trek, which was available immediately.
For more information, check out our comparison of Inca Trail vs. Salkantay Trek. In general, the Inca Trail is the only trek in Peru that will take you directly to Machu Picchu citadel via the famous Sun Gate.
Salkantay Trek ends in Aguas Calientes, which means you will arrive by the entrance as the majority of travelers. Either by bus or on foot.
Lares Trek's popularity is also increasing, so you might give it a try if the former options don't sound too exciting to you, and you're looking for a hike that is still a bit off the beaten path.
HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU
In fact, hiking to Machu Picchu requires from your side to get to Aguas Calientes first. Climbing from the hill's base in Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu's entrance is an ideal alternative for active travelers who want to save some money and skip the bus ride.
And saving some money is probably the only reason to hike to Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu hike is a strenuous activity, and in our opinion, not worth the effort.
The trail follows the road to the bridge over the Urubamba River and then sharply turns upward toward the Machu Picchu. The good part is that you don't have to share the road with oncoming traffic.
Thousands of tourists visit Machu Picchu every day, and the road is used heavily by the shuttle buses. The trail cuts through the forest, and you have to cross the road only a few times. For hikers, avoiding this busy road is a huge advantage.
The bad part is that the path is simply not that exciting. By the time you reach the entrance, the sweat will be pouring down from every part of your body. Moreover, you won't get any exciting views on the way up.
The trail to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes is about 4 kilometers long, and the elevation gain is roughly 400 meters.
TOURS
The easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is with a guided tour. There are literally hundreds of tours to Machu Picchu, and it depends on your Peru itinerary and preferences on which tour is best for you.
The most typical and classic tours depart from Cusco.
If short on time, there is plenty of tours to choose from.
This Machu Picchu Day Tour includes the transport from Cusco (and back), admission ticket, shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, and English speaking guide.
When booking the tour, always look for hidden costs, what's included and what's not. If the price is suspiciously low, the chances are that some things (usually tickets) are not included.
The most popular two-day Machu Picchu Tour includes Sacred Valley, home to some of the most extraordinary Inca ruins in the area.
As Sacred Valley is probably on your bucket list as well, you can kill two birds with one stone.
You can shop around Cusco; there are dozens of travel agencies though the quality varies. Booking tours online is usually a bit more expensive, but you can see and read reviews, which makes the selection process more transparent.
Machu Picchu tours from Lima are also available. Keep in mind that it takes almost twenty-four hours just to get from Lima to Cusco by bus. Tours from Lima usually take at least a few days, and week-long tours are among the most popular ones.
This 7-Day Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu Tour is a great example of a well-rated multiday tour that combines the best of Peru.
INDEPENDENTLY
Getting to Machu Picchu without a guided tour is not exciting as it sounds, especially when compared to recommended trekking options.
When traveling to Machu Picchu independently, you still have to get to Cusco, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo by yourself, and then board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Before visiting the archaeological site, book your Machu Picchu admission ticket in advance; the same goes for the shuttle bus ticket to the entrance gate.
Remember that the Machu Picchu tickets are not included in Boleto Turistico.
MACHU PICCHU FROM LIMA
There are two ways to get from Lima to Machu Picchu. Taking a direct bus from Lima to Cusco is relatively inexpensive, though time-consuming.
The bus ride takes anything between twenty-two to twenty-four hours, which means you spend the entire day on the bus.
Getting to Cusco by bus makes sense only in case you want to visit must-visit places along the way, such as Huacachina Oasis, Ballestas Island, or Nazca Lines.
This way, you can split your trip into several parts and make the journey immensely more bearable.
However, if you are short on time and your Peru itinerary revolves only around the Cusco area, there is a better solution.
Taking a plane is more expensive but time-efficient, and you arrive at Cusco well-rested.
Long story short, take a flight if you want to go directly to Cusco and a bus if you want to make stops along the way.
ALTITUDE
Machu Picchu sits at 2430 meters above sea level, and the altitude sickness usually occurs above 2500 meters. In addition, you can choose the optional Huayna Picchu hike. Huayna Picchu is a sacred 2700 meters high mountain towering in the background of the Inca city.
As Machu Picchu is visited by thousands of tourists every day, can I get altitude sickness at Machu Picchu is one of the most common questions everyone asks.
By definition, you can experience general symptoms such as shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, etc.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that altitude affects everyone differently, and you can't predict its impact on your body.
The thing about the Machu Picchu altitude is that you can get there only via Cusco, which lies at a higher elevation. Cusco is perched at 3400 meters above sea level, and getting acclimated there presents a more significant challenge than spending a few hours at Machu Picchu.
Before you decide to visit Machu Picchu, take things slowly at Cusco first, explore the city on the first day, take one of the many fantastic day trips from Cusco the next day.
For example, Sacsayhuaman is a perfect half-day trip to acclimate.
Keep in mind, that unless you want to hike the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek, places such as Pisac Ruins, Humantay Lake or even Rainbow Mountain are much higher than Machu Picchu.
If you have already spent a few days in Cusco, then you should be fairly acclimated for the trekking in the Andes or a direct trip to Machu Picchu.
If you are experiencing altitude sickness symptoms, make sure that people around you know about it. Let the guide on a tour or a friend in the hostel know that you are not feeling well.
Most of the travelers who are not acclimated for high altitudes (we were not exceptions) experience mild altitude sickness symptoms, and this inconvenience is part and parcel of travel.
But that doesn't mean you should overlook them. Make sure to read our acclimatization tips as well.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY
Machu Picchu is the most visited place in Peru; therefore, accommodation is various and plentiful.
Lima is the first stop for most visitors, and then they move to Cusco, which serves as a base for visiting the Inca citadel.
The most significant advantage in the wide hotel's selection lies in the variety so that every traveler will find accommodation. From cheap bustling hostels to luxury hotels offering tranquility, the region of Cusco has it all.
Due to its location, expect higher prices for hotels in Aguas Calientes, though you can always find some budget options there as well.
Here's our pick of the best hotels in each town and city on the way to Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes | Hotel Machupicchu Inn - You will hardly find a better deal so close to Machu Picchu for the price. The rooms are spacious, clean, and the atmosphere charming.
Machu Picchu | Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu - Located only a few steps from the entrance, this hotel features views of Huayna Picchu Mountain and panoramic views of the jungle. The rooms are spacious, clean, and warm.
Cusco | Tierra Viva Cusco Centro - This hotel provides a tranquil environment, beautiful rooms and also has one of the top-rated locations in Cusco.
Ollantaytambo | Sol Miranda - This lovely hotel has a top location in the town, only a short walk from the Ollantaytambo ruins. Rooms are clean and cozy, and some have fantastic views of the ruins.
Lima | Miraflores Colon Hotel - Located in a safe area, Miraflores Colon Hotel is a popular choice among travelers. Breakfast is rich and tasty; rooms are big and clean, and the hotel is close to many exciting places in Miraflores.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
