This guide on traveling to Machu Picchu from Cusco and other cities will present you with the optimal ways to explore the lost Incan city. Nestled within the Andes Mountains, this 16th-century citadel is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world and is a must-visit destination in Peru.
The archaeological site is located 80 kilometers from Cusco and 500 kilometers from Lima, both of which are the primary cities through which most tourists travel. However, the nearest town is Aguas Calientes, situated just 10 kilometers away, and it is considered the best place to stay if you’re not undertaking the demanding Inca Trail and wish to visit the citadel early in the morning.
Before planning your trip, especially if you’re traveling independently and during peak season (April-October), it’s essential to check the official website for ticket availability. Machu Picchu has a limited daily visitor quota, and you might miss out on experiencing Peru’s gem if tickets are sold out.
Drawing from our experience visiting this enchanting city during our independent trip to Peru, we’ve compiled this post on how to visit Machu Picchu. We’ll show you how to get to Machu Picchu from various cities so you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Let’s get started!
Traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu by Train
The quickest way to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco is by taking a train from the Poroy station, which is a 30-minute taxi ride (approximately €7) or a shared van (around €3) away.
Peru Rail and Inca Rail operate the route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes by train. Depending on the season (January-April), the journey may include a bus ride to Ollantaytambo followed by a train to Aguas Calientes.
You can book your train tickets to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo through this website or from Cusco via this other link.
Additionally, these companies offer departures from the San Pedro station in Cusco (a 4-hour journey) or from Poroy (a 3-hour trip). The travel time varies based on your chosen mode of transport, and prices range from $60 to $500, depending on the type of carriage and train.
Another option we prefer is exploring the Sacred Valley by car or public transport and then taking a train from Ollantaytambo, which takes about an hour and a half. It’s advisable to make the trip during daylight hours on a glass-roofed train like the Vistadome or The 360 to fully enjoy the stunning views.
You can book your train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo through this site or from Cusco via this link.
For those who value comfort and want to learn about the fascinating history of this mysterious citadel, the best way to reach Machu Picchu is to book a guided day tour in Spanish with entrance included or a two-day tour (overnight in Aguas Calientes). Both options include hotel pickup, a panoramic train ticket with a glass roof, the bus ride to and from Machu Picchu, and a guide.
Traveling to Machu Picchu by Bus and Hiking
If you have time and wish to save on transportation costs, the cheapest way to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by taking a bus to a hydroelectric station, which takes about 7 hours, and then embarking on a hiking trail to Aguas Calientes, which takes approximately three hours. If you don’t have enough time to reach Aguas Calientes during the day, you can spend the night in Santa Teresa, a town located half an hour by taxi from the hydroelectric station. Tickets cost around $20 for the trip and can be purchased at tourist booths around the Plaza de Armas.
While this method offers significant savings, we believe that losing a day of travel is not worth it.
If you’re in good physical condition, don’t suffer from altitude sickness, and have several days available, we recommend trekking the Inca Trail. This legendary 40-kilometer path follows the ancient route the Incas used to reach Machu Picchu and takes you through breathtaking landscapes over four days until you arrive at the Sun Gate, the main entrance to the site.
The best time to undertake this trek is during the dry season from April to October. Note that the trail is closed in February due to heavy rains, and in other months, you may encounter muddy paths and thick fog that can obscure the ruins of Machu Picchu.
There is also a two-day alternative trek for travelers with limited time. To embark on this journey, you need to book with an agency that provides specialized guides, as it cannot be done independently. You can reserve one of these highly-rated tours from fellow travelers:
Traveling from Aguas Calientes to the Site
The small town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu and accessible only by train or on foot, is ideal for an overnight stay to visit the site early in the morning (open at 6 AM) when there are fewer visitors.
A great place to stay is La Pequeña Casita Hotel, located 200 meters from the train station and 30 meters from the bus stop.
To reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you can take one of the buses departing from Hermanos Ayar Avenue station every 10 minutes starting at 5 AM, with a journey time of 30 minutes. At this station, which operates from 5 AM to 9 PM, you can purchase tickets on the same day or preferably the day before for $24 round trip. A more comfortable option that saves you from waiting in line is to book this bus in advance.
Alternatively, you can hike one or both legs of the journey, keeping in mind that the uphill trek will take at least two hours.
Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
Following these tips will help you have the best experience at this world wonder:
- If you’re in Lima, you can take a direct flight to Cusco that takes less than an hour and costs around $100. The airport is located 5 kilometers from Cusco’s city center.
- Remember that since 2017, visiting Machu Picchu with a guide is mandatory. It’s advisable to book a Machu Picchu tour that includes the bus and a Spanish-speaking guide or opt for a private tour.
- Another option is to hire a guide (approximately $8 per person) at the citadel or in Aguas Calientes. This guide will accompany you for as long as you need (about two hours), after which you can explore the site on your own.
- At the entrance, you’ll receive a map outlining the best routes through the ruins.
- There are only nine entry slots to Machu Picchu, ranging from 6 AM to 2 PM. The site closes at 5:30 PM.
- The maximum time allowed in the complex is four hours, and re-entry is not permitted once you leave.
- To enjoy the most comprehensive views of the citadel, purchase a ticket that includes access to Huayna Picchu. With this ticket, you’ll have an additional three hours to climb this incredible and challenging mountain.
- Another option is the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket, offering views 600 meters above the citadel. This ticket grants you four extra hours.
- The best views of this ancient city, and the first place we recommend visiting within the site, is the Guardian’s House viewpoint, provided the morning fog doesn’t obscure it.
- If you can’t enter early in the morning, we suggest visiting at 2 PM when there are fewer people and the lighting is better for photos.
- Before arriving at Machu Picchu or at the entrance, it’s advisable to use the restroom, as there are no facilities inside.
- It’s recommended to bring a raincoat and comfortable footwear, especially if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
