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A step-by-step travel guide on how to reach Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu TicketsDirections
Contents
Where is Machu Picchu located?
Address: Machu Picchu, Cusco Region, Peru
Machu Picchu is perched high in the Andes, about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, and nestled between lush green peaks. This UNESCO World Heritage site sits in the Urubamba Province of Peru, near the town of Aguas Calientes. It’s remote, mystical, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Closest International Airport: Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima
Lima to Cusco
By flight
- Travel time: 1-1.5 hours
- Best for: Saving time and maximum convenience
- Route: Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) → Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
- Pro tip: Book at least 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak seasons
- The fastest way to reach Cusco from Lima is by flight. Several airlines operate daily flights, with stunning aerial views of the Andes.
By bus
- Travel time: 21-24 hours
- Best for: Budget travelers and scenic views
- Route: Lima → Cusco
- Pro tip: For the best experience, opt for a trusted company such as Cruz del Sur, known for its frequent departures and high-quality service.
- A long but rewarding journey, that takes you through breathtaking Peruvian landscapes, from arid coasts to lush highlands. There are various Lima to Cusco bus options available for all budget types and comfort levels.
Cusco to Aguas Calientes
By train
- Travel time: 4 hours
- Best for: Those seeking comfort and scenic views
- Route: Cusco → Poroy → Aguas Calientes
- Pro tip: The nearest train station, Poroy, is a quick 30-minute taxi ride away, but with Cusco’s erratic traffic, give yourself at least an hour to get there.
- Hop in a taxi to Poroy (about 30 minutes from Cusco) or San Pedro (closer to downtown), then get on a panoramic train to Aguas Calientes. The ride is a visual treat, with tracks hugging the Urubamba River and canyon walls that’ll have you glued to the window.
By train + bus
- Travel time: 5 hours
- Best for: Budget travelers seeking last-minute train tickets
- Route: Estación de Colectivos in Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
- Pro tip: If you have time, stay in Ollantaytambo. It helps you acclimatize to the altitude and has its own Incan ruins.
- Travel by bus to Ollantaytambo (2 hours), then take a 2-hour train to Aguas Calientes with stunning river views. With more train options than Poroy, this route is flexible and lets you soak in Ollantaytambo’s sacred vibes before reaching Machu Picchu. Usually, train tickets include tickets for the bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
Hike via Hydroelectric trail
- Travel time: 8-9 hours
- Best for: Savings, moderate physical fitness, and scenic trails
- Route: Estación de Colectivos in Cusco → Santa Maria → Hydroelectrica Station → Aguas Calientes
- Pro tip: Start early to avoid hiking in the dark, especially if you’re arriving in Santa Maria later in the day.
- From Cusco, take a bus to Santa Maria (5 hours), then a taxi to Hydroelectric Station. Hike 10 km along the Vilcanota River to Aguas Calientes—this economical route is perfect for adventurers seeking a quieter, more immersive journey to Machu Picchu.
Hike via Salkantay trail
- Travel time:
- Best for: Nature lovers and experienced hikers
- Route: Cusco → Aguas Calientes
- Pro tip: Book a hotel in Aguas Calientes to rest the night before visiting Machu Picchu the next morning.
- Hike past the Salkantay Glacier (4,650m), visit the serene Humantay Lake, trek through coffee plantations, and pass by waterfalls. Before reaching Aguas Calientes, stop at Llactapata Ruins, a lesser-known Incan site with a rare view of Machu Picchu.
Hike to Machu Picchu
- Travel time: 4 days
- Best for: History buffs and avid trekkers
- Route: Cusco → Machu Picchu (enter through the Sun gate)
- Pro tip: Due to strict regulations, only 500 permits (including guides and porters) are issued daily, so book months in advance.
- The Inca Trail is more than a hike—it’s a 4-day pilgrimage through history, nature, and culture. Trek past ancient ruins, cross the challenging Dead Woman’s Pass, and enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate, just like the Incans intended.
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
By bus
- Travel time: 30 minutes
- Best for: For those seeking convenience
- Route: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
- Pro tip: Take the bus up and hike down to enjoy scenic views without exhausting yourself.
- Board a 30-minute shuttle from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu along the steep Hiram Bingham Road, weaving through misty cloud forests and rugged mountain terrain. Buses are very frequent on this route, with departures every 2 minutes.
Hike
- Travel time: 2-3 hours
- Best for: For adventure lovers
- Route: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
- Pro tip: Start before sunrise for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and be the first to enter Machu Picchu.
- A physically demanding but scenic 10km trek through deep green jungle, roaring river views, and ancient stone steps. Expect to see vibrant flora, exotic birds, and some unique views of Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions and answers about getting to Machu Picchu
What is the most budget-friendly way to reach Machu Picchu?
For travelers on a budget, the most economical route is the Hydroelectric Route. This involves taking a bus from Cusco to the Hydroelectric Station, followed by a scenic hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. This method is cost-effective but requires more time and physical effort compared to other options.
What is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu?
The quickest route to Machu Picchu is by taking a flight from Lima to Cusco, followed by a train from Cusco directly to Aguas Calientes. From Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride or a hike will take you up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
Are there direct flights to Machu Picchu?
No, there are no direct flights to Machu Picchu. Visitors typically fly into Lima, Peru's capital, and then take a domestic flight to Cusco. From Cusco, travelers can choose between train services or alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu.
Is it possible to hike to Machu Picchu?
Yes, several trekking routes lead to Machu Picchu, with the Inca Trail being the most renowned. This multi-day hike requires a permit and offers a unique experience, culminating at the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu. Alternative treks like the Salkantay or Lares treks are also available for adventurous travelers.
Do I need a guide for the Inca Trail?
Yes, trekking the Inca Trail requires joining an organized tour with a licensed guide. Independent trekking is not permitted to preserve the trail and ensure visitor safety.
Are there accommodations in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, Aguas Calientes offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, catering to various preferences and budgets. Staying overnight allows visitors to explore Machu Picchu early in the morning before the crowds arrive.