The Distance From Lima To Machu Picchu (And How To Best Get There)
One of the famed new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is an incredible archaeological site known for its ancient temples along with a backdrop of rugged Andean mountains.
Given it’s such a popular site to visit, this means the majority of us will want to see Machu Picchu when in Peru. And as Lima is the gateway with its large international airport, many of us wonder how far the capital is from this sacred ancient site, along with how we can get there.
In this guide we will look at how far the distance is from Lima to Machu Picchu, and why travel time between the two can hugely vary. As well as looking at the best way of making the trip, we’ll also answer any other questions you may have in our FAQ section.
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What Is The Distance From Lima To Machu Picchu?
Quick Answer: When looking at an overhead map of Peru, it’s stated that the distance from Lima to Machu Picchu is 503 km (which is technically correct).
However this distance is drawn with a straight line, and it’s important to remember that between these two popular areas we have both spiraling Andean mountains as well as the thick Amazon Jungle in our way.
The actual driving distance between the two works out to be around 1074 km, which is more accurate given this is the actual route you’ll follow if going by land. Later we’ll also look at the option by air, and how long both travel methods will take.
Getting From Lima To Machu Picchu
Let’s now take a look at your three main options of making the trip from the Peruvian capital to the formidable ruins of Machu Picchu.
Option A: Fly From Lima + Head With An Organised Tour
This first option is the most popular way of making the trip, and also the quickest too with a total travel time of less than 10 hours from Lima to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
You’ll first want to book your flight with either LATAM or Sky Airlines, who have multiple departures throughout the day. We suggest booking an early flight in case you are wanting to do it as a single day trip. A one-way flight (without baggage) will cost between $35-50, and takes just two hours.
Upon arriving you can then be met at the airport by a driver from your travel agency, who will transport you directly to the ruins. Here at AB Expeditions, our 1 Day Machu Picchu Tour includes airport pick-up where we first take your belongings and suitcases to our secure storage point, where we will then board the unforgettable panoramic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Option B: Fly From Lima + Take Public Transport
If you are more of an independent traveler or have a much more flexible schedule, then you can also take this option of both flying and using public transport.
You can book your flight as we have outlined in Option A, and can be open with the travel departure time. We still recommend an earlier flight to avoid rush hour from both cities to their airports (both are located outside each respective city). Once you arrive into Cusco, you can then take a taxi or bus to your apartment to rest-up.
When it comes to visiting Machu Picchu from Cusco using public transport, overall it will take between 8-10 hours and cost between $20-40. First you’ll want to take a colectivo from the historic center to the town of Ollantaytambo (which is roughly 3 hours). From here you’ll then take a bus to the start of the hidroeléctrica track which is another 3 hours. You’ll then need to walk along the track until you reach Machu Picchu, which will take around 2 hours depending on your fitness level.
Option C: Bus From Lima + Take Public Transport
This is by far the most popular option for those who want to save on travel costs, and is especially used by both backpackers and locals who want to travel cheap through Peru.
There are several bus companies that cover the route from Lima to Cusco such as CIVA, Palomino and Paredes Estrella VIP. They all depart in Lima at various times of the day, with a one-way ticket costing roughly $25. The bus journey from Lima to Cusco will take roughly 20-22 hours to complete.
Once in Cusco you can then follow the advice mentioned in Option B above. This means you can take a colectivo to Ollantaytambo followed by another to the Hidroeléctrica Track, where you will then reach Machu Picchu on foot after a few hours. From Cusco you will reach the ancient site in roughly 8-10 hours.
Distance From Lima To Machu Picchu FAQ
Below we’ll now answer some of the biggest questions we get from readers about the distance from Lima to Machu Picchu, and how to best organize a trip here.
Can You Do A Day Trip From Lima To Machu Picchu?
Yes it’s certainly possible, however only if you fly and have planned well beforehand. You’ll first want to book an early flight from Lima to Cusco with either LATAM or Sky Airlines. We also recommend booking your tour in advance, where you’ll be picked-up right at the airport by our professional driver and head straight en-route to Machu Picchu without delay.
How Long Does It Take To Get From Lima To Machu Picchu?
This really depends on the method you choose. If you are in a rush, then you could technically be within the ruins from Lima in under 10 hours (if you travel by plane and have a private tour ready to pick you up). Alternatively, if traveling by bus to Cusco and using public transport, then in total it could take anywhere from 30-35 hours to make the entire trip.
Overview Of The Distance From Lima To Machu Picchu
And that’s all for this guide on how big the distance is from the Peruvian capital of Lima to the sacred site of Machu Picchu.
A bucket-list item for travelers all over the globe, visiting Machu Picchu is a must when heading to Peru. The majority of us will arrive into Lima first given its home to the major international airport of Jorge Chávez, where we will then have a few different options of making the journey to the ancient site just outside of Cusco.
Take a look at our different Machu Picchu tours now, which are perfect for both those in a rush as well as for travelers who want a memorable overnight experience.