How To Get To Machu Picchu (Your Ultimate 2024 Guide)

An Overview Of Getting To Machu Picchu (The Different Steps You’ll Need To Take)

Given Machu Picchu is located deep within the remote Peruvian Andes, planning a trip here requires a little more thought than usual. Below we’ll cover each step you’ll need to make, which starts right from the moment you enter Peru.

Step 1: Arriving Into Cusco

The former kingdom of the Incas, Cusco is the most popular city that tourists come to visit in Peru. It’s also the launching-off point for all tours that head to Machu Picchu, so your first task will be arriving here.

Flying 

Most likely you’ll first arrive into Lima when entering Peru. From the capital we can then hop on a 2 hour plane to reach Cusco which is the overall most comfortable option (airlines like Sky and LATAM serve this domestic route daily with multiple options). The price of a one-way flight costs roughly between $30-50, although you’ll also need to pay extra for any additional baggage.

It’s important to know that if you’re elsewhere in Peru, then you’ll first need to connect with a flight to Lima before coming to Cusco (the only exceptions which have direct flights to Cusco are Arequipa and Puerto Maldonado).

Taking The Bus

The other way of getting to Cusco is by bus. This method is by far the cheapest when compared with flights, although travel times can vary considerably. It’s most suitable when traveling around Peru in regions that are closer to Cusco. These include Arequipa (11 hour journey), Puno (7 hour journey) and Puerto Maldonado (9 hours).

Heading by bus from Lima to Cusco is quite an infamous option, given that it takes around 22 hours to complete the journey. This is because you’ll pass along the coast, through the desert and also around winding mountain roads (quite a nice option if you love different sceneries and aren’t in a rush). Many companies like Palomino and Paredes Estrella serve the route daily, and prices for a one-way journey begin around $25.

Step 2: Traveling From Cusco To Aguas Calientes

Once you’ve reached Cusco, you’ll now need to head towards the rural town of Aguas Calientes which is located right underneath the mountain of Machu Picchu. It’s important to note that the fork in the road up to the ancient site is actually before you reach the town – so you don’t necessarily have to stop here (especially if heading on a day trip from Cusco and have brought lunch with you).

Riding The Train

If taking the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then you simply need to head to Poroy Station which is just outside of the city to board. This is the first stop along the route, which culminates in the train stop just outside Aguas Calientes (the train ride takes around 3 hours in total).

From Cusco’s historic center you’ll want to hail a taxi or bus to get to Poroy, and make sure you leave enough time given traffic can sometimes be busy at certain times of the day. Again this is where an organized tour can be advantageous, since you’ll have all private transport included as well as a meticulously planned schedule.

Public Transport + Walking The Tracks 

The other option is to walk along the same tracks that the train usually runs across. Of course you’ll need to be careful and listen out for the train when it passes (and get out of the way), and you’ll also need to use public transport to start walking from a different area further along the route

If you decide to walk the tracks, you’ll first need to take a bus to Ollantaytambo from Cusco (2 hours), followed by another to the start of the hidroeléctrica train track (4 hours). From here the walk to Aguas Calientes will take a couple of hours – so if choosing this option you can expect travel times to Step 3: How To Get Up To Machu Picchu

Once you’re in the town of Aguas Calientes, you can now breathe a sigh of relief since all of the hard work is now done! Machu Picchu is still not visible as you need to head up the mountain, however this is quite simple to do. 

The Bus

The most preferred and comfortable option is to take the bus, where you can relax as you are driven up the winding mountain roads. These depart from inside Aguas Calientes, and take just 20 minutes to reach the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. These begin leaving within the early morning (which is ideal for seeing the site with little tourists around), and can easily be booked online in-advance.

The Walk Up

Those with energy can instead choose to walk up, which will take 1-2 hours to reach the entrance gate from Aguas Calientes town. The advantage here is that if you leave really early, you can actually be right at the front of the queue before the buses arrive (although you’ll need to start walking in the dark). If you do walk then be sure to bring lots of water with you.

Heading On Multi-Day Treks Through The Andes To Machu Picchu

Another way of reaching Machu Picchu is by heading through the Andes mountains on a multi-day tour. Below we’ll take a look at some of the very best options that you can choose from.

The Classic Inca Trail Trek

Arguably the most complete trek of all on this list, there’s a reason why this route is so well-known and popular. On the Classic Four Day Inca Trail Trek we’ll follow the same path that the ancient Inca once took, visiting breathtaking ruins such as Wiñay Wayna, Sayaqmarca and Intipata before reaching Machu Picchu. You’ll also get to enjoy varied landscapes and see exotic wildlife along the way too.

The Salkantay Trek

If you love alpine landscapes and glacial lakes, then the Four Day Salkantay Hike will be the best option for you. Located up at higher altitudes, here we’ll get to see more snow-capped mountains like that of Apu Salkantay, as well as the jaw-dropping Lake Humantay. After trekking through the mountains we will then visit Machu Picchu to round-off this unforgettable hiking experience.

The Lares Trek 

Whilst not as well-known as the others above, the Four Day Lares Trek combines remote Andean landscapes, lush tropical forests, sweeping valleys as well as real local culture. After all of this you’ll then get to explore the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu itself. The major benefit of choosing the Lares Trek is that the weather is suitable year-round, whilst others are either closed or not recommended in certain months.

What Is The Best Way To Travel To Machu Picchu?

This really depends on you and what option you most prefer to be honest. However if you are looking for some adventure whilst not getting too tired, then we think that flying to Cusco followed by taking the train to Machu Picchu is by far the best option.

Here you can enjoy the wild mountain sceneries whilst saving all of your energy for once you finally arrive into the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu. You’ll also get here quicker too when compared with taking the bus to Cusco (followed by walking the train tracks), so it’s best for those who want to make the very most of their time in Peru.

Here at AB Expeditions we provide airport pick-up in Cusco with our different Machu Picchu Tours, so you can head straight to Machu Picchu and enjoy everything that this incredible site has to offer. Check out our various Machu Picchu tours now and find the very best option for you!

Getting To Machu Picchu FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about how to get to Machu Picchu, as well as anything else that is important for you to know.

What Is The Best Way To Get From Lima To Machu Picchu?

Getting from Lima to Machu Picchu is best done by first flying to Cusco, and then taking the train or an organized tour. Depending on how early you leave, it’s actually possible to visit Machu Picchu from Lima and return on the same day (although you’ll definitely need to head on one of our organized tours if this is your goal).

Is There A Way To Get To Machu Picchu Without Hiking?

Yes there is a way of visiting Machu Picchu with little physical effort needed. You’ll first want to take the train from the Poroy Station which is in Cusco, which takes you all the way to Aguas Calientes. From here it’s just a short 5 minute walk to the bus station, where you can then relax as you are driven all the way up to the entrance gate of the archaeological site.

How Do Tourists Usually Get To Machu Picchu?

Of course this depends on many factors such as budget, time available as well as how much one wants to hike along the way. However, usually tourists will either ride the train or walk along the train tracks, before heading up to Machu Picchu by bus. Usually they stay overnight in Aguas Calientes with a two day Machu Picchu Tour, in order to fully enjoy the site with a whole day free.

Overview Of How To Get To Machu Picchu

And that’s all for our comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about how to get to Machu Picchu.

This ancient citadel was once a long journey for the Inca who had to walk all the way here from Cusco – however nowadays we have much more simple ways to get here such as by using the trains and more simple routes to follow. Having said that, if you want an adventure then you can still head on memorable multi-day hiking routes such as those of the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek.

Did you know that getting to Machu Picchu doesn’t have to be a tiring and exhausting trip? Here at AB Expeditions we operate an all-inclusive Overnight Machu Picchu Tour which includes accommodation, all meals, the classic train ride as well as your Machu Picchu entrance ticket.