How To See Machu Picchu (Your Ultimate Guide For 2025)

How To See Machu Picchu (What You Need To Know)

Machu Picchu is situated roughly 75 km away from the city of Cusco, which is located up within the Peruvian Andes. This means that we’ll first need to head to Cusco with a flight or bus from Lima before heading to the ruins.

Once here in the Andes, we’ll find that there are several ways of getting to Machu Picchu, both with a tour and also independently (which we’ll explore later in this guide). It’s important to know that even with the quickest option, it will take a minimum of 4-5 hours to get there (given we have to travel around the Andean mountains), and as such it’s worth having the following day free in case you stay the night in Aguas Calientes.

To access Machu Picchu you will need an official Machu Picchu ticket, which can be bought in advance online before your visit. We strongly suggest doing this a few months in advance if heading during the busy season, however on all of our Machu Picchu tours you won’t need to worry as we will sort all of this for you.

Your 6 Different Options For Seeing Machu Picchu

Below we’ll now take a look at your 6 different options for seeing Machu Picchu, including which is best for different trip styles and budgets.

Choosing The Standard Train From Cusco

One of the most popular options for seeing Machu Picchu, there are standard trains that are operated daily with PeruRail and IncaRail. Here you’ll have comfortable seats and great views of the Andes as you travel to Aguas Calientes, from which you can then take the bus up to the legendary Inca citadel. It’s one of the cheapest options on our list, and it will take roughly 4-6 hours to get here from Cusco.

Taking The Buses To Aguas Calientes

Another way of using public transport to get to Machu Picchu, the bus system here is well set-up and cheap to use. Firstly we’ll need to take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (2 hours), followed by a second one from Ollantaytambo to the Hidroeléctrica Track (4 hours). Once here we will then need to walk for a couple of hours along the tracks to reach Aguas Calientes – given only trains can access this remote town. If choosing this option, then you will definitely need to stay in Aguas Calientes overnight, where you can see Machu Picchu in the early morning before coming back the next day.

Heading On An Overnight Machu Picchu Tour

This is by far the most popular option for travellers who want to experience all of Machu Picchu, while having all logistics sorted for them. It’s also more ideal than the day tour, since you won’t be rushed to come back quickly after arriving at the sacred site. Here at AB Expeditions we operate a perfect Machu Picchu overnight tour from Cusco, which includes all transport, tour entrance tickets, a private guided tour as well as stay at a nice hotel in Aguas Calientes.  

Choosing The Luxury Machu Picchu Trains

Whilst we have already covered the standard trains operated by PeruRail and IncaRail, it’s also worth knowing that there is a luxury train in operation too. Known as the Hiram Bingham Train (named after the explorer who first discovered Machu Picchu), it’s by far the most deluxe way of getting to Aguas Calientes. It’s operated by Belmond, and as such it also makes different stops through the Sacred Valley to its hotels along the way.

Trekking The Unforgettable Four Day Inca Trail Route

If you’re after a real adventure and the most authentic experience possible, then you’ll want to head on the Four Day Inca Trail trek. Here we’ll hike around remote Andean mountains, through cloud forests and also see Inca ruins such as Wiñay Wayna and Sayaqmarca – all of which marked the ancient path to Machu Picchu. On our tour you’ll have all permits included, meals, lodging, hiking equipment as well as two private guided tours around Machu Picchu (visiting different areas at different times of the day).

Embarking On Alternative Multi-Day Treks To Machu Picchu

Perhaps you want to try a different type of adventure? There are also a few other multi-day hikes that pass through different types of terrains and give a much different experience to the Inca Trail. This includes the Lares Trek which passes through indigenous villages and remote waterfalls, as well as the legendary Salkantay Trek which heads around the snow-capped Andes and also to the bright blue Lake Humantay.

How Long Do You Need To See Machu Picchu?

Now that we’ve covered all of the different ways that you can get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, it’s now worth thinking about how much time you need to properly see the ancient Inca citadel and surrounding sites.

We suggest heading on a tour of at least two days (overnight) to Machu Picchu, unless of course if you are in a massive rush and don’t have the time. This is because the amount of time traveling to get there only means you will have time for a private tour of the ruins, but will have to come straight back. The other thing to keep in mind is that when you spend longer here, you can also come at non-peak times of the day to enjoy the site with less crowds around, such as is the case in the early morning.

Another consideration is what else you can see around Machu Picchu. The nearby town of Aguas Calientes has many fantastic things to see and do, such as Mandor Waterfalls, the Manuel Chavez Ballon Machu Picchu Museum as well as the Hot Springs. On longer tours such as the Inca Trail, you will also see lots of incredible Andean landscapes and more remote Inca ruins.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To See Machu Picchu

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

Is There An Easy Way To See Machu Picchu?

The easiest way of seeing Machu Picchu has to be with an organised tour, given the ease of logistics and transfers. Here you won’t have to worry about catching buses or finding connections by yourself, nor will you need to hike a lot to get to the base of Machu Picchu. You can see our Machu Picchu Overnight Tour for the most convenient option, which includes all transport, accommodation and your entry ticket all included.

Can You See Machu Picchu Without A Tour?

Yes it’s certainly possible to see Machu Picchu without a tour, which is ideal for those who want to organise everything themselves and have more freedom. You’ll first need to get your bus and train tickets in advance, as well as your entry to Machu Picchu. Just remember that the departure times are all fixed, so you need to make sure that you give yourself ample time to be there before the transport leaves.

Is It Better To Hike Or Train To Machu Picchu?

This really depends on you and what your preference is, given both options offer very different experiences. The train is more popular given it’s comfortable, and allows for panoramic views whilst seated – and with the choice between standard and luxury trains. However hiking along the train tracks (and up to the ruins from Aguas Calientes) gives unrivalled views of the Andes, and a memorable way to see this beautiful region of Peru.

Overview Of How To See Machu Picchu

And that’s all for this guide on how to see Machu Picchu, as well as your different options for getting to the ancient citadel from the city of Cusco.

The most famous and impressive ancient site you can visit in all of Peru, Machu Picchu is a must-visit on all tours around the country. Here we can learn about the sacred importance of this historical site, and why it wasn’t never discovered by the Spanish Empire. Getting to Machu Picchu seems difficult when looking at a map, however with options such as overnight tours, buses and various train services, it’s very easy to reach these ruins.

Are you looking for the most impressive experience visiting Machu Picchu? Then check out our Four Day Inca Trail Tour, where you’ll walk the same path that the ancient Inca once did to get here, visiting many other ruins such as Intipata, Wiñay Wayna and Sayacmarca along the way.