How to get to Machu Picchu?

The trip to Machu Picchu begins in the city of Cusco, where most of the tourist hotels are. There are three ways to get to the Inca city: with the classic train trip, with the alternative route by Hydroelectric or with the 4-day Inca Trail. Of all, the most used by visitors is the train trip. This route allows you to arrive in less time, with more comfort and safety. Know details of each of the routes to Machupicchu.

Guide: How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

From Lima to Machu Picchu is a journey full of adventures to discover. Know the options and what to do to get to Cusco and Machu Picchu without problems.

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Guide: How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

Other hiking routes to get to Machu Picchu

There are many hiking routes to Machu Picchu, learn more alternatives to do this activity in Cusco and marvel at the beautiful landscapes.

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Other hiking routes to get to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in the afternoon – Travel guide for a new experience

Machu Picchu has many schedules that people do not notice. Discover a new experience thanks to this guide to leaving from Cusco and learn more about the route.

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Machu Picchu in the afternoon – Travel guide for a new experience

The bus trip to Machu Picchu

The bus ride to Machu Picchu takes 30 minutes. It starts in Aguas Calientes and ends in the Inca city. It travels 10 kilometers along the Hiram Bingham road.

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The bus trip to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered the best hiking route in the world. It covers 39 kilometers of the qhapac ñan network.

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The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The route to Machu Picchu by Hidroeléctrica

The route begins in the city of Cusco from where you travel to Santa María in the jungle of the region. Then you travel to Santa Teresa, Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes.

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The route to Machu Picchu by Hidroeléctrica

The train ride to Machu Picchu

The train trip to Machu Picchu begins in Cusco. The companies Peru Rail and Inca Rail offer different services. There are prices for foreigners and Peruvians.

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The train ride to Machu Picchu

More information about the trip to Machu Picchu

  • Is there public transportation to get to the Ollantaytambo train station?
    To get to the Ollantaytambo station, you must take a public transport minivan on Pavitos street in the city of Cusco. The trip takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (cost 10 Peruvian soles or 3 dollars).
  • How is the train ride?
    The train ride from Ollantaytambo takes almost 2 hours. On the way you can see the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The train stops at the station in the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • Do the buses to Machu Picchu leave every day?
    The bus ride only takes 30 minutes. In the mornings the buses depart from Aguas Calientes every 5 minutes. In the afternoons, every 10 minutes. The buses run every day from 5.30 in the morning until 3.30 in the afternoon.
  • How do I get to the hydroelectric station by public transport?
    The route begins in the city of Cusco. In Antonio Lorena street you take buses to the town of Santa María, in the province of La Convención (5-hour trip). Then there are two trips by collective taxi: from Santa María to Santa Teresa and, from there, to the Hydroelectric station.
  • How much does the route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric cost?
    The alternative route through Hidroeléctrica is cheaper than the classic train trip. The journey from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica can cost only 40 soles (approximately 13 dollars). The final hike to Aguas Calientes is free.
  • Can I do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on my own?
    This route is protected by the Peruvian State so it cannot be done without the necessary authorization. Authorizations are managed with a tourism agency that offers the ‘4-day Inca Trail Tour’. The tours include: authorization, transportation, professional guides, camps, cooks, porters and entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • How far in advance should I buy the Inca Trail tour?
    The dry season (from April to October) is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu. You can also go the rest of the year, although the rains can make some visitors uncomfortable.
  • Can I take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu?
    Due to the high demand, to do the Inca Trail it is necessary to buy the tour 6 to 7 months in advance.

Enjoy the trip to Machu Picchu with the best services

Choose one of the 5 types of tickets

The entrance to Machu Picchu offers discounts for university students, those under 18 years of age and citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia. Children under 3 years enter free! Get your entry to 'mapi' here.

We take you wherever you want in Cusco

The private transportation service takes you to any tourist destination in Cusco. Travel with total security in a private service for you, your partner, your friends or family. Includes pick up service from the airport or transfer to Machu Picchu train station, book here!

An unforgettable train trip to Machu Picchu

In total there are four tourist train services to Machu Picchu: Expedition, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory and the Hiram Bingham luxury train. They all belong to the prestigious Peru Rail company. Buy the tickets here! Take advantage of the discounts!

Get on the final bus to Machu Picchu

The train trip will leave you in the town of Aguas Calientes, 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu. For this last section you must get the bus to Machu Picchu, a comfortable service that takes care of the environment of the wonder of the world. Buy your bus ticket here!

Tour Machu Picchu with a professional guide

In Machu Picchu the tour guide service is not mandatory. However, most tourists decide to go accompanied by a guide. This way they will be able to fully understand the history and importance of the wonder of the Incas.

Machupicchu all inclusive 1 day

If you do not want to buy each ticket to Machu Picchu separately, it is best to hire an all-inclusive tour. Includes: transfer to the station, train ticket, tour guide, entrance fee and lunch option at the best ‘mapi’ restaurant. Book the tour here!