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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.