With international flights, efficient trains and frequent buses, making a trip to Machu Picchu is much easier now than when Hiram Bingham first visited in 1911.

Depending on your preferred method of transportation to Peru, there are a few different options. Most visitors pass through Lima, the capital of Peru. After arriving in Lima, you can take a short connecting flight or a longer bus ride to Cuzco.

Although the trip may be longer, many adventurers seeking to visit Machu Picchu hike the Inca Trail to this extraordinary city and are rewarded with its magnificent beauty, structural prowess and the vast natural backdrop that surrounds it.

The length of the treks to Machu Picchu will depend on the route you choose. There are several trekking routes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, the Classic Inca Trail route is a 3 to 5 day trek and, on average, it takes 4 days and 3 nights to reach Machu Picchu. For those short on time, there is a shorter route which is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This hike starts at KM 104 of the trail and only takes one day to reach Machu Picchu.

Other treks to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek, Cachicata Trek, Lares Trek and Ausangate Trek will be discussed later in this guide.

However, if you wish to visit Machu Picchu but do not wish to hike the Inca Trail, you can take a train from near Cusco to Aguas Calientes, a town at the base of Machu Picchu, in just under four hours. For the most luxurious option, the incomparable Hiram Bingham train takes you through the Urubamba Gorge, amid spectacular mountain vegetation and cloud-covered forests. The train itself is almost a time capsule, beautifully decorated with rich, polished woods, fine fabrics and historic furniture. The large windows allow for excellent views on both sides (and on top!) of the train – you’ll find it hard to get off the train at the end of this journey! In addition, there are two other PeruRail train options to Machu Picchu: the iconic and modern Vistadome Train and the affordable Expedition trains.