Machu Picchu is one of those amazing dream spots lots of people around the world want to visit. So, the big question travelers always ask is: what’s the actual best way to get there? Here’s a simple guide, like I’m your personal travel planner, to help you figure out the journey so you can enjoy this unique place.
1. Getting to Cusco
First things first, you need to get to Cusco. This city is the main hub close to Machu Picchu, located high up in the Peruvian Andes at about 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). Cusco itself is awesome, packed with history and culture. Most folks fly into Cusco, usually from Lima (Peru’s capital, down near the coast at about 154 meters or 505 feet) or maybe other big cities in South America.
Quick Tips:
- The flight from Lima to Cusco is pretty short, around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- If you’re already bouncing around Peru, you can also find flights to Cusco from places like Arequipa or Puno.
2. From Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Alright, once you land in Cusco, the next step is getting to Aguas Calientes (the town sits at roughly 2,040 meters or 6,693 feet), which is the little town right at the bottom of the mountain where Machu Picchu is. You’ve got a few main options here:
Option 1: The Train Ride (Most Common)
This is how most travelers do it. The two main companies running trains are PeruRail and IncaRail. They offer different train types, from basic ones to super plush, luxury rides.
- How long: Takes about 3 to 4 hours total to get from the Cusco area to Aguas Calientes by train.
- Where from: Trains leave from Poroy station (about 3,490 meters or 11,450 feet, just 30 mins outside Cusco) or Ollantaytambo station (a cool town in the Sacred Valley, about 2,792 meters or 9,160 feet, maybe 2 hours from Cusco). The trip’s a bit shorter if you leave from Ollantaytambo.
- Cost: Prices change a lot depending on which train class you choose. You can go for the budget-friendlier ones (like PeruRail’s Expedition) or splurge on something fancy (like the Hiram Bingham train, which includes gourmet food and top service).
Option 2: The Inca Trail (For Adventurers)
If you love hiking and are up for a challenge, you can trek the famous Inca Trail. It’s usually a 4-day, 3-night hike that starts from Kilometer 82 of the railway line and takes you through stunning mountains right to the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu. It’s tough, no doubt, but the views are incredible and it’s a deep dive into nature and history.
- Duration: 4 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
- Need to know: You absolutely need a certified guide and permit for this. You have to book it months in advance because spots are super limited and sell out fast. Don’t wait on this one!
Option 3: Train Part-Way + Walk (Budget Hack)
Looking for a cheaper route that maybe has fewer tourists? You can take transport (usually a mix of bus/van) from Cusco towards the Hidroeléctrica train station (lower down at about 1,890 meters or 6,200 feet). From there, you walk the rest of the way to Aguas Calientes. The walk takes about 2 to 3 hours, mostly flat along the train tracks. It takes longer but you get a different kind of view.
3. From Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu
You made it to Aguas Calientes! ¡Ya estás! (You’re there!) Now for the final bit. You need to get from the town up the winding road to the actual entrance of Machu Picchu park.
- How: You hop on a shuttle bus. These buses run constantly up and down the hill.
- Time: The bus ride takes about 20-25 minutes.
- When: Buses start running super early, like 5:30 AM, and go until around 3:30 PM in the afternoon.
Good to know:
- It’s a really good idea to get up to Machu Picchu early in the morning if you can swing it. Fewer crowds, much calmer vibe, it’s just paja (cool/awesome).
- Remember, you need your actual Machu Picchu entrance tickets bought way ahead of time. Especially if you want to climb the extra peaks like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain – those tickets sell out extra fast.
4. Other Ways to Arrive
Besides the classic Inca Trail, there are other multi-day treks you can do that also end up in Aguas Calientes, letting you reach Machu Picchu. Check out the Salkantay Trek or the Lares Trek. These are great alternatives if you want amazing scenery, maybe fewer people, and a different kind of challenge.
5. Handy Tips for the Trip
- Book Ahead: Cannot stress this enough. Machu Picchu is crazy popular. Buy your entrance tickets, train tickets, and any trek permits as far in advance as possible.
- Altitude Sickness: Cusco is high! Give yourself a day or two there just chilling out to get used to the altitude before you do any major hiking or activity. Drink lots of water, maybe try some coca tea like the locals. ¡Tómalo con calma! (Take it easy!)
- Pack Smart: Wear comfy shoes for walking. Bring layers of clothes – the weather in the mountains can flip fast from sunny to rainy. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bug spray are good calls. Always carry water and maybe some snacks. A light rain jacket or poncho is super useful.
My Recommendation:
So, the “best” way? For most people, the easiest combo is: Fly Lima to Cusco, take a day or two to adjust, take the train from Cusco/Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, stay overnight, and then take the early bus up to Machu Picchu. If you love adventure and hiking though, the Inca Trail (booked way early!) or an alternative trek like Salkantay is an unforgettable way to arrive.
