How to get to Machu Picchu, all the ways to get there

Getting to Machu Picchu is an adventure that you can enjoy in different ways. The Inca citadel awaits you with all its attractions.

Planning your trip to Machu Picchu

Traveling to Machu Picchu is knowing that you are going to a destination desired by thousands of people in the world. It is a wonder that unlike other tourist attractions it is necessary to plan and organize your trip in advance.

In that sense, you should consider that the best option is to do the tour with a certified travel agency, which gives you confidence and provides you with all the services you require. You will have a private vehicle, train transportation, entrance tickets, hotels, food and others that the itinerary includes in the tour of your choice.

In case you plan to travel on your own, you will have to organize your trip to Machu Picchu and make a budget estimate according to the services and activities you will do. This option is complicated because you will have to book the hotel, entrance tickets, transportation, food and other services on your own.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco

These are the most recommended options to visit the Machu Picchu Sanctuary:

• You take a transport service to Ollantaytambo, from there you take the train to Aguas Calientes and then you can take a bus or walk to Machu Picchu.

• You can visit the Inca city by train from Poroy to Aguas Calientes and from there take a bus to Machu Picchu.

• Another route is from Cusco to Santa Teresa-Hidroeléctrica, it is a trip of a little more than 5 hours, when you arrive you go by train or walking to the town of Aguas Calientes and then go to Machu Picchu.

Travel Time

The estimated time for the more traditional trip is four hours. You leave by bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then you go by train in about 2 hours and from that point you travel by bus for 30 minutes to Machu Picchu.

Transportation options

During the journey to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, you will find several transportation services and choose the one that suits you best.

Trenes a Machu Picchu

En Perú Rail:

• Expedition is a standard train with the most comfortable price within everyone's reach.
• Vistadome is composed of panoramic windows to better appreciate the scenery and even take pictures.
• Vistadome Observatory has a good atmosphere, with panoramic windows and observatory car.
• Hiram Bingham is ranked among the most luxurious in the world. This one has a gourmet lunch or dinner, dance show, free bar and an observatory that gives you the most breathtaking views.

En Inca Rail:

• The private is a carriage exclusively for you and your companions. It offers drinks and food with spectacular views.
• The first class has good comfort, with an observatory, gourmet menu and bar.
• The Premium & Lounge features large windows, an open-air balcony observatory and snack included.
• The 360° is a panoramic train with an observatory car with snacks and drinks included.
• The voyager offers comfortable seating and price.

Tomar bus a Machu Picchu

This service is available in two cases, the first is if you choose the Cusco to Hidroeléctrica route and from this point you can take the train or walk to the town of Aguas Calientes.

The second case is when you arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you decide to take the bus that will take you directly to Machu Picchu or you can walk up to the Inca citadel.

Trekking to Machu Picchu

If it comes to walking, you can find several ways to get to Machu Picchu. You can take the route of the famous Inca Trail with destination to this wonder as: Salkantay trek, Huchuy Qosco trek, Choquequirao trek and others.

Another option for not so long treks are the routes from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes and from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

How to get to Machu Picchu from aguas calientes

There are only two ways to get to Machu Picchu from the town of Aguas Calientes:

• Ir en bus

This is the most recommended option, because your visit will be easier and you will have all the energy to visit every part of Machu Picchu.

The breathtaking views you will have of the mountains is another attraction that catches every visitor. Buses will take you directly to the entrance gate of the Inca citadel.

The bus ticket costs 24 dollars for foreign tourists and 35 soles for Peruvian tourists.

• Ir a pie

The hike to Machu Picchu is known as "Hiram Bingham" after the explorer who reached Machu Picchu in 1911.

Before starting the trekking, we must take into account that the travel time is two hours. We must carry water to hydrate the body, hiking shoes, walking sticks if required and little luggage.

The ascent is of moderate level, which has no major difficulty, however, it is an option that can take your visit and tire the body. Another aspect to consider is the entrance to Machu Picchu is to carry the entrance ticket, because if you do not have this they will not let you continue with the hike.

Time to book your tickets to Machu Picchu in advance

Remember that Machu Picchu is one of the most visited destinations in Peru. Therefore, the purchase of tickets must be made one month in advance.

When we are in high season, in the months of June to August, we must make sure that the entrance ticket is not sold out. Although, in the case of hiring a travel agency, this will provide you with information and secure reservation to avoid last minute hustle and bustle.

Why it is safer to travel to Machu Picchu with a travel agency

If you wish to have a more pleasant experience during your trip, do not hesitate to choose a travel agency to accompany you on your adventure.

The benefits offered by a travel agency are:

• Better planning and organization of the trip.
• Reduced stress, time and many unnecessary expenses or scams.
• Choice of various tours that will take you to Machu Pichu.
• Disregard of food and hotels included in the itinerary.
• Private vehicle transfers for excursions.
• Explore the attractions with the company of a guide who will explain each tourist site.
• Make the trip a unique experience.
• We work with reliable suppliers so that nothing is missing.

Visit Machu Picchu with Terandes.com

Tierras de los Andes presents the best tours for you to visit the Machu Picchu Sanctuary:

• Magical Peru: is 10 days and nine nights. Where you will be able to visit Lima, Cusco city, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, 7 Colors Mountain, Humantay Lagoon and others mentioned in the itinerary.
• Magical Cusco: has a duration of 7 days and 6 nights. It is perfect to enjoy all the best attractions that the city of Cusco has to offer.

Treasures of Southern Peru: a 14 days and 13 nights adventure. This in more complete package where you will have more cities and archaeological sites to visit.

Recommendations for travel to Machu Picchu

These are the most important recommendations to take into account during your visit to Machu Picchu:

• It is essential to carry identity documents, such as ID card and passport.
• Hire a certified travel agency.
• Have one day of acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
• Buy your entrance ticket in advance due to the demand for this destination.
• Carry a travel backpack with the most important materials.
• Have hydrating and energetic foods.
• Protect the skin with sunscreen.
• Wear a hat, light clothing or raincoat depending on the season of travel.
• Go early to the train station.