How to get to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, 2019
There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu. Each way is great in its own way. Whether you take the train or hike, you will have beautiful views and an amazing experience.
Most routes or tours to Machu Picchu will start in Cusco. I recommend flying into Cusco if your trip revolves mostly around Machu Picchu. If you plan on traveling around in Peru, you can always land in Lima (like I did) and make your way to Cusco by plane (1 hour 30 minutes) or by bus.
Once you make it to Cusco, I recommend spending a few days here. There are so many beautiful places to see and day trips to do.
Choosing the Best Option for you!
For Adventure Seekers: The Inca Trail (either 4 days or 2 days), Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek.
For Comfort & Scenic Views: Train to Aguas Calientes.
For Budget Travelers or Longer Treks: Hydroelectric Route or alternative treks like Choquequirao. (I choose this option)
Here's a breakdown of the main routes:
1.Classic Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights)
A famous, guided trek along the ancient Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu. You will hike through beautiful landscapes, ancient Incan ruins, and diverse ecosystems. You’ll reach Machu Picchu on the final day of the trek.
It is a moderate to difficult hike and requires a good level of fitness.
I recommend booking these months in advance because they do sell out, and I believe some permits are required + Machu Picchu tickets.
Best For: Those looking for a true adventure and a deeper connection with the history of the Inca civilization.
2. Inca Trail (2 Days / 1 Night)
This is a shorter version of the Classic Inca Trail, with a 2-day trek that takes you through a smaller section of the Inca Trail. You'll still get to experience the beauty and history of the Inca Trail but in a shorter time.
This is considered easier than the 4-day Inca trek, but it is still considered moderate in difficulty and requires a good level of fitness.
Best For: Those who don’t have the time for the full trek but still want to experience a portion of the famous Inca Trail.
3. Salkantay Trek (5 Days / 4 Nights)
It’s a stunning alternative to the Inca Trail; the Salkantay Trek takes you through beautiful mountain landscapes, cloud forests, and historic Incan sites. You'll trek through different terrain, including high-altitude mountain passes and waterfalls. It ends in Aguas Calientes, from where you'll take a bus to Machu Picchu.
It’s considered a moderate to difficult trek, mostly because of some high-altitude sections.
Best For: Adventurers who want to experience a quieter and less crowded trek while seeing incredible landscapes.
Tips for high altitude:
1) I recommend, from other hikes I’ve done at high altitude, to drink Coca tea. This helped a lot. Most tours will most likely offer some. It is very popular in Peru.
2) Take it slow!! especially if you’re going from low altitude to high altitude quite quickly, by bus for example. I had a friend lose consciousness because she didn’t take it slow. Don’t worry; it lasted less than 5 seconds and she was back to normal after. Also, your tour guides will most of the time have an oxygen supply if you need it.
4. Lares Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)
This trek is less popular, but it’s also less crowded than the Inca Trail and offers a more intimate experience with local communities. It is a cultural trek through the Lares Valley, where you’ll pass through traditional Andean villages and stunning scenery. This trek offers a mix of Inca history, local culture, and natural beauty.
It is moderately difficult.
Best For: Those who want a cultural experience with beautiful landscapes but without the difficulty of the higher-altitude treks.
5. Machu Picchu by Train
A scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo/Poroy to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride to the Machu Picchu entrance. A comfortable and leisurely way to reach Machu Picchu. The train ride is scenic and offers stunning views of the Andean mountains and the Urubamba River. This is one of the pricier options but definitely worth it.
They’re two different train options:
PeruRail (offers several classes including Vistadome, Expedition, and Hiram Bingham)
Inca Rail (variety of classes, including premium services)
Best For: Those who prefer not to trek but still want to experience the beauty of the journey. It’s ideal for people with limited time or physical limitations.
6. Hydroelectric Route
This is what I did!!
You can take a bus or car to the Hydroelectric Station (near the town of Santa Teresa), then walk for 2-3 hours along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. This is a more budget-friendly option and offers a unique, more remote trek. It’s not as well-known as other routes but still offers great views of the river and jungle. The train even passes occasionally.
Walking along the tracks requires good shoes, and the trek is long (around 2 to 3 hours). This is considered moderate in difficulty.
Best For: Budget travelers and those who don’t mind a less conventional route to Machu Picchu.
7. Alternative Treks (Choquequirao, Vilcabamba)
These are longer and more remote treks to other Inca sites like Choquequirao and Vilcabamba. After visiting these sites, you’ll head to Machu Picchu. These routes are far less crowded and offer a more secluded trek through remote Inca history. They’re often combined with a visit to Machu Picchu and are difficult. These treks are long and challenging.
Best For: Experienced trekkers looking for a real adventure and less touristic paths.
8. Machu Picchu by Car and Bus
A less common but possible route is where you drive to Santa Teresa and then take a bus or walk to Aguas Calientes. It’s a more off-the-beaten-path route, but it’s longer and less scenic than the train or traditional treks. It is moderate in difficulty (depends on the road conditions and trekking sections).
Best For: Travelers on a budget or those looking for a more alternative route.
