My first sight of Machu Picchu was from the famous Sun Gate. Exhausted from four days of trekking the Inca Trail, I felt hugely relieved to have made it to the ancient site as it lit up with the rising sun.
I had actually risen from my campsite well before sunrise, quickly downing a cup of coca tea to wake up, then beginning the final day of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I’ll admit – I wasn’t in the greatest mood. An early wake up call followed by an hour of hiking through the pitch black pre-dawn darkness was a rather abrupt way to start the day.
When I finally laid eyes on Machu Picchu, I felt emotional. I was tired from a lack of sleep and sore from the challenging hike, but that was not going to stop me from experiencing the sense of reward that comes with conquering the Inca Trail trek. It was a real treat to be finishing up the trek at such a special place.
I made my way down to the ancient ruins along with my tour group, and we slowed down to match the pace of the free-roaming llamas who were casually picking at the grass poking out between the walls of the stone rubble. We could finally relax. It was bliss to spend a few hours just wandering aimlessly, or sitting and admiring the view.
I can confirm that Machu Picchu is spectacular. Nestled between jagged mountain tops with wispy clouds drifting over the surrounding peaks, it really is one of those locations that has to be seen to be believed. This destination is so delightfully photogenic that it’s not at all surprising that travel companies all over the world use it’s image to sell their products.
I may have chosen the difficult option, but getting to Machu Picchu doesn’t have to involve a lengthy hike. There’s no road that will take you all way there, but the railway journey is a scenic one that can be booked independently or via a tour.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru and would like to know how to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco, here are my suggestions on the best ways to go about it!
Quick summary:
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco? Whether you travel independently by train, join a day tour, or hike the famous Inca Trail, this guide covers the best routes, tickets, treks, and places to stay.
Recommended tours & tickets:
🚆 Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco – Includes hotel pickup, train, bus, and a knowledgeable guide.
🥾 Classic 4-Day Inca Trail Trek – The most iconic way to arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
🎟️ Machu Picchu Entry Tickets – Book your chosen circuit in advance to secure your spot.
Where to stay:
🏨 Casa Andina Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) – Budget-friendly, convenient for the train station and bus.
🛏️ Sanctuary Lodge (on-site) – The only hotel next to the ruins. Very pricey, but you can’t beat the location.
C – Cusco
O – Ollantaytambo
A – Aguas Calientes
M – Machu Picchu
How to get to Machu Picchu:
Due to it’s remote location in the mountains, it’s actually not possible to drive to Machu Picchu. There is only one way in, and that’s by train, so every option that I’m about to list will include a rail journey.
This isn’t a bad thing, as the train ride itself is a highlight. Some services have carriages with wrap-around windows which give you views of the Andes, of rivers rushing by, and of lush valleys. I travelled one-way from Machu Picchu on the train, and I found it to be quite a comfortable and scenic journey (though it was fairly busy).
Visiting Machu Picchu on a day tour
If you’re wondering how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu without the fuss of organising transport, then it is possible to do a Machu Picchu day tour from Cusco. Just note that it will be a huge day, with most of your time spent getting to and from Machu Picchu.
🚆 If you’re really short on time in Cusco, then a guided Machu Picchu day tour tour may be a good option to squeeze into your itinerary.
A guided day tour to Machu Picchu will still use the train, but also includes hotel pick up in Cusco and have the added benefit of someone else organising all the transport and tickets for you. Plus, you’ll have an expert guide to give you insights into Machu Picchu’s history, architecture, and cultural significance when you get there.
Bus and train to Machu Picchu
The best way to visit Machu Picchu if you want to travel independently is by bus and train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This is a popular option for tourists visiting Peru.
Booking your Machu Picchu train tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high season (May to September), as seats can sell out. You can book tickets directly on the PeruRail or IncaRail websites.
Most tickets to Machu Picchu will include a bus departing from Cusco, which transfers to a train at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley (about 1.5-2 hours drive). From Ollantaytambo, trains run directly to Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu Station.
🚌 The train won’t take you any further than Aguas Calientes, so once you arrive, you can cover the final stretch with a 25-minute bus to Machu Picchu.
Alternatively, you can hike up the steep but rewarding trail if you’re feeling energetic when you get there, which takes about 1.5-2 hours one way.
When planning out your transport journey, be sure to choose a schedule that gives you enough time to explore Machu Picchu. Because the one-way journey from Cusco takes about 4-5 hours total, it’s probably a good idea to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and do your return trip the following day, or to split up the journey at Ollantaytambo in each direction.
Visiting Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail hike
This is the option that I went with for my visit to Machu Picchu, and while hiking the Inca Trail is not the easiest way to get there, it is probably the most rewarding. For those of you who are craving adventure, this unforgettable experience allows you to see some incredible natural scenery in the Andes and walk through other ancient ruin sites (which I thought were just as good as Macchu Picchu, if not even better!).
🥾 The classic 4-day Inca Trail Trek (which is what I did), finishes with a spectacular view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate then a few hours to explore the ruins at your leisure.
Alternative hikes to Machu Picchu
There are other Machu Picchu trek options. You could do a shortened 2 day/1 night Inca Trail trek which would be less intense yet still rewarding, the Salkantay Trek which is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, or the Lares Trek which offers a cultural experience through traditional Andean villages.
It is worth noting that you must book these hikes far in advance, as the Inca Trail is very popular and there are permit systems in place to control the flow of tourists. I recall meeting one person in Cusco who said that she had to book the Lares Trek instead of the Inca Trail because she left it too late to get a permit.
Machu Picchu tickets:
If you’ll be visiting Machu Picchu on a guided day tour or on a trek, then your tour booking might include your entry fees to Machu Picchu (double check your itinerary just to be sure). If you’ll be visiting independently by train and bus, you’ll probably need to pay for your entrance tickets separately.
It’s best to pre-purchase your Machu Picchu tickets ahead of time. You can book online via the official website or through another registered tour operator. If you’ll be purchasing train tickets, you may be able to add them on to your booking as an extra.
There are a few options for tickets, each based on a different ‘circuit’ or route that you will have access to on site. Some include short hikes, and some just include site entry to specific areas. It can be a bit confusing, so check out the maps provided on the booking sites to compare options and choose the best one for your trip.
If you want to access the Sun Gate which will allow you to complete a mini portion of the Inca Trail, choose the ‘1-C: Portada Intipunku Route’ circuit.
If you’d like to get the classic Machu Picchu postcard photo, choose an option that includes the Guardian’s Hut viewpoint (also known as the Upper Terraces or Plataforma Superior). This is included in all the ‘1’ circuits (1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D).
Where to stay in Macchu Picchu:
There is only one hotel, Sanctuary Lodge, which offers Macchu Picchu accommodation on the mountain next to the archeological site. It is very expensive. My parents actually stayed there when they visited Peru a few years after I did, and they did like it, but I certainly wouldn’t have bothered spending that much money to just stay on the mountain.
If you don’t want to blow your entire travel budget on one night of accommodation, stay down at the base of the mountain in Aguas Calientes.
🏨 A hotel near Machu Picchu Train Station, such as Casa Antina Machu Picchu, will be a super convenient and much more budget-friendly option.
Another option is to stay two nights at Ollantaytambo, as that would split the journey from Cusco into more manageable chunks. I stayed in this town on my way to the beginning of the Inca Trail, and I found it to be quite lovely.
If you go with this option, you may need to book a bus transfer to Ollantaytambo, then your train tickets from Ollantaytambo onwards to Macchu Picchu separately.
Tips for visiting Machu Picchu:
- Acclimatise in Cusco: Spend time getting used to the altitude before heading to Machu Picchu. It took us a few days to get over the headache that comes with a drastic change in altitude. Prepare for a few days of discomfort.
- Bring your passport: It’s required for entry.
- Dress appropriately: Lightweight layers, a rain jacket, and comfortable shoes would be a sensible choice.
- Plan for all weather: The weather can change quickly, so be prepared for sun, rain, and mist. Sun protection is particularly necessary at high altitudes so don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated. Take a daypack with your water bottle and some snacks. The exposed mountain tops can be dry, and it’s easy to become exhausted in at high altitude. Some trail mix or granola bars might help keep your energy levels up.
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