How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Welcome to our guide on how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is often the reason many travelers visit South America (let alone just Peru). And having been here ourselves, the photos are nothing compared to when you actually summit these ruins in person.
In this guide we’ll discuss the various ways you can get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, as well as how safe the site is. We’ll also mention our own top hiking tips for when you make the journey yourself.
Machu Picchu Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Southern Peru
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting there: Moderate/Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 2+ Days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: September/October, March/April
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Our Quick Answer: There are many ways, however the most popular is by walking along the train-track to Aguascalientes. This is the best option for those who are short on time.
Where is Machu Picchu?
Although you’d think Machu Picchu is deep within the freezing Andean mountains, it’s actually located closer to the Amazon jungle basin.
As a result the climate here is warmer than that of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, meaning you won’t need to layer up so much.
Once in Peru you’ll first need to head to Cusco to reach Machu Picchu, which is roughly 66 km away. There are many daily flights from Lima that you can take, and those in nearby Arequipa, Puno or Nazca can easily take the bus.
Is Machu Picchu safe?
Machu Picchu is a pretty safe place. The site is heavily patrolled by both security and park rangers, and even the hike along the train-track is safe to walk alone.
Once at the site you’ll need to follow the guidelines which are there to help you stay safe. We have written some tips on Machu Picchu safety tips so please read them first.
One other (and very important) thing to keep in mind, is the altitude. Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2430m, which may be difficult for some when hiking up. It’s best to take frequent breaks and drink lots of water.
Even better is to spend time in Cusco before (3399m) which will help your body to adjust. You can read more in our in-depth guide about preparing for high altitude hikes.
Where to catch the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
The train to Machu Picchu is a really popular way of getting there, where you’ll pass by lots of stunning mountainous scenery and villages along the way.
There are several stops along the Sacred Valley which you can board on, including Poroy, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. The last stop on the train ride is the town of Aguascalientes, which is just a short hike away from the ruins of Machu Picchu.
How long does the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu take?
If starting from the first stop of Poroy (which is just a 30 minute ride from Cusco), then the train will take roughly 3 hours to reach Aguascalientes.
It’s definitely the quickest option of them all, and during the ride you can relax in the luxurious seats as you take in the natural scenery.
If you’re still unsure about going, then you can read more about whether Machu Picchu is worth visiting to see some of our justifications for embarking on this mammoth trek.
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Machu Picchu from Cusco
There are also some incredible hiking experiences to reach Machu Picchu, which is better for the adventurists out there. Below we’ll cover your main options.
How to Hike to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is the most famous of the three, and the actual route and experience itself is often said to be more memorable than the actual ruins of Machu Picchu itself.
Most routes take around 4 days to arrive, which is necessary given the high altitudes you’ll be hiking through (it’s not something you can rush).
We recommend this highly-rated Inca Trail Tour, where you’ll have all hiking equipment, food and hotel pick-up and drop-off included. The most impressive thing is the stunning scenery you’ll explore along the way, which ranges from snow-capped mountains to alpine lakes.
Here you’ll literally be walking the same path that the ancient Inca used to on their way through the mountains, which only adds to the surreal nature of it all. You’ll also visit many other ancient ruins on the route, including those of Sayacmarcs, Patallacta and Runkurakay.
How to Hike to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trek
Whilst the Inca trail is best for those who love remnants of past civilisations, the Salkantay Trek is by far the best option for those who want to get into the real wilderness on their way to Machu Picchu.
Starting from Cusco we’ll visit a number of well-known sites including those of Laguna Humanatay and also Salkantay Mountain.
During your hikes through the remote landscapes you’ll see lots of wildlife such as Taruca and Coatis roaming freely, and even otters in the rivers too. You’ll reach Machu Picchu early on the fifth day, where you can enjoy the site when it’s at its most peaceful.
This 5 Day Salkantay Tour is one of the best options out there, which includes all meals, hiking equipment, accommodation as well as a stay in a 3-star hotel during your final evening in Aguascalientes. The Salkantay Trek is definitely the hardest of the three, so you’ll want to make sure you’re in good shape before embarking on this route.
How to hike to Machu Picchu on the Inca Jungle Trek
Lastly we have perhaps the least known route of the three, however it is a great one for those looking to spend more time hiking through lush rainforest. This multi-day tour lasts three days, and is relatively relaxed.
Here we’ll depart from Cusco and begin exploring the Sacred Valley region, where we’ll get to raft down the Urubamba river.
There’s also a stop at an indigenous village in the mountains too, where you can visit fruit plantations and also try various chocolates and other local snacks.
Out of the three hikes this one is the least demanding, so would be best for those who are rushed or have difficulty hiking in altitude.
Machu Picchu from Cusco Travel Tips
Now we’ll share some of our best tips that we’ve picked up when hiking through Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu.
- Spend 2 Days in Cusco Prior – Unfortunately altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of their fitness level. However it’s been proven that 48 hours is sufficient for your body to adjust, and will make any hikes easier than if you jumped straight in on your first day.
- Buy Coca Leaves – This handy tool has been used for thousands of years by locals. Upon consumption (either chewing or drinking in a tea) they help your system to absorb oxygen more readily, which is usually more difficult in these higher altitudes. Another good option is taking Soroche Pills, which can be bought in any InkaFarma in town.
- Try to Book in Advance – Although Machu Picchu is always being snapped by travellers, it’s actually surprising how often certain times can be sold out. Be sure to book your own entrance ticket (in advance), or you may miss out. This is even more important for the Inca Trail, as there’s limited spaces allowed on the mountain on any one day.
- Head on the Shoulder Seasons – Nobody likes places that are overfilled with tourists, however certain times of the year (such as the summer) can be pretty intense. It’s best to hike Machu Picchu either in September, October, March or April which are more relaxed. Even better is that the weather will be perfect too during these months.
- Use High Quality Boots – Your feet will be your best friend here, and will make the difference between a jolly memorable hike or multiple days through hell. We recommend these solid hiking boots for men, and these solid hiking boots for women. Trust us when we say it will be one of the best investments you make when hiking through Peru and the rest of Latin America.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
And that’s all for our guide on how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
Machu Picchu is a truly incredible sight to visit, however the actual adventure in getting there is just as memorable.
In this article we’ve covered three different ways of getting there, with each offering something slightly different. We’ve also covered some top hiking tips that will help to enhance your own experience when here.
Be sure to read our article on Hiking Machu Picchu for more advice.
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