How to get to Machu Picchu
Did you know there are different ways to get to Machu Picchu?
How can I get to Machu Picchu?
How to get to Machu Picchu on foot: The most common options for reaching Machu Picchu are treks. The main routes are:
Inca Trail: The Inca Trail hike generally begins at kilometer 82, near the town of Ollantaytambo. The route will take you through beautiful landscapes, archaeological sites, and varying altitudes.
Salkantay Trek: The Salkantay Trek generally begins in Mollepata and passes through Soraypampa, where you can see the snow-capped Salkantay mountain.
Alternative Route – By car to Machu Picchu (Cusco – Hydroelectric Plant – Cusco)
The bus trip to Machu Picchu begins in the city of Cusco, heading towards Ollantaytambo, the first stop where you can have breakfast for 10-15 minutes. We will arrive at Hydroelectric Plant around 1:00 pm, after which you can hike to Aguas Calientes.
2. How to get to Machu Picchu by train or bus: The train journey is one of the most relaxing and fascinating routes you can take in Peru, as you will see landscapes typical of the highlands and cloud forest. For this reason, the trains have large windows so that passengers can enjoy the scenery. Passengers can enjoy the incredible landscapes without leaving the train. Traveling by train to Machu Picchu is the most recommended option. There are several tour options available, including:
Machu Picchu by Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo)
Machu Picchu by Vistadome Train – 1 Day
Machu Picchu by Train + Huayna Picchu (1 Day)
Machu Picchu by Train (2 days/1 night)
Machu Picchu by Train + Huayna Picchu (2 days/1 night)
How can I visit the Sacred Valley with a connection to Machu Picchu?
If possible, this is a special trip for people with limited time in Cusco who want to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and witness the sunrise at the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu the following day.
Can you visit Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain in one day?
Yes, you can visit both mountains in a single day. The ideal ticket is Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu, designed to give visitors enough time to explore both mountains in one day.
What is the best circuit to explore at Machu Picchu?
The best options for experiencing Machu Picchu are Circuits 1 and 2. Circuit 1 is recommended because it includes the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. Circuit 2 includes visits to the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the reflecting pools, and other important sites.
How high above sea level is the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu?
Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu, is located at an altitude of 2,040 meters above sea level.
What can I do in Aguas Calientes? What can I see in Aguas Calientes?
In Aguas Calientes, you can visit several places, including:
Enjoying the hot springs. There are several pools of thermal water that you can access. These hot springs have properties that can cure various ailments, such as rheumatism.
Buying handicrafts. In the town of Aguas Calientes, there is also a handicrafts market, located next to the train station. This is a great place to buy souvenirs of your trip, such as textiles, jewelry, masks, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and other interesting items.
Visit the Mandor Gardens in Aguas Calientes, which boasts an impressive flower garden and butterfly garden. This reserve is brimming with lush vegetation.
What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. June, July, and August are usually the busiest months, with the largest crowds. However, visiting between April and May or September and October can offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
What should I bring to visit Machu Picchu?
For your visit to Machu Picchu, it’s essential to know what to bring to fully enjoy this wonder. It’s important to bring:
- Appropriate clothing
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Comfortable and sturdy shoes
- Energy snacks
- Identification documents
- Small backpack
- Eco-friendly walking sticks (only for the hike to Machu Picchu)
- Cash
- Comfortable shoes
- Appropriate clothing
- Water and snacks
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medication
- Cash
What shouldn’t I bring to visit Machu Picchu?
During your visit to Machu Picchu, the following are prohibited:
- Backpacks, bags, or purses larger than 40 x 31 x 20 cm
- Food
- Entering with any illegal substances or under their influence
- Entering with any type of alcoholic beverage
- Carrying walking sticks, umbrellas, parasols, or tripods
- Entering with animals
- Feeding domestic or wild animals
- Entering with any type of aerosol spray
- Creating any type of graffiti
- Entering with any type of musical instrument, megaphone, or speakers
- Making loud or disruptive noises such as clapping, shouting, whistling, or singing, among others
- Using virtual reality apps on cell phones or mobile devices in narrow streets
- Entering with high heels or hard-soled shoes
- Entering with strollers
- Entering with sharp objects and/or weapons of any kind.
- Entering with banners, posters, signs, clothing intended for advertising purposes, costumes, or other similar items. Filming or taking photographs for advertising purposes.
- Causing a disturbance, jumping, lying down, running, undressing, or creating disorder.
- Climbing or leaning on the walls and/or structures. Touching, moving, or removing stone elements.
- Disturbing, collecting, or removing flora or fauna.
- Smoking, vaping, or making any type of fire.
- Littering.
- Not respecting the established circuits and routes.
- Street vending in the monument and surrounding areas up to the Ruins Bridge.
- Conducting overflights with paragliders, drones, or any type of small aircraft.
Can drones be brought to Machu Picchu?
Drones are prohibited within Machu Picchu.
What payment methods are accepted at Machu Picchu?
The payment methods usually accepted in Machu Picchu are: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, and PAYPAL.
What is Aguas Calientes?
Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu, is a town located in the Urubamba River Valley in the Cusco region of Peru.
Important features of Aguas Calientes:
Access to Machu Picchu
Hot springs
Accommodation and tourist services
Peru Rail and Inca Rail terminal station
Handicraft market
Is the route to Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica dangerous?
The first thing you should do is take a bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica. You can book through a travel agency, which is highly recommended. There are also private buses from Cusco to Santa Teresa and Santa Maria, but the best option is to go directly to Hidroeléctrica.
But if you plan to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs along the way, then you can opt for a direct transfer to Santa Teresa.
The trip from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica takes approximately 6 hours, and the price varies depending on the season. The journey is tiring and somewhat dangerous during the rainy season, as there is a lot of fog along the way.
Access to Machu Picchu is as follows:
DAY 1: Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Departure Time: 6:20 to 6:30 am
Travel time by car: Approximately 7 hours. 85% of the road is paved, and 15% is unpaved.
The bus makes two 15-minute stops in Ollantaytambo for restroom use and to pick up passengers who booked the service in this area.
Hiking Distance: 11 kilometers. Accommodation: Fits 2 people (double or matrimonial room). Single room is an additional USD 15.00. Note: Dinner is a typical dish. Hiking Time: 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours. Difficulty: Easy, 10 minutes of uphill, the rest is flat.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
DAY 2: Machu Picchu – Hydroelectric Plant – Cusco Departure: 4:30 am
Hiking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Hiking Difficulty: Moderate.
Guided Tour: 2 hours.
Altitude of the Machu Picchu Citadel: 2,430 meters above sea level
Hydroelectric Plant: 1:30 pm to 1:45 pm at the latest. Departure from the Hydroelectric Plant to Cusco: 2:00 pm
How can I buy tickets to Machu Picchu?
To buy tickets to Machu Picchu, you need to follow these recommendations:
Choose the date and time you want:
This will help you check availability for your desired date.
Select an authorized agency:
If you decide to hike the Inca Trail, you must secure your entry with an authorized agency, as the Inca Trail hike requires a guide and a specialized permit.
Buy online
The most common way is to buy Machu Picchu tickets through the official platform of the Ministry of Culture: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ or use authorized online agencies.
Plan your visit in advance as tickets to Machu Picchu usually sell out during the most popular morning times.
