How to Get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
The Inca city is one of the wonders of the world and one of the most visited places in Peru. We know that many tourists wonder about the available options to get there, so in this article, we will tell you how to travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco. This way, you can make the best decision before starting your journey and, upon arrival, enjoy every second of this magnetic place.
What Are the Options to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
There are several ways to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco, ranging from traveling independently to joining a tour. Below, we will list them so you can learn about all the available options.
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Traveling Independently
If we decide to go to Machu Picchu on our own, we must consider the following route. First, we need to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. If we are traveling independently, we can take public transportation, which takes approximately 2 hours and mostly departs from the historic center of the city.
Once we arrive in Ollantaytambo, we will need to reach Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. To get there, we will take a train journey that lasts approximately an hour and a half.
When we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we must take a minibus that will take us to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Tickets for this minibus can be purchased at the Consettur company’s sales office in Aguas Calientes or online in advance.
When buying the tickets, we will be required to present our Machu Picchu entrance ticket, as this determines the transportation schedule that corresponds to our entry time into the site.
Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, we will be required to hire an official guide at the entrance to tour the site, as entry without a guide is not allowed.
One very important factor to consider if we decide to make this trip independently is that both the Machu Picchu entrance tickets and the train tickets to Aguas Calientes must be purchased several weeks in advance, especially during the high season (April to October).
Both can be purchased online. Machu Picchu entrance tickets can be obtained through the Ministry of Culture’s website, and train tickets can be purchased from the respective websites of Inca Rail and Peru Rail.
It is recommended to book Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance, as the site has a limited capacity, and when purchasing, we must select a specific entry time and the circuit we wish to follow. There are five different circuit options to choose from, which can also be reviewed on the Ministry of Culture’s website.
Once we have purchased our entrance tickets, we must print them, as they will be required at the access gate to Machu Picchu.
An interesting option if we decide to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu independently is to spend a night in Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes before visiting the archaeological site. These towns offer accommodation options, and staying overnight allows us to explore and experience these charming places.
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Taking a One-Day Tour
If you are wondering about another way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, we must mention the option of booking a tour that takes you there without complications.
This is a very popular choice among tourists, as it allows you to relax and enjoy the journey without having to worry about getting entrance tickets or transportation. With a tour, you can complete the entire trip in just one day.
Of course, at Guru Explorers, we offer the Machu Picchu Tour by Train in 1 Day, where we take care of everything so you can fully enjoy this incredible trip.
This tour includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets as well as transportation tickets. A professional guide will accompany you throughout the journey, and upon arrival at the Inca citadel, they will lead you through the site, explaining its history and all the key points to visit, such as the temples, fountains, agricultural terraces, and various architectural spaces.
Additionally, on the way back to Aguas Calientes, you will have time to enjoy lunch, explore this charming town, and optionally relax in its hot springs to end your excursion in the best way possible.
Afterward, of course, our transportation will take you back to Cusco.
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Hiking Through the Salkantay Trek
If you love trekking and want to know how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu, we must mention an ideal option for the most adventurous travelers: reaching the Inca city via a hike through the imposing Salkantay mountain.
To complete this journey without issues, it is best to go with a guided tour that allows you to simply enjoy the trek and the spectacular landscapes along the way.
For this, you should know that at Guru Explorers, we offer the Salkantay + Machu Picchu Trek 4 Days, a four-day, three-night tour that takes you through the incredible trails of the Peruvian Andes on foot.
On this tour, our transportation will first take you to the Soraypampa community, where you will begin your hike toward Humantay Lagoon, a spectacular green-water lake formed by the melting glaciers of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains. Afterward, you will have lunch in Soraypampa and spend the night there.
On the second day, you will pass through Salkantay, ascending to the highest point of the trek—an ideal spot to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
Then, the descent begins toward Chawllay, where you will spend the second night.
On the third day, you will hike to Lucmabamba, a beautiful area where you can learn about the local traditions, purchase products directly from the villagers' harvests, and even enjoy rejuvenating hot springs.
After lunch, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes, where you will have dinner and stay overnight in a hotel.
On the last day of the excursion, a tourist bus will take you to the iconic Machu Picchu, where our guide will show you the most important highlights of this magnificent archaeological site.
Once the guided tour is finished, you will have free time to explore this Wonder of the World at your own pace before returning to Aguas Calientes. There, you can stroll around the picturesque town before heading back to Cusco.
One particularly exciting feature of this tour is that it includes a professional mountain chef, who will prepare your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, making this adventure even more unforgettable.
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Taking the Inca Trail
When tourists wonder how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, this is one of the most popular options.
The Inca Trail is a highly renowned route that has gained immense popularity over the years and is considered one of the best hikes in South America.
This 43-kilometer journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, offering an experience that feels like traveling back in time, where you will visit archaeological sites and walk along the same path the Incas used centuries ago to reach the citadel.
Without a doubt, it is an unmissable adventure tourism experience to reach the magnificent city of Machu Picchu.
If you choose this route to reach the Inca empire, you should know that Guru Explorers offers the Inca Trail Tour of 4 Days, which will take you on this spectacular trekking route.
The journey begins when a guide picks you up to head toward Piscacucho, a community located in the Sacred Valley, where the hike along the Inca Trail begins.
After two hours of hiking, you will arrive at the archaeological complex of Patallacta, where you can admire its fascinating agricultural terraces and the majestic Wakaywillque snow-capped mountain, standing 5,900 meters above sea level.
The trek continues to Tarachayoq, where you will have lunch prepared by the chef included in the tour.
Later, you will arrive at the Wayllabamba community, where the first campsite will be set up.
The next day, a considerable ascent begins along a forested trail where the region’s flora and fauna take center stage. You will reach the highest point of the Inca Trail, at 4,224 meters above sea level. The panoramic view of valleys and mountains from this point is truly breathtaking.
Then, you will descend to the lunch site before continuing to Pacaymayo, where the second campsite will be set up.
On the third day, you will ascend to Runkurakay, the remains of an astrological site and possibly a checkpoint for the messengers who traveled the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The next archaeological site along the way is Sayacmarca. After that, you will visit Phuyupatamarca, which boasts fascinating Incan architecture. At the end of this day, you will reach the archaeological complex of Wiñay Wayna.
On the final hiking day, you will arrive at the Sun Gate, where you will witness a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. After another stretch of trekking, you will enter the Inca city and take a guided tour through its most significant landmarks.
Once the guided tour is completed, you will have free time to explore the citadel on your own. Later, after lunch, you will begin the journey back to Cusco.
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Taking the "Hydroelectric Route"
Another way to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by taking the "Hydroelectric Route."
This route is often chosen by adventurous travelers or by tourists who forgot to book train tickets in advance.
It is a self-guided journey that takes more time than the usual routes but is also the most economical option to reach Machu Picchu.
If you decide to take this path, the journey involves the following steps:
First, you will take a bus from Cusco to Santa Teresa, a journey that takes approximately 6 hours.
Next, after a 30-minute trip, you will reach the Hidroelectrica Station.
From there, you need to travel to Aguas Calientes, which can be done in two ways:
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By train (a 45-minute ride operated by Peru Rail) that passes through charming cloud forest landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu.
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On foot, with a 2 to 3-hour hike along a trail parallel to the train tracks and the Vilcanota River, offering stunning views of mountains and streams.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you will need to reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, which can be done in two ways:
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By minibus (a 30-minute ride).
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On foot, with an approximately 2-hour uphill hike.
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are various ways to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu, catering to all preferences and needs.
There are classic options and more adventurous ones, as well as guided tours and self-guided routes.
Choosing the best way to reach the Inca city is a personal decision, and here you can explore all the Machu Picchu tours we offer at Guru Explorers.
Regardless of the route you choose, one thing is certain—don’t miss the chance to visit this incredible destination!