How to Get to Machu Picchu

If the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru is your destination, you’ll have to navigate through the mountainous terrain by train or on foot. How much money and time you want to spend are the key factors affecting which route you choose to get to Machu Picchu. However, the time of year and your fitness level should also be taken into consideration.

StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 2:Getting There by Train and Bus

1Take a train to Aguas Calientes, a small, touristy town at the base of Machu Picchu.XCatch a train in Cusco. This is a four-hour train ride. There are three train options operated by PeruRail:The Hiram Bingham is a luxury train with four-passenger cars that can accommodate 84 people, two dining cars, a kitchen car, and an observation car with lounge. The ticket includes brunch during the outbound ride, bus transport and entrance to Machu Picchu, a guided tour, and dinner on the return trip.The Vistadome is a less expensive option that offers windows in the domed roof. Passengers remain seated in leather seats but receive breakfast in the morning and tea in the afternoon.The Expedition is the least expensive train from Cusco. It has windows in a domed roof and cloth seats. A snack and beverage is served during the trip.Depart on a train from Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo has its own ruins to explore. From here you can reach Aguas Calientes in 3 hours or less. In addition, to the Vistadome and Expedition, you can take the more economical backpacker train from Ollantaytambo. It features cloth seats and offers refreshments for an additional fee.Get a seat at the river side for better views. Choose the left side of the train on the way to Aguas Calientes, and vice versa.

2Take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu. A 20- to 30-minute bus ride takes you the remaining 4 miles (6.4 km) up the cliffs to Machu Picchu.XMethod 2Method 2 of 2:Getting There by Foot

1Head up the Inca Trail on a 4-day hike and camping experience. The 28-mile route takes you through the Sacred Valley. During the trek, you will travel through the jungle, past villages, and enjoy spectacular views from elevations of around 10,000 feet (3,048.0 m). A decent fitness level is required to endure the long ascents and 6 or more hours of hiking each day. Most tours include a guide, a cook, meals, camping gear, and porters to carry it. See the Things You’ll Need section for items to bring.XThis needs to be scheduled several months in advance, as permits are limited and sell out very quickly.

2Combine a train ride with a 2-day hike on the Inca Trail. You will take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the Inca ruins at Chachabamba. The 6-hour hike includes a 4-hour ascent near Wiñay Wayna. A bus takes you to Aguas Calientes, where you stay the night in a hotel. You spend the next day exploring Machu Picchu, and then catch the Backpacker train to Cusco.