Introduction — Getting to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located in a remote mountain valley on the eastern slopes of the Andes, perched at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. There is no road leading directly to the citadel — you cannot simply drive there. Every visitor must pass through the small gateway town of Aguas Calientes (officially known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), which sits in the valley below the ruins along the Urubamba River.

From Aguas Calientes, it’s a 25-minute bus ride or a 1.5-hour hike up a steep switchback road to the citadel entrance. The real question — and the focus of this guide — is how you get to Aguas Calientes in the first place. There are several options for getting to Machu Picchu, ranging from a scenic train ride to multi-day treks through the Andes to a budget-friendly walk along the railway tracks. Each route offers a different experience, and this guide explains them all so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Quick Overview of All Routes

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of every route for getting to Machu Picchu:

By Train — The Most Popular Way of Getting to Machu Picchu

The train is the most common and convenient option for reaching the citadel. Two companies operate the route: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both run multiple daily departures and offer a range of service classes from standard to ultra-luxury.

Train Routes

There are two main departure points:

• Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes: The most popular route, taking approximately 1.5–2 hours. Ollantaytambo is in the Sacred Valley, about 1.5 hours by road from Cusco. Most tours use this route.
• Cusco (Poroy station) → Aguas Calientes: A longer scenic journey of approximately 3.5–4 hours, departing from a station about 20 minutes outside Cusco city center. Fewer daily departures and seasonal availability.

Train Service Classes

For a detailed breakdown of every train option, schedules, and tips, see our complete guide: Train Tickets to Machu Picchu.

By Trekking the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America and the only route that arrives at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — the same entrance used by the Incas centuries ago. It is widely considered the most dramatic and rewarding way to approach the citadel.

Classic Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights)

The classic trek covers approximately 43 kilometers (26 miles) through diverse landscapes — from high Andean passes above 4,200 meters to subtropical cloud forest. You’ll pass through dozens of Inca archaeological sites along the way, arriving at Machu Picchu at dawn on the final day. This trek requires a government-issued permit and must be done with a licensed tour operator. Only 500 permits are issued per day (including guides and porters), so availability is limited.

Short Inca Trail (2 Days / 1 Night)

The 2-day version starts at KM 104 along the railway and covers approximately 12 kilometers. It’s a moderate hike that still brings you through the Sun Gate and includes key archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna. This option also requires a permit and a licensed operator, but permits are generally easier to secure than for the 4-day trek.

For everything you need to know about training, packing, and what to expect on the trail, see our complete guide: Guide to Hiking the Inca Trail.

Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu

If the Inca Trail is sold out or you’re looking for a different experience, several alternative treks offer equally stunning scenery and unique cultural encounters. None of these require Inca Trail permits, though they do end with a train ride from the Hydroelectric area or a nearby station to Aguas Calientes.

Salkantay Trek (5 Days / 4 Nights)

The Salkantay Trek is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail. The route passes beneath the towering Salkantay peak (6,271m / 20,574 ft), crossing the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters through dramatic mountain scenery that transitions from glacial highlands to lush tropical forest. No government permit is required, making it an excellent option when Inca Trail permits are sold out. The trek ends with a train from the Hydroelectric area to Aguas Calientes.

Lares Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)

The Lares Trek is a culturally immersive experience that passes through remote Andean villages where Quechua-speaking communities maintain traditional ways of life. You’ll encounter weavers, shepherds, and farmers along trails that wind through high mountain valleys. The route includes natural hot springs at Lares and finishes with a train to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo.

Inca Jungle Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)

The Inca Jungle Trek is a multi-sport adventure that combines downhill mountain biking from the Abra Malaga pass (4,350m), white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, optional zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy, and hiking through subtropical jungle trails. It’s the most adrenaline-filled route to the citadel and ideal for travelers who want more than just hiking.

Choquequirao Trek (8–9 Days)

Choquequirao is sometimes called the “sister city” of Machu Picchu — a massive Inca complex perched on a mountain ridge that receives only a fraction of the visitors. The trek to Choquequirao alone takes 4–5 days, and an optional extension continues onward to Machu Picchu for a total of 8–9 days. This is the most remote and physically demanding option, but the solitude and scale of the ruins are unmatched.

The Budget Route: Hydroelectric

The Hydroelectric route is the cheapest way to reach the citadel, popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The journey involves a long drive from Cusco followed by a walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.

How It Works

1. Cusco to Santa Teresa by minivan: Approximately 6 hours on a winding mountain road through the Sacred Valley and over a high pass. Shared minivans depart daily from Cusco and cost around $15–$25 USD.
2. Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric station: A short 30-minute drive to the Hydroelectric station, the end of the road.
3. Walk from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes: A flat 10-kilometer walk along the train tracks, taking approximately 2.5 hours. The path follows the Urubamba River with views of the surrounding mountains.

The total cost for this route is typically $20–$40 USD for transport, compared to $60–$150+ for the train. However, the trade-off is a very long travel day (8–10 hours) and the walk along active railway tracks.

From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

No matter which route you take to reach Aguas Calientes, the final leg of the journey up to the citadel is the same. You have two options:

Bus (Recommended)

Shuttle buses operated by Consettur run continuously from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance gate. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes up a steep switchback road (the Hiram Bingham Highway). Buses depart every 10–15 minutes starting at 5:30 AM, and the last bus returns in the late afternoon. Tickets cost approximately $12 USD each way ($24 round trip) for foreign visitors and can be purchased at the bus station in Aguas Calientes or online in advance.

Walk

A steep trail of stone steps runs alongside the bus road from Aguas Calientes to the citadel entrance. The hike takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your fitness level and is a strenuous climb of roughly 400 vertical meters (1,300 feet). It’s free, starts from the town center, and is a rewarding challenge for fit hikers — but be prepared for a serious workout at altitude.

From Lima to Cusco

Before you can start the journey to Machu Picchu, you first need to get to Cusco — the main staging city for all routes to the citadel. Here are your options from Lima:

Fly (Recommended)

Flying from Lima to Cusco is by far the best option. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with multiple daily departures on several airlines:

• LATAM Airlines — Peru’s largest carrier, most frequent departures
• Sky Airline — Low-cost carrier with competitive fares
• JetSmart — Ultra-low-cost option
• Viva Air — Budget-friendly alternative

Prices typically range from $50–$150 USD each way depending on the airline, season, and how far in advance you book. Early morning flights offer the best chance of clear views of the Andes from the window.

Bus

Long-distance buses connect Lima and Cusco on a journey of approximately 20–22 hours through the Peruvian highlands. Premium bus companies like Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offer fully reclining seats (cama and semi-cama classes), onboard meals, and entertainment. Tickets range from $30–$80 USD depending on the class. While the scenery is impressive, the journey is extremely long and the time saved by flying is almost always worth the price difference.

Recommended Itinerary

If you’re planning your own trip, here’s a sample itinerary that allows for proper acclimatization and a comfortable pace: