Traveling to Peru: Ways to Get to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Peru, 2017 , Photo by Margareth Martin
Is visiting Machu Picchu in Peru on the top of your bucket list? If you’re reading this, it must be. Machu Picchu was voted to be one of the new seven wonders of the world, so it’s no surprise that this iconic archeological site is visited by over 1 million people a year.
Machu Picchu, Peru, 2017, Photo by Margareth Martin
Machu Picchu, Peru, 2017, Photo by Margareth Martin
To help you get to Machu Picchu, I’ve put together the most classic ways to travel below.
Go Trekking
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, 2017, Photo by Margareth Martin
Love the great outdoors? Then hiking to Machu Picchu is the way to go. Thousands of people from around the world choose to walk along the Inca Trail or other alternative routes such as the Salkantay Trail. Here’s a link to Machu Picchu Trek, where you’ll find a list of possible hikes to Machu Picchu.
Trekking is a great way to experience Peru’s magnificent mountain ranges, lively forest, and rich culture. But don’t think for a second that these trails will be an easy walk in the park. The Andes mountains in Salkantay rises up to 15,000 ft. – so you’ll definitely want to get in shape before heading out to one of these trails.
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, 2017, Photo by Margareth Martin
I decided to book a guided tour with G Adventures, and I had an incredible experience. What I most loved about trekking to Machu Picchu with them was everything was organized and planned to the T! It was a relief to not have to worry about booking train, bus or entrance tickets.
If you're interested in hiking the Salkantay trek, browse through the pictures I've taken in my journey here, "Breathtaking Photos That Will Make You Want to Hike the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu."
Travel by Train
Trains to Machu Picchu, Peru Rail, 2017, Photo by Margareth Martin
Not an avid hiker? Don’t fret! There are other ways to get to the magnificent Incan citadel. You can hop on a train in Poroy, which is the nearest train station in Cusco or you can catch a different train in Ollantaytambo. The trains will then take you to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as “Aguas Calientes.”
Quick tip: Traffic is pretty bad in Peru. Give yourself at least an hour to travel by taxi to avoid missing your train. For more Peru travel tips, read " 9 Things You'll Wish You Knew Before Visiting Peru."
Train to Machu Picchu, Peru Rail, 2017, Photo by Margareth Martin
Tickets are sold in a myriad of places: Cusco, Aguas Calientes and online. Be sure to book your train tickets as soon as possible as there are limited spaces available. There are three train companies you can choose from, PeruRail, Inca Rail and Belmond Hiram Bingham train.
Quick tip: If you’re not a part of an organized tour, you must first book your train tickets. Then follow it with your plane tickets, tour guide for Machu Picchu, hotels and other tours.
Travel by Bus
Machu Picchu, Peru, 2017, Photo by Margareth Martin
Unless you plan on hiking to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes or the other alternative hikes, you will need to take the bus there. It’s important to purchase your bus tickets as soon as you arrive in Peru. Buses are first come first serve system and tickets tend to sell out fast.
Below are places in Aguas Calientes, where you can purchase bus tickets to Machu Picchu:
Bus stop – Av. Hermanos Ayar
Wanchaq - Av. Infancia 344
Interbank Bank – Av. El Sol 380
If you’re planning on hiking up to Machu Picchu and taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes, you should then purchase a bus ticket at a box office near the Machu Picchu entrance.
Quick tip: Purchasing tickets online is known to be tricky and difficult. Consettur is one of the few Peruvian websites you can buy your bus tickets, and they only accept “verified by visa” credit cards. For more Peru travel tips, read " 9 Things You'll Wish You Knew Before Visiting Peru."
Out of these three choices, which route are you going to take?! Feel free to share your answers in the comment section. I’d love to hear from you!
And if you have traveled to Machu Picchu before, please share your experiences below to help our fellow adventurers reach one of the most beautiful destinations in South America.
For more Peru travel tips, read " 9 Things You'll Wish You Knew Before Visiting Peru."
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Welcome! My name is Margareth, and I'm a 25-year-old travel and lifestyle blogger from Las Vegas.
If you’re looking for mind-blowing escapes, money-saving tips, local city guides, or vacation outfit ideas, you’re in the right place.
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Experience the sheer beauty of nature and browse through the pictures I've taken in my journey to Machu Picchu, Peru. From stunning landscape views to snowcapped mountain peaks, these photos just might make you want to take a less beaten path and hike the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu.