How to Get to Machu Picchu from Lima

To get to Machu Picchu from Lima, you first need to go to Cusco, the closest city to Machu Picchu. There are two main options to get there: you can either fly to Cusco or take a bus.

Option 1: Plane or Bus + train

We will explain this option step by step to make it easier for you to understand the stages and routes:

First step: From Lima to Cusco

➡️From Lima to Cusco flight

The most common option is to fly from Lima to Cusco, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Flights from Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco typically save both time and energy.

• Duration: 1 hour  - 2 hours
• Cost: $50 - $150 (S/ 190 - S/ 570 PEN) Depending on season and booking time.
• Airlines: LATAM, SKY, Viva Air
   

➡️From Lima to Cusco by bus

From Lima to Cusco by bus is a budget-friendly alternative to flying, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic countryside between the two cities. While it’s not the fastest option, most buses on this route feature comfortable reclining seats (bus beds) and excellent onboard service

• Duration: 18 - 24 hours
• Cost: $ 40 - $70 (S/ 150 - S/ 270 PEN)
• Providers: Cruz del Sur, Civa, Palomino

⏭️Read more: How to Get from Lima to Cusco

Second step: Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: $5 - $10 (S/ 20 - S/ 40 PEN)
• Providers: You can take the bus on "Pavitos street"

Third step: Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

• Duration: 2 hours - 3 hours
• Cost: Varies between $ 50 and $150  (S/ 190 - S/ 570 PEN)
• Providers: PeruRail and IncaRail (depending on the type of cabin you choose: tourist or luxury)

Fourth step: Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

• Duration: 30 minutes - 40 minutes
• Cost: $ 24 (S/. 91 PEN) for adults and $12 (S/. 45 PEN) for children (Round trip)
• Providers: Consettur

Option 2: Inca Trail (Trekking) from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Once you are in Cusco, you can take this route to reach Machu Picchu. This option offers two alternatives: a 4-day trek (Classic Inca Trail) or a 2-day trek (Short Inca Trail). As the name suggests, these routes follow paths once used by the original inhabitants of the region, the Incas. Along the way, you will enter the citadel through the Sun Gate (*Inti Punku*), enjoying breathtaking views. This journey is one of the most popular options.

Booking this tour through an authorized travel agency is essential. The trek includes an experienced guide fluent in English, with extensive knowledge of the history and culture of Machu Picchu. The Classic Inca Trail involves a 4-day hike covering 42 kilometers (26 miles) and 3 nights of camping. Depending on the tour operator, prices range from $600 to $800.

➡️Other treks: 

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
• Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu

⏭️Read more: Inca Trail - Complete Travel Guide

Option 3: Alternative Route via Hidroelectrica from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Also known as the Santa Maria Route, this alternative offers a mix of bus rides, shared taxis, and walking. It's an excellent budget-friendly option for reaching Machu Picchu, with the total cost from Cusco not exceeding $100.

Planning your trip from Lima to Machu Picchu

As with any trip, you must plan it well in advance, without neglecting any personal aspects, and be well informed about everything that this entails in terms of expenses, routes, means of transport, accommodation, and the climate of the region.

Don't improvise, as this guarantees that your trip will be a full and unforgettable experience. That is why we have provided the essential information on each of the aspects indicated here.

Travel Recommendations

Book in Advance

As one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is also one of the most visited destinations globally. Make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the high season (April to September). The same goes for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, as only 500 permits are issued daily.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is common for travelers, particularly those coming from sea level who ascend quickly to Cusco's elevation of 3,350 meters (11,000 feet). Symptoms may include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. To minimize these effects, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol and tobacco. You can also use "Sorojchi Pills," a medication designed to ease these symptoms and help you adapt more comfortably.

⏭️Read more: Overcoming Altitude Sickness in Cusco

Best time to travel

You will probably wonder what the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu is, considering such an important factor as the weather conditions in that area. Peru experiences two main seasons: the Rainy Season (November to February) and the Dry Season (March to October).

Remember that Machu Picchu is open year-round so you can visit it at any time; it depends on your physical condition in any climate and your financial possibilities.

The so-called intermediate seasons are the most recommended. They occur between the dry season and the rainy season, corresponding to April, May, September, October, and November. This does not mean that light rains do not occur during the dry season.

⏭️Read more: The best time to visit Peru

Permits and Tickets

To find out about permits and ticket prices, you can check in person on the official website or, if it is more convenient for you, with the tour operator you have chosen. In any case, we give you some relevant information.
Depending on the circuit you prefer to get to Machu Picchu, your age, your nationality, and if you are a student, prices range between 43 and 200 soles, the official currency of Peru.

• Adults: $45 (172 soles)
• Students: $23 (86 soles)
• Minors under 17:  $11 (43 soles)

What to see and do in Machu Picchu

If you've ever considered visiting Machu Picchu, it's because you've already seen some information about this citadel and sanctuary built in the 15th century at more than 2,400 meters above sea level.

There's a lot to see because of the nature of its surroundings, its access roads, and its extraordinary architecture. In Machu Picchu, seeing and doing are the same thing because you have to walk to contemplate and appreciate:

• Huayna Picchu: A challenging hike offering stunning views of the citadel.
• Huchuy Picchu: A smaller mountain near Machu Picchu with a short, moderate hike.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: A longer hike offering panoramic views of the citadel.
• Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The original entrance for Inca Trail hikers, with spectacular vistas.
• The Temple of the Moon: A mystical site carved into a cave.
• The Inca Bridge: A narrow path showcasing impressive Inca engineering.

General Exploration

When we mention a general exploration, we mean that depending on your interests, curiosity, and spirit of adventure, you can explore each of the places in Machu Picchu and its surroundings. In each of them, you will learn about this great place and how much it means to humanity.

Each of these places has a very particular attraction because of what they represent in history, civilization, and culture for anyone who appreciates the monumental and valuable meaning that some peoples of South America, such as the Incas, have done and left.

In short, if you have already decided to visit Machu Picchu, you already have a detailed guide of what this trip to Peru will be like to discover its greatest wonder, Machu Picchu, and others of equal importance that have been found in recent years.

Planning how to get to Machu Picchu from Lima doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you prefer the comfort of a plane and train, the adventure of the Inca Trail, or the budget-friendly Hydroelectrical route, each option provides an incredible journey through the stunning landscapes and history of Peru. With TreXperience, your trip will be in expert hands as we take care of transportation, accommodations, and the best guides to ensure an unforgettable experience at Machu Picchu.