Wondering how to get to Machu Picchu from Lima? You are not alone! This is one of the most common questions from travelers. Whether you want to travel fast or prefer a scenic route, here’s everything you need to know to make the journey from Lima to the famous Inca site.
Step 1: How to get from Lima to Cusco
Your adventure to Machu Picchu begins by traveling from Lima to Cusco, as Cusco is the main gateway. You have two main options:
By plane
Taking a flight from Lima to Cusco is the fastest way. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and there are several flights daily. This option is the best if you are short on time and want to get to Machu Picchu as quickly as possible. However, remember that Cusco is at high altitude, so plan a day of acclimatization to adjust before visiting Machu Picchu.
By bus
For travelers looking for a more economical option, taking a bus from Lima to Cusco is another option. The bus ride takes approximately 20 to 22 hours. Although it is a long trip, the bus ride is scenic, taking you through several cities such as Ica, Chincha, Abancay or Arequipa so you will be able to contemplate the different landscapes of Peru.
Step 2: From Cusco to Machu Picchu
Once in Cusco, the next step is to go from Cusco to Machu Picchu. These are your main options:
By train
Traveling by train is the most popular way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco. You can choose between two main train companies: Inca Rail and Peru Rail. Both offer various services with different levels of comfort and prices. The train ride takes about 3.5 hours and is incredibly scenic, as it passes through lush valleys and along the Urubamba River.
Trains to Machu Picchu depart from four main stations:
- Wanchaq Station: This station is located in the city of Cusco, from here depart most trains in bimodal service (3.5 hours).
- San Pedro Station: This station is in Cusco, in this station leave few trains and more luggage for residents of Machu Picchu town (3.5 hours).
- Poroy Station: This station is the closest to Cusco and has several train departures every day (3.3 hours).
- Ollantaytambo Station: Located in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is accessible by bus or car from Cusco and has more frequent train options (1.45 hours).
*If you want to know more about the tourist trains to Cusco you can read our blog Trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu: All you need to know*
By bus and walking
For those looking for a more adventurous route, there is an alternative that combines a bus ride to Hidroeléctrica and a hike along the train tracks. It is known as Machu Picchu by car.
The trip to Hidroeléctrica includes a 7-hour bus ride from Cuzco, followed by a 2 to 3-hour hike along a beautiful trail to Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu. This option is more economical, but requires good physical fitness.
Through a tour package
If you want to live an unforgettable experience full of landscapes, meet new cultures and all this without worries. Then your best option is to do any of these activities that take you to Machu Picchu with all these features:
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: In this tour you will follow the section of the Inca Trail that takes you to Machu Picchu where you will find ruins such as Sayacmarca, Intipata and Wiñaywayna.
- Short Inca Trail: This tour is the short version of the traditional Inca Trail, it allows you to camp and enjoy Wiñaywayna and Inti punku.
- Salkantay trek: This tour consists of a hike through landscapes such as the Humantay Lagoon and the Salkantay mountain, you can even go canoeing.
- Lares trek: This is one more option to immerse yourself in the local culture because in addition to seeing landscapes, you will visit villages such as Willoq.
- Machu picchu one day: This is the fastest option to visit because we take you through a tourist train of your choice and by bus to reach the archaeological center of Machu picchu, and if you want to extend your tour we also do personalized tours so you can make your trip without worries.
- Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu: This tour allows you to visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in only 2 days.
- Inca Jungle: This option is much more dynamic and fun if you like sports this is your option, here you can do canoeing, rafting, zip line and bike ride.
@inkatimeperu ✈️Itinerario de 5 dias en Cusco⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #viaje #tour #machupicchu #cusco #peru #amoviajar #viajeaperu ♬ Cheap Thrills-Sia Sean Paul – Ellen’s Betta
Step 3: Final stretch to Machu Picchu
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you are almost at Machu Picchu! From here, you have two ways to get to the entrance:
- By bus – consettur: The fastest option is to take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes and takes you directly to the entrance.
- By hike: If you prefer, you can also climb Machu Picchu on foot. The hike takes between an hour and an hour and a half and follows a steep path through lush jungle surroundings to reach Machu Picchu.
Personalized tours from Cusco to Machu Picchu
If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider a customized Inka Time tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu. These tours are designed to offer a seamless experience with all logistics handled, so you can focus on enjoying the trip. Many tour companies offer packages that include train tickets, entrance fees to archaeological sites, guided tours, transportation, bus tickets (consettur) and, sometimes if the client wishes, hotel accommodations. A personalized trip ensures that every step, from Cusco to Machu Picchu, is well coordinated and stress free. We pick you up from Cusco airport to make sure you enjoy every moment of your trip in Cusco city.
Final tips for travel from Lima to Machu Picchu
- Plan ahead: The trip involves multiple stages, so booking tickets,transportation and accommodations in advance is essential.
- Adapt to the altitude: Cusco is at a high altitude, and it is common for travelers to feel mild altitude sickness. Take a day to rest in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu.
- Pack light: Trains to Machu Picchu have limited luggage space. Consider leaving larger suitcases at your Cusco hotel and carrying a smaller backpack.
- Buy your plane ticket in advance: This way you will be able to find promotions and discounts, but read their reviews some airlines often have delays or cancel the flight. If you travel in rainy season you may have a mishap in your flight because of the weather.
*if you booked a tour with us and you have a delay in your flight be sure to let us know so we can come and pick you up when you arrive at the airport*.
Now that you know how to get to Machu Picchu from Lima, you can start planning your adventure with confidence. Whether you take a flight, enjoy a scenic bus ride or choose a customized tour from Inka Time, you are one step closer to experiencing the magic of Machu Picchu!
