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How to get to Machu Picchu: our recommendations and travel tips

 One of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a must-stop for anyone visiting Peru.

There are even many combinations to visit Machu Picchu and for all tastes, from the most adventurous options to the most comfortable, multi-day excursions or just one-day tours...

For this reason, and because we know that it will be a sure stop on your trip to Peru, today we are going to tell you how to get to Machu Picchu through all the possible routes.

Routes to reach Machu Picchu on foot

If you like hiking and are a real adventurer, there are many well-known hiking routes to get to Machu Picchu. We will inform you about the most common of them:

Inca Trail: 2 days of trekking

One of the options to get to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail hike tours, considered the most legendary trekking route in Latin America. It is a path more than 500 years old that will take you to discover the archaeological area of Wiñawayna and the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) until you reach Machu Picchu.

RELATED STORY: WHERE IS MACHU PICCHU

Lares Trek: 4 days trekking from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Another option is the Lares trekking excursion, where you will get to know the most remote places in the heart of the Andes. During the days of this trek you will have the opportunity to see the Inca citadel of Pisac, the volcanic hot springs and Ollantaytambo until you finally arrive at Machu Picchu.

Inca Jungle: Hiking and biking to get to Machu Picchu

And, if you want even more adventure... An original option is the Inca Jungle Tour, which combines hiking and descent by bike. The tour runs between mountains, valleys and rivers and you also have the opportunity to practice other adventure sports such as rafting or zip-lining. You can also visit the archaeological ruins in Huamanmarc, visit Santa Maria and Santa Rosa and hike the Inca Trail.

Salkantay Trek: 4 days trekking

However, the most popular route for backpackers to reach Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Trek. During several days you will also hike through the Andean landscapes and tropical forests, discovering the most spectacular corners of this place. During the trek you will see Lake Huamantay and the Salkantay Pass, cross the Santa Teresa Valley and take the train to Aguas Calientes, from where your final trek to Machu Picchu begins.

Arrival in Machu Picchu by bus or train

But don't worry, if you don't have the time to do these routes or you don't like this type of adventure, we propose other easier and faster options to get to Machu Picchu:

One option is to do the excursion to Machu Picchu in one day. You come by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village) and there you can enjoy the Inca citadel for a few hours. It's the best alternative if you don't have more than one day to visit this area but don't want to miss it.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley together, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour is for you. You can see the market, the archaeological site of Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo, all without having to walk too much because you can take the bus.

Although, actually, the Machu Picchu Tour by car is the most convenient of all. It's a bus route between the mountains and you can choose to walk or take the train for the final stretch. You'll make stops in Santa Teresa, Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes, where you can bathe in the thermal springs... Until you finally arrive at Machu Picchu!

How to get from Cuzco to Machu Picchu

If you want to start your trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, you must first get to Aguas Calientes, by public transport, since there is no highway to this place.

One option is to take the direct train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (954 PEN round trip /221€) and it takes about four hours. The other option is to take a taxi (145PEN/33€) or a bus to Ollantaytambo (30PEN/7€). From there you can take a train to Aguas Calientes (780PEN/ 181€ return) or do a hike that follows the route of the train.

From Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Village, you have to take a bus up to Machu Picchu (43 PEN/ 10€) or walk the same distance along the road.

Although all the tours we mentioned start from this city and everything is usually organized, so you won't have any problem getting to your destination!

How to get from Lima to Machu Picchu

On the other hand, if you want to get to Machu Picchu from Lima, you have to take a plane to Cusco and from there follow the same route as just described. You absolutely must go to Aguas Calientes and from this village you can either walk or take the bus to Machu Picchu.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

To get to Machu Picchu from the village of Aguas Calientes, you have the same options again. From >Machu Picchu village you can take a bus to the citadel or, another more adventurous option, hike for about an hour and a half to reach the valley.

A great way to get to know both places is to do the Machu Picchu sunrise tour. This way you can enjoy a quiet day in the village and be the first to enter Machu Picchu the next day.

Now that you know all the ways to get to Machu Picchu, and they are quite many, it's time to choose the one that suits you best and start packing your suitcase!!

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Location: Peru

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