How to get to Machu Picchu

The ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu, perched on a mountain ridge at 2430 metres above sea level, stands as Peru's most iconic visitor attraction. This sprawling citadel covers an impressive five miles and features over 3,000 stone steps. Historians believe it served as a royal estate or a sacred religious site for Inca leaders. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, Machu Picchu's allure is undeniable.

Set amidst the cloud forest, Machu Picchu is often enveloped in mist, adding to its enchanting atmosphere. As part of your Peru holiday, various visiting options are available, tailored to your schedule and fitness level. Regardless of the path you take, visiting Machu Picchu promises an unforgettable experience.

Our Latin America expert Amanda has visited the ancient citadel many times and can expertly guide you through the options to make the most of your once in a lifetime experience.

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Train to Machu Picchu

This popular option begins with a train journey from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. The scenic 1 hour 40-minute ride winds through the towering valley following the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, followed by a 30-minute bus trip to the entrance of the ruins. Here, your adventure begins with an expert local guide.

While it's possible to return to the Sacred Valley or Cusco the same day, Far & Wild recommends spending a night at a local hotel, such as Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the destination.

We recommend visiting the citadel the next day on your own, with the option to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These trails offer near bird’s-eye views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding peaks. To reach the summits, you'll pass through the ruins before ascending. Both hikes are popular, so it's essential to purchase tickets in advance to secure your spot.

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Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If Machu Picchu is Latin America’s most iconic landmark, the Inca Trail is its most iconic hike and rightly so. This four-day trek adventure begins on the banks of the Urubamba River at KM88, winding through the cloud forest and ascending to a maximum elevation of 4215 metres at Dead Woman’s Pass. Along the trail, trekkers encounter various Incan ruins before reaching Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu’s enigmatic ruins.

Though the trail spans just 26 miles (42 km), its altitude and numerous steps make it a challenging trek. Proper acclimatisation to the altitude, ideally spending around 2-3 nights in Cusco beforehand, is essential. Additionally, a good level of walking fitness is necessary for the consecutive days of trekking. It’s also worth noting, the experience includes three nights of camping although we aim to make this as comfortable as possible.

At Far & Wild we offer a modified version of the Inca Trail over five days with a night spent at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. This allows for a more immersive experience in the region, away from the main campsites and crowds. This approach enhances your overall journey to Machu Picchu and ensures a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, providing ample time to appreciate the beauty and history of this ancient path.

You can read more about our Inca Trail trek and overview HERE.

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Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If you are short on time and prefer not to camp, this is our favourite way to reach Machu Picchu. Starting early by train from Ollantaytambo, you’ll arrive at KM104, a short distance from the town of Aguas Calientes. Here you disembark and cross the hanging bridge over the Urubamba River to visit the ruins of Chachabamba. The trail then takes approximately three hours to reach the spiritual centre of Wiñay Wayna, built into a steep slope.

From Wiñay Wayna, another two hours of trekking along the classic Inca Trail route brings you to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) for your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu. After the 7.5-mile (12 km) walk, enjoy a restful night in a hotel such as El Mapi by Inkaterra, before exploring the ruins in greater depth the next day.

This trek is suitable for ages 8 years and older, who are comfortable walking this distance along undulating paths. The maximum altitude of this option is around 2700m making it a lot less strenuous than the Classic Inca Trail.

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Alternative treks to reach Machu Picchu

The Classic Inca Trail requires permits that sell out quickly during peak season. For an equally stunning experience, consider alternatives like the Hidden Valleys of Salkantay trek or the Lares trek, both offering an immersive journey through the Andes to Machu Picchu.

Hidden Valleys of Salkantay

The Far & Wild, wild version of the Classic Salkantay trek captures the beauty, remoteness, and solitude of the Andes. This ‘road less travelled’ features stunning Andean valleys, Inca stone ruins, and remote indigenous communities. Enjoy spectacular views of Apu Salkantay and explore the recently restored ruins of Huayna Q’ente and Machu Q’ente, which receive very few visitors. After several days of remote trekking, complete your adventure with a classic train journey to Machu Picchu.

Lares Trek

Perched high in the Valley, this trek follows original Inca trails whilst trekking through native flora and fauna, including alpacas and sheep. The breathtaking Pachacutec Pass reaches 4697m, offering panoramic mountain vistas and views of the beautiful Azulcocha and Suerococha Lakes. Experience the Chicon Glacier and "The Seven Lakes," with each day providing majestic mountain scenery. After several days of trekking, unwind at the local Lares Hot Springs. Although this trek is not en-route to Machu Picchu, we can easily arrange a visit to the iconic site afterward.

Ausangate Trek

This is one of our favourite treks at Far & Wild, though not in the vicinity of Machu Picchu. Ausangate is the highest peak in the region to the east of Cusco and due to the high altitudes in this region, we recommend visiting Machu Picchu first.

Ausangate is home to the famous Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain, and offers immersion into stunning Andean scenery and immersion into local indigenous Quechua communities. We partner with Andean Lodges in the Ausangate region to provide comfortable overnight stays, ensuring a memorable adventure.

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Conclusion

There are many options to choose from when visiting Machu Picchu, and ultimately the best option depends on your travel style, time frame and fitness level. Amanda would always suggest the Short Inca Trail as the most immersive option, however this isn't for everyone and we can offer most leisurely trips with as much luxury as needed!

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