How to get to Machu Picchu
How to Get to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is increasingly featured on the list of the most visited international destinations. To reach Machu Picchu, travelers must first enter Peru and then continue to the city of Cusco. Below, we explain in detail all the main access routes to the country and how to reach this iconic destination.
Access to Peru
Air Access
Via Lima
The most common and statistically most used route is through Lima. International travelers arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport, the largest and most modern airport in Peru, with connections from nearly every part of the world. From Lima, domestic flights to Cusco operate throughout the day and take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Airlines such as LATAM, JetSMART, and SKY Airline operate these routes.
As Peru’s capital, Lima is also an excellent destination to visit for two or three days before continuing your journey to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Direct International Flights to Cusco
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From Santiago de Chile
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From La Paz, Bolivia
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From Cartagena, Colombia
Land Access
Peru can also be accessed by land through its international borders:
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Puerto Maldonado: A common route for travelers arriving from Brazil and Argentina.
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From Ecuador: Via the Tumbes region.
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From Bolivia: Through the Puno region.
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From Chile: Via Tacna, a city with strong commercial ties to Chile and a duty-free zone.
Maritime Access
Maritime access is mainly through cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line, which dock primarily in Callao (Lima) and Trujillo. Cruise itineraries often include guided visits to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
How to Get to Cusco
By Air
Flights from Lima to Cusco operate daily from early morning (around 5:30 a.m.) until late at night (around 11:00 p.m.). Although scheduled for 1 hour and 30 minutes, the actual flight time is usually just about 1 hour.
By Land
Direct Bus from Lima to Cusco
This journey takes approximately 20 to 22 hours, following the Pan-American Highway before ascending through the Andes via Abancay. Several bus companies operate this route, though due to travel time, it is not commonly chosen.
Tourist Bus Route (Lima – Ica – Arequipa – Puno – Cusco)
A popular tourist route that includes stops at major attractions such as Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and the Route of the Sun.
Routes from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
During the dry season (April to December), trains operate directly from San Pedro Station in Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes just over 4 hours and passes through scenic Andean landscapes.
Cusco – Poroy – Train to Machu Picchu
An alternative route with more schedules, also available during the dry season. Travelers reach Poroy (20 minutes from Cusco) and board a train that takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes to Aguas Calientes.
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Train to Machu Picchu
This is the most popular and flexible route. Travelers first reach Ollantaytambo by car or van (1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours) and then take a train to Aguas Calientes, which takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Hydroelectric Route (Budget Option)
A more adventurous and economical option that involves traveling by road from Cusco to Hidroelectrica (about 7 hours), followed by a 2–3 hour walk to Aguas Calientes. This route usually requires two days.
Classic Inca Trail
The original Inca Trail starts at kilometer 82 or kilometer 104 of the railway and leads directly to Machu Picchu in 2 or 4 days. This route must be booked months in advance and offers the most complete cultural and trekking experience.
Can You Get to Machu Picchu by Helicopter?
Due to strict conservation regulations, helicopter access to Machu Picchu is currently prohibited and is only allowed for emergency situations.
