HOW TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU: ALL ROUTES EXPLAINED (WITHOUT CONFUSION)

Let me clarify something from the start: getting to Machu Picchu is NOT as complicated as it seems when you start researching. But it’s also not as simple as “buy a ticket and go.”

The problem is there are about five completely different ways to get there, each with its own prices, timing, difficulty levels, and experiences. And honestly, many blogs confuse you more than they help because they mix everything without clearly explaining which is which.

After 20 years taking people to Machu Picchu by ALL these routes, I’m going to explain each option step by step, with real prices, honest pros and cons, and at the end I’ll tell you which is best for your specific profile.

Spoiler: There’s no “best way” universally. There’s the best way for YOU based on your budget, fitness level, available time, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.

First: Understand The Geography (This Clarifies Everything)

Machu Picchu is in the middle of nowhere. Literally. It’s in the cloud forest, surrounded by peaks, with no direct road access.

Cusco → Machu Picchu: 75 km as the crow flies, but…

There’s no direct road
You have to descend from 11,150 ft to 7,875 ft crossing mountains
All routes pass through the Sacred Valley

Key points you should know:

Cusco (11,150 ft): Your starting point
Ollantaytambo (9,160 ft): Last town with road access, where you normally catch the train
Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Pueblo (6,690 ft): Base town for Machu Picchu, only accessible by train or walking
Machu Picchu (7,970 ft): The citadel, 30 minutes by bus from Aguas Calientes

Common confusion: Many people think Aguas Calientes = Machu Picchu. No. Aguas Calientes is the town below. Machu Picchu is up on the mountain. From Aguas Calientes you go up by bus (or walk 1.5 hours).

THE 4 WAYS TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU

ULTRA-QUICK SUMMARY:

Train: Fast, comfortable, expensive
Classic Inca Trail: Iconic, hard to get permits, physically demanding
Alternative Treks: Adventure, cheaper than Inca Trail, accessible
Santa Teresa Route: Cheapest, takes longer, less scenic

Now let’s get into the details of each one.

OPTION 1: TRAIN (The Most Common Way)

This is how about 70% of tourists get there. It’s the “standard” way, comfortable, relatively fast, but expensive.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Typical route:

Leave Cusco by car/van to Ollantaytambo (2 hours)
Take train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours)
Sleep in Aguas Calientes
Next morning early: bus or walk to Machu Picchu
Visit Machu Picchu
Return by train to Ollantaytambo, van to Cusco

Total time from Cusco: 3.5-4 hours one way

TRAIN TYPES (And Real 2025 Prices):

There are two main companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Similar prices.

EXPEDITION / VOYAGER (Tourist Class):

Price: $70-90 USD round-trip
Large windows, comfortable seats, basic services
Snack and beverage included
My opinion: Sufficient for most. Comfortable without overpaying.

VISTADOME / 360° (Superior Class):

Price: $120-150 USD round-trip
Panoramic windows in the ROOF (see mountains while traveling)
Upgraded snack, dance show on board, observatory
My opinion: ⭐ Worth the extra. The scenery is spectacular and the roof windows change the experience.

VISTADOME OBSERVATORY (Premium):

Price: $150-180 USD round-trip
Similar to Vistadome but with special observatory car at the end
Bar on board
My opinion: If you already paid for Vistadome, the Observatory upgrade is minor. Worth it if you like photography.

HIRAM BINGHAM (Ultra Luxury):

Price: $500-600 USD round-trip
Orient Express-style luxury train
Full gourmet meal, bar, live music, VIP entrance to Machu Picchu
My opinion: For special celebrations or if money is no object. Food is excellent, experience unique, but it’s A LOT of money for 1.5 hours of train.

SCHEDULES:

Departure to Machu Picchu:

First train: 5:05 am (arrive early to MP)
Common trains: 6:10 am, 7:05 am, 8:00 am, 8:53 am
Last: up to 12:55 pm

Return from Machu Picchu:

First: 2:55 pm, 3:20 pm
Common: 4:22 pm, 5:23 pm
Last: up to 9:50 pm

Important tip: Train schedules must be coordinated with your Machu Picchu entrance time (which also has shifts: morning or afternoon).

WHERE DOES THE TRAIN LEAVE FROM?

Option A: From Ollantaytambo (most common)

2 hours by van/shared transport from Cusco
Most economical
Most people do it this way

Option B: From Urubamba (PeruRail only)

Closer to Cusco (1.5 hours)
Fewer schedule options
Similar price

Option C: From Poroy (station near Cusco)

Only some trains
Sometimes closed for maintenance/rain
Check availability

TOTAL COST TRAIN OPTION:

Item	Price
Transport Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco	$15-25
Train round-trip (Expedition)	$70-90
Train round-trip (Vistadome)	$120-150
Aguas Calientes hotel (1 night)	$40-100
Bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu round-trip	$24
Machu Picchu entrance	$40
Meals in Aguas Calientes	$25-40
TOTAL BUDGET	$214-320
TOTAL COMFORT (Vistadome)	$284-390

Does not include guide (recommended): $60-100 additional

PROS:

✅ Fast (arrive same day or next day)

✅ Comfortable, zero physical effort

✅ Beautiful scenery through the window

✅ Reliable, punctual

✅ Perfect for families, seniors, any fitness level

✅ Can go and return same day if you want (tiring but possible)

CONS:

❌ Expensive

❌ Fixed schedules, not much flexibility

❌ High season fills up quickly

❌ Doesn’t include the adventure of walking

❌ More “touristy” and less authentic experience

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Limited time (1-2 days for Machu Picchu)
Mid to high budget
Not looking for physical adventure
Families with kids or seniors
First time in Peru and want the classic route without complications

HOW TO BOOK:

Directly on official websites:

- www.machupicchu-railway.com

Through agencies (sometimes have better combo packages)
Recommended advance booking:
- High season (May-September): 1-2 months ahead
- Low season: 1-2 weeks ahead is fine

OPTION 2: CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4D/3N (The Iconic Route)

This is THE legendary route. The one everyone has heard about. The one featured in National Geographic. You walk the original path used by the Incas 500 years ago and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at sunrise.

HOW IT WORKS

Day 1:

6am departure from Cusco
Bus to Km 82 (trailhead)
Hike 12 km (5-6 hours)
First night’s camp
Altitude: 2,700m (8,858 ft)

Day 2:

The hardest day
Climb to Warmiwañusca Pass (4,215m / 13,828 ft – the highest point)
16 km (7-8 hours)
Second night’s camp
This day breaks you, but the views are absolutely brutal (in a good way)

Day 3:

More manageable
Pass several archaeological sites (Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca)
16 km (6-7 hours)
Camp near Machu Picchu

Day 4:

Early wake-up at 4am
Hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
First view of Machu Picchu from above at sunrise
Descend to the citadel
Guided tour 2-3 hours
Return train in the afternoon

Total distance: 43 km (26.7 miles)
Maximum altitude: 4,215m (13,828 ft)
Difficulty: High (requires good physical condition)

PERMITS (THIS IS CRITICAL):

Only 500 people per day can enter the Inca Trail:

200 tourists
300 among guides, porters, cooks, staff

This means:

❌ You cannot do it solo (mandatory to go with authorized agency)
❌ You cannot decide to go next week (books out months in advance)
❌ Closed ALL of February (maintenance)

When to book:

High season (May-September): 6 months in advance MINIMUM
June-July-August: Sells out in 24-48 hours when reservations open (6 months prior)
Low season: 2-3 months in advance might have availability

PRICE:

$550-750 USD per person (average $650)

What’s included?

✅ Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance permits
✅ Transportation Cusco to trailhead
✅ Professional certified guide
✅ Porters (carry tents, food, cooking equipment)
✅ All meals (breakfast day 2-4, lunch day 1-3, dinner day 1-3)
✅ Sleeping tents
✅ Dining tent
✅ Bathroom tent (yes, they carry portable toilets)
✅ Sleeping mats
✅ Cook (the food is surprisingly good)
✅ Return train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo
✅ Transfer back to Cusco

What’s NOT included?

❌ Sleeping bag (rental $15-25)
❌ Trekking poles (rental $10-15)
❌ Tips (porters: $60-80, guide: $40-60, cook: $30-40 suggested total)
❌ Travel insurance (get it)

What do you carry? Only your personal daypack with:

4 days of clothing
Sleeping bag (if rented)
Water
Personal snacks
Camera
Documents

Maximum recommended weight: 5-7 kg (11-15 lbs) on your back

Porters carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) additional of your belongings (you put it in a duffel bag they transport). This means you can bring things you don’t need during the day but do need at camp.

REAL DIFFICULTY:

Level: High, but manageable if you’re in decent shape.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but:

You must be able to walk 6-8 hours per day
Climb stairs non-stop for 1-2 hours straight
Be acclimatized to altitude (the 4,215m pass is serious)
Tolerate sleeping in a tent, cold nights, basic bathrooms

I’ve seen:

People 60+ complete it without problems
Young runners suffering horribly
It’s not about age, it’s mental and physical preparation

Recommended preparation:

Arrive in Cusco at least 2-3 days before (acclimatization)
Do practice hikes in Cusco (Sacsayhuamán, Sacred Valley)
If you have knee problems, bring knee braces

PROS:

✅ Iconic and unforgettable experience
✅ Arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (epic sunrise)
✅ Walk the original Inca path
✅ See archaeological sites no one else sees
✅ Diverse landscapes: mountains, cloud forest, ruins
✅ Everything organized (you plan nothing)
✅ Food included (and it’s good)
✅ Group experience (meet people from around the world)

CONS:

❌ Limited permits (books out months in advance)
❌ Expensive ($650-$800+ not counting gear and tips)
❌ Physically demanding (day 2 is brutal)
❌ Cannot do it solo (agency mandatory)
❌ Closed all of February
❌ If you get sick/injured, there’s no exit option (continue or get evacuated)
❌ Bathrooms are portable tents (don’t expect toilets)
❌ Can be crowded (up to 500 people per day on the trail)

WHO IS IT FOR?

Adventurers in good physical shape
People who plan ahead (6 months)
You want the complete experience, not just the photo at Machu Picchu
Medium budget (worth every dollar)
You want to say “I did the Inca Trail”

HOW TO BOOK:

Choose a reputable agency (lots of scams)
Verify they’re officially authorized
Read reviews (TripAdvisor, Google)
Book minimum 6 months ahead for high season
Need passport copy (permit is personal and non-transferable)

Recommended agencies:

Look for those with official government certification
Ask about guide-to-tourist ratio (maximum 10 people per guide is ideal)
Ask about equipment and food
Watch out for “too cheap deals” (they exploit porters or give terrible service)

OPTION 3: ALTERNATIVE TREKS (Adventure Without Permits)

If the Inca Trail is sold out, if you don’t have 6 months to plan, or if you simply want something different, there are alternative routes that are equally or more spectacular.

A) SALKANTAY TREK 5D/4N

The most popular alternative. For many, better than the Inca Trail.

How does it work?

Day 1:

Cusco → Mollepata → Soraypampa
13 km (6-7 hours)
Altitude: 3,900m (12,795 ft)

Day 2:

The hard day: Salkantay Pass (4,650m / 15,256 ft – HIGHER than Inca Trail)
Descend to cloud forest
22 km (8-9 hours)
Brutal climate change: from snow to jungle in one day

Day 3:

Cloud forest, waterfalls, coffee plantations
18 km (7-8 hours)
Start seeing jungle vegetation

Day 4:

Hike to Hidroeléctrica
16 km (6-7 hours)
Or take train (common upgrade)
Arrive at Aguas Calientes

Day 5:

Early morning to Machu Picchu
Tour
Return

Total distance: ~70 km (43.5 miles)
Maximum altitude: 4,650m (15,256 ft)
Difficulty: High (higher than Inca Trail due to maximum altitude)
Price: $400-600 USD

Pros compared to Inca Trail:
✅ No permit needed (can decide the week before)
✅ Cheaper
✅ Fewer people on the trail
✅ Salkantay Pass is spectacular (6,271m / 20,574 ft mountain beside you)
✅ Incredible landscape diversity
✅ Includes similar: guide, meals, tents, optional porters

Cons compared to Inca Trail:
❌ Don’t arrive through the Sun Gate
❌ Not “the original Inca path”
❌ Last day is less epic (take train or walk along tracks)
❌ Higher maximum altitude (more difficult)

Variant: There’s a 4D/3N version that’s more intense (longer daily sections).

B) LARES TREK 4D/3N

Less known, more cultural, very beautiful.

What makes it special?

Pass through real Andean communities (not touristy)
See alpacas, llamas, shepherds
Natural hot springs on the trail
Beautiful mountain lakes
Quieter, fewer people

Difficulty: Medium-High
Maximum altitude: 4,600m (15,092 ft)
Price: $300-400 USD

Pros:
✅ Authentic cultural experience
✅ Pure Andean landscapes (lakes, mountains, valleys)
✅ Hot springs (relax sore muscles)
✅ Less touristy

Cons:
❌ Not as “famous” as Salkantay or Inca
❌ Fewer archaeological sites
❌ Last day also takes train

C) INCA JUNGLE TREK 4D/3N

The “craziest” and most varied. Combines trekking with extreme adventure.

What’s included?

Day 1: Downhill biking from 4,350m (3 hours of pure adrenaline)
Day 2: Jungle trekking, optional rafting
Day 3: Trekking, optional zip-line (one of South America’s longest)
Day 4: Machu Picchu

Difficulty: Medium (less trekking than others)
Maximum altitude: 4,350m (14,272 ft) (but on bike, descend quickly)
Price: $220-300 USD (the cheapest)

Pros:
✅ Multi-sport adventure
✅ Cheaper
✅ Fun, less monotonous
✅ Good for young groups

Cons:
❌ Less “pure trekking”
❌ Bike portion can be dangerous without experience
❌ More basic accommodations (hostels in towns, not always tents)
❌ Can be “party” depending on the group

QUICK TREK COMPARISON:

Trek	Days	Difficulty	Max Altitude	Price	Best For
Inca Trail	4D/3N	High	4,215m (13,828 ft)	$650-800	Iconic experience
Salkantay	5D/4N	High	4,650m (15,256 ft)	$400-600	Adventure + savings
Lares	4D/3N	Medium-High	4,600m (15,092 ft)	$400-500	Authentic culture
Inca Jungle	4D/3N	Medium	4,350m (14,272 ft)	$350-450	Multi-sport budget

OPTION 4: SANTA TERESA ROUTE (The Cheapest)

This is the extreme backpacker route. The most economical, but also the longest and least scenic.

HOW IT WORKS

Complete route:

Bus/van Cusco → Santa María (6 hours, mountain road)
Shared taxi Santa María → Santa Teresa (1.5 hours)
Walk from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica (3 hours) OR taxi (30 min)
Walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (3 hours along train tracks)
Sleep in Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu early next morning
Return same route (or take train back if budget allows)

Total time: 2 days from Cusco
Physical difficulty: Low-Medium (just the final walk along tracks)

ITEMIZED COSTS:

Item	Price
Bus Cusco-Santa María	S/. 20-30 ($5-8)
Shared taxi Santa María-Santa Teresa	S/. 10 ($3)
Taxi Santa Teresa-Hidroeléctrica (optional)	S/. 20 ($5)
Basic hotel Aguas Calientes	$20-40
Machu Picchu entrance	$40
Bus up to Machu Picchu	$12 (or walk free 1.5h)
Meals	$20-30
TOTAL	$115-160

If returning by train (recommended, you’ll be tired):

Train Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo: $35-45 additional
TOTAL WITH RETURN TRAIN: $150-205

PROS:

✅ THE CHEAPEST (less than half the train cost)
✅ Can do it on your own without agency
✅ Flexible, leave when you want
✅ Authentic backpacker adventure
✅ See local side of Peru (local buses, real towns)

CONS:

❌ A LOT of time (2 days vs half day by train)
❌ Track walk is boring and tiring (3 monotonous hours)
❌ Cusco-Santa María road is dangerous (many curves)
❌ Not scenic (don’t see beautiful landscapes like on treks)
❌ Must carry your backpack the whole time
❌ Buses/shared taxis aren’t comfortable
❌ Can be complicated if you don’t speak Spanish

WHO IS IT FOR?

Backpackers with VERY tight budget
Flexible time (don’t mind 2 days in transport)
Adventurers who enjoy the “non-touristy”
People who already did Inca Trail/Salkantay and just want to see Machu Picchu again cheaply

My honest opinion: Yes, it’s the cheapest. But those two days of buses and walking along tracks are… well, not fun. If your budget allows $80-100 more, take the train. Your experience will improve 10x.

COMPLETE COMPARISON TABLE

Option	Price	Time	Difficulty	Experience	Best For
Expedition Train	$215-320	1 day	None	Comfortable, fast	Most people, families, limited time
Vistadome Train	$285-390	1 day	None	Comfortable, scenic	Want comfort and views
Inca Trail	$550-750	4D/3N	High	Iconic, adventure	Adventurers, plan ahead
Salkantay	$250-380	5D/4N	High	Adventure, landscapes	Adventurers, medium budget
Lares	$300-400	4D/3N	Medium-High	Cultural, peaceful	Cultural interest
Inca Jungle	$220-300	4D/3N	Medium	Multi-sport	Young people, fun
Santa Teresa	$115-205	2 days	Low-Medium	Backpacker	Tight budget

WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE? RECOMMENDATIONS BY TRAVELER PROFILE

Families with Kids

Best option: Train (Expedition or Vistadome)

Comfortable, fast, no physical effort
Kids enjoy the train ride
You can do it as a 1–2 day trip

Budget Backpacker

Best option: Santa Teresa Route

Cheapest way to get there
Real sense of adventure
Flexible logistics

Second choice: Inca Jungle ($220–300)

Slightly pricier but way more fun
Multi-sport (biking/hiking; sometimes rafting/zipline)
Great for meeting other travelers

Adventurer in Good Shape

Best option: Classic Inca Trail (if permits available) or Salkantay

Complete, immersive experience
Jaw-dropping scenery
Real adventure

Older Adults (60+)

Best option: Vistadome Train

Comfortable and effortless
Gorgeous scenery through panoramic windows
Punctual and reliable
Avoid: Any long-distance trekking

Mid-Range Budget

Best option: Vistadome Train

Perfect price/experience balance
Panoramic windows are truly worth it
Comfortable without going overboard

High Budget

Best option: Hiram Bingham + Private Guide

Premium experience
Everything handled for you, zero stress
Excellent onboard dining

Limited Time (1–2 Days)

Best option: Any train class

The only way to do round-trip in a single day
Example: depart ~6:00 a.m., return ~10:00 p.m. (long day, but doable)

Mountain Lover / Nature Enthusiast

Best option: Salkantay Trek

More dramatic landscapes than the Classic Inca
Salkantay Pass is spectacular
Physically more challenging

Culture-Focused Traveler

Best option: Lares Trek

Real Andean communities
Less touristy
Authentic encounters and traditions

FINAL TIPS (Things No One Tells You)

1) Match Your Machu Picchu Entry Time to Your Arrival

Machu Picchu uses timed entry slots:

Morning: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00
Afternoon: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00

Coordinate your route with your entry hour:

Inca Trail: You arrive at dawn → ideal entry 6–7 a.m.
Morning train: You’ll reach Aguas Calientes around 8–9 a.m. → book 9–10 a.m. entry
Afternoon train: Arrive 2–3 p.m. → sleep in town and enter 6:00 a.m. next day

2) Aguas Calientes Is Expensive

Almost everything costs 50–100% more than in Cusco:

Meals: $15–30 vs $8–15 in Cusco
Hotels: $50–150 vs $30–80 in Cusco
Water: S/. 5 vs S/. 2

Why: It’s a captive town accessible only by train; most goods are shipped by rail.
Tip: Bring snacks from Cusco and look for small local eateries away from the main strip.

3) Bus vs Hiking Up to Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes to the ruins:

Bus: $12 up + $12 down = $24 RT, ~30 minutes
Hike: Free, but 5–2 hours uphill (constant stairs)

My take:

Bus up so you arrive fresh and enjoy the site
Walk down if you still have energy (easier than going up)
Or bus both ways if you’re tired — zero shame

4) Hire a Guide at Machu Picchu

You can enter without a guide, but you’ll miss about 70% of the experience.

Guide options:

Group: $10–15 per person (10–15 travelers)
Private: $60–100 (just for you/your party)
Duration: 2–3 hours

Worth it? Yes. Without context it’s just beautiful ruins; with a guide you grasp the engineering, history, and meaning.

5) Bring Cash

Aguas Calientes has ATMs, but fees are high and they sometimes run out of cash. Bring soles from Cusco:

Buses accept USD or soles
Meals: better prices in soles
Tips: soles
Restrooms at the site: S/. 2 (cash only)

6) There Are No Bathrooms Inside Machu Picchu

Once you enter the citadel, there are no restrooms inside — and if you leave, you cannot re-enter.
💡 Solution: Use the restrooms before entering (right at the entrance, S/. 2 fee).

7) Rainy Season = Risk

From November to March, expect rain — especially in January–February:

The Inca Trail is closed all of February
Other treks can get muddy or slippery
Trains may be canceled due to landslides
Views of Machu Picchu may be cloudy

If you travel during rainy season:

Keep extra buffer days in your itinerary
Bring a rain poncho
Maintain realistic expectations — rain is part of the experience

8) Altitude Acclimatization Is Crucial

Most treks pass between 4,200–4,650 m (13,800–15,250 ft). Without acclimatization, it will be miserable.

Ideal plan:

Days 1–2: Stay in Cusco (3,399 m) to adapt
Days 3–4: Move to the Sacred Valley (lower altitude)
Day 5+: Begin your trek

🚫 Don’t arrive in Cusco and start hiking the next day — your body won’t be ready.

🧭 My Final Recommendation

After 20 years doing this, if you ask me “what’s the best way to visit Machu Picchu?”, here’s my honest answer:

🚆 For 80% of travelers: Vistadome Train

Perfect balance between price, comfort, and experience
The panoramic windows make a huge difference
Fast, reliable, and hassle-free

🏔️ If you have time & good fitness: Salkantay Trek

Cheaper than the Inca Trail
Equally (or even more) scenic
No need for permits months in advance

💎 If you have a big budget & limited time: Hiram Bingham Train

Unforgettable luxury experience
Gourmet meals, champagne, live music, VIP entry
Worth every dollar if money isn’t an issue

🎒 If you’re a hardcore backpacker: Santa Teresa Route

Saves $150–200 vs train
But prepare for long, tiring travel days

❌ What I don’t recommend:
Going “without a plan” thinking “I’ll figure it out when I arrive.”

Machu Picchu requires advance reservations:

Entry tickets sell out weeks in advance
Trains fill up in high season
The Inca Trail is impossible without prior booking

✅ Final Checklist Before You Go

✅ Machu Picchu entry ticket purchased (check date & time)
✅ Train or trek reserved (matches your entry slot)
✅ Hotel in Aguas Calientes booked (if staying overnight)
✅ Valid passport (required everywhere)
✅ Cash in soles
✅ Mosquito repellent (essential in Aguas Calientes)
✅ Sunscreen (mountain sun burns fast)
✅ Rain poncho (always bring one)
✅ Refillable water bottle
✅ Snacks for the day
✅ Fully charged camera or phone
✅ Walking stick (recommended if you have knee issues)

Machu Picchu is incredible.
Whether you arrive on a luxury train or after four days of trekking, you’ll love it.
The key is to arrive prepared, with realistic expectations — ready to live one of the most memorable experiences of your life.