Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places on the planet, and the ways to get there are equally surprising. You can choose between fabulous multi-day hikes, take the train, or mix multiple activities such as car rides, cycling, hiking, and more. Have you already decided when you want to travel to Machu Picchu? Do you know the options you have to do so? Discover the most popular alternatives to reach the wonder of the world.

• All travel options to Machu Picchu
• Getting to Machu Picchu by train
• Getting to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
• Getting to Machu Picchu via the Hydroelectric alternative route
• Other options to visit Machu Picchu
• About the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
• Recommendations for traveling to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Photo Gallery

Romantic Trip to Machu Picchu

Can I do the Inca Trail on my own without a tour?
The Inca Trail is a route built by the Incas in the 15th century. The original trail connected Cusco with Machu Picchu. Today, it has been adapted to just 39 kilometers, covering four days on foot and three nights of camping. Due to its historical importance, it can only be done with the company of a guide and a licensed travel agency. In other words, no tourist can hike this route without a tour. The tours include everything: transportation, guide, permits, entrance tickets, meals, camping, and more.

All travel options to Machu Picchu

To visit Machu Picchu, you can choose from multiple adventures. Although there are only three main routes, you can extend your journey to enjoy a more complete experience in the Inca territory. Probably the most incredible way is to arrive through the classic 4-day Inca Trail. However, the other two options (the train route and the Hydroelectric route) also have their own charm and are worth experiencing.

• Train route through Ollantaytambo: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
• 4-day Inca Trail route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km. 82 – Llactapata – Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca – Sayacmarca – Wiñaywayna – Machu Picchu.
• Alternative Hydroelectric route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Abra Málaga – Santa María – Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.

How many days to visit Machu Picchu?
Each route to Machu Picchu has a different duration. However, once at the Inca citadel, all of them require roughly the same amount of time to explore the site thoroughly. There are three available circuits, each taking you through different sectors and constructions of the archaeological sanctuary. If you want a more immersive adventure visiting the main areas, you’ll need to purchase two different tickets. We recommend getting one for Circuit 2 (classic route) and another for Circuit 3 (royal route). You can choose to visit both on the same day or on separate days. Remember that each ticket may include an additional hike besides the main circuit, such as the Huayna Picchu mountain or the Temple of the Moon, depending on your choice.

Getting to Machu Picchu by train through Ollantaytambo

• To reach Machu Picchu by train, you must travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas following the route Cusco – Ollantaytambo.
• First, by bus to the train station, and then by train to the town of Aguas Calientes. The railway runs along the Urubamba River valley between beautiful green mountains.
• There are two companies offering the train service: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both offer different types of trains. Peru Rail offers the Expedition, Vistadome, and Hiram Bingham trains. Inca Rail offers The Voyager, The 360, and The Private.
• We recommend booking the panoramic train (Vistadome); its large roof and wall windows are a great advantage when traveling through the Sacred Valley.
• The train to Machu Picchu is the fastest and easiest way to reach the site—just make sure to book your train ticket in advance (several weeks ahead). The trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Once in Aguas Calientes, you only need to take the bus that, in about 30 minutes, brings visitors to Machu Picchu.
• We recommend booking your train ticket after confirming the date and time of your Machu Picchu entrance.

Classic Route to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail

• The Inca Trail is considered one of the best hiking routes in the world, thanks to the rich history of its paths, the stunning landscapes, and Machu Picchu waiting at the end of the 4-day, 3-night journey.
• To enter Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail, you must book your permits 4 or 5 months in advance. This hike can only be done with an authorized travel agency—visitors are not allowed to do it independently.
• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu covers 40 kilometers, stretching from the central Andes mountains of Cusco to the cloud forest surrounding the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• These trails, filled with lush flora and fauna, make up one of the best trekking routes on the planet.
• Along the way, hikers can admire other Inca sites such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, and of course, Machu Picchu.

Getting to Machu Picchu via the Hydroelectric alternative route

• Is there an alternative way to enter Machu Picchu? Yes, it’s the alternative route through Hydroelectric, not very well-known but definitely more economical.
• On a regular day, most people enter Machu Picchu by train (around 85%). About two hundred do it via the Inca Trail (around 5%). And another group (between 8 and 10%) enter through the Hydroelectric alternative route.
• This route is quite accessible (much cheaper) and is the favorite among young travelers, as it’s full of adventure. The classic ways to reach Machu Picchu—the train or the Inca Trail—are trips with fixed and detailed itineraries, but this alternative route offers much more freedom on your journey to Machu Picchu.
• It combines bus rides, hiking, and beautiful landscapes before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.
• The experience begins in the city of Cusco, heading toward the town of Santa María. The trip lasts approximately 5 hours, crossing Andean landscapes until reaching the high jungle area.
• Once there, a final short car ride remains to the Hydroelectric station, located only 30 minutes away.
• From Hydroelectric, a nearly 2-hour hike begins. The route is quite easy, following flat paths along the railway tracks. You’ll be surrounded by lush flora and may spot some typical animals of the high jungle. The hike ends in the town of Aguas Calientes.
• From Aguas Calientes, you must take the bus that, in about 30 minutes, takes visitors up to Machu Picchu. However, since the Hydroelectric route takes an average of 8 hours, it’s best to stay overnight in a hotel and visit Machu Picchu the following day.

Route to Machu Picchu by Car

The ideal trip via the Hydroelectric route
If you’ve decided to take the Hydroelectric route to reach Machu Picchu, here’s the best plan to enjoy it to the fullest. First, you’ll need to set aside two days to complete it. The first day will be for traveling to the town of Santa María, where you can enjoy the famous Cocalmayo Hot Springs before spending the night. The next day, early in the morning, you’ll begin the hike to Aguas Calientes and later visit Machu Picchu. The return to Santa María is usually scheduled for the afternoon, arriving back in Cusco by nightfall.

Other options to visit Machu Picchu

Although there are only three main routes to reach Machu Picchu (the train ride from Ollantaytambo, the Inca Trail hike, and the Hydroelectric adventure), there are also other options offering unique activities and experiences that include one of these routes. Among them are the following alternatives:

• Salkantay trek – This 5-day, 4-night trekking route crosses stunning Andean and jungle landscapes. Along the 70-kilometer route, you’ll visit Humantay Lagoon, the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, and Machu Picchu. The archaeological site is reached via the Hydroelectric hike.
• Lares trek – This 4-day, 3-night trekking route crosses beautiful Andean scenery and traditional villages, which is why it’s known as “The Cultural Route to Machu Picchu.” It covers 37 kilometers, including a visit to the Lares Hot Springs. Machu Picchu is reached via the train route from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• Inca Jungle – This 4-day, 3-night adventure route combines thrilling sports like biking, rafting, ziplining, and hiking. It also includes a visit to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Machu Picchu is reached through the Hydroelectric alternative route.
• 2-day Inca Trail – This trekking route is a shorter version of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. It covers only 13 kilometers, from kilometer 104 to Machu Picchu, passing through the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna. Machu Picchu is reached via the Inca Trail route, and the visit must be done with an authorized travel agency.

About the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu

If you want to enter Machu Picchu by train, the first step is to book your Machu Picchu tickets. Do you already know which ticket to choose? Here are the available Machu Picchu ticket options.

Recommendations for traveling to Machu Picchu

• The Inca Trail is considered one of the best hikes in the world. Immersing yourself in this experience means living a more profound adventure while discovering the Inca citadel and walking along the same paths once used by the ancient Inca Empire.
• If you prefer a more comfortable and faster trip, the best option is to take the train from Ollantaytambo. It’s ideal for visiting Machu Picchu in just one day. Discover the Full Day Tour.
• The most economical route is via Hydroelectric Station, which also allows you to enjoy a more immersive adventure surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes around Machu Picchu.
• Booking your ticket should be the first step of your trip. Remember to do it at least one month in advance; however, if you want one of the most popular tickets, we recommend booking two or three months ahead.
• From June 19 to November 2, all ten Machu Picchu entrance routes are available; during the rest of the year, only six routes will be open.
• Due to the high demand for Inca Trail permits, this route must be booked 4 to 5 months in advance.
• During your trip, you’ll find two types of climates in Cusco: from April to October, dry and clear weather; and from November to March, a warm and rainy season.
• Acclimatizing is essential before visiting Machu Picchu. We recommend spending a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand, engaging in light activities.
• With Boletomachupicchu, you can book your journey to Machu Picchu through any of the available routes. Consult our sales advisors for all the options we offer for your dream trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu?

  The fastest and most comfortable way is to travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and then take a 30-minute bus ride that will drop you off at the entrance of Machu Picchu. It’s the easiest option for those with limited time.

• 2) How far in advance should I book my Inca Trail ticket?

  Since the spaces are limited, tickets usually sell out 4 to 5 months in advance. You can only enter with an authorized agency, so we recommend planning this trip well ahead of time.

• 3) How difficult is the Inca Trail hike?

  The classic Inca Trail covers about 40 kilometers over 4 days and 3 nights. It’s a moderately challenging trek with steep and high-altitude sections. However, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences thanks to the stunning landscapes and archaeological sites along the way.

• 4) Can I go to Machu Picchu on my own?

  Yes, if you choose the train or Hydroelectric route. You can organize your trip independently, as long as you book the entrance tickets to the citadel and transportation in advance.

• 5) How safe is the Hydroelectric route?

  It’s a very safe route and quite popular among young and adventurous travelers. It combines car rides (5 hours) and a 2-hour walk along flat paths next to the railway.

• 6) How long is the train ride to Machu Picchu?

  The journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Afterward, you’ll need to take the bus to Machu Picchu, which takes about 30 minutes.

• 7) Can I visit Machu Picchu in just one day?

  Yes, by taking an early train from Ollantaytambo, you can arrive, tour the citadel, and return to Cusco the same day. However, we recommend spending at least one night in Aguas Calientes to enjoy the trip more comfortably.

• 8) What’s the difference between the Machu Picchu entrance tickets?

  There are several types of tickets that include tours through different circuits, and in some cases, additional hikes such as Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, or the Temple of the Moon. It depends on the kind of adventure you want to experience in the Inca citadel.

• 9) What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?

  The dry season, from April to October, is ideal for clear landscapes. However, it’s also the busiest. Between November and March, you’ll find fewer tourists, but keep in mind it’s the rainy season.

• 10) What is the most affordable way to get to Machu Picchu?

  The Hydroelectric route is the most economical. Although it takes more time, it combines bus rides and hiking, making it a rewarding adventure full of unique experiences.

Machu Picchu Gallery

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Adriana V

“A true wonder of the world, in Peru!!!“

“I had been postponing this trip for a long time, and I had to go. Standing in one of the 7 wonders of the world is a unique experience; it evokes a mix of emotions that can only be felt in such spiritual and energy-filled places—excitement, joy, pride, awe—all merge in this wonder of the world. It’s a must-visit destination for everyone. Be sure to book in advance to secure one of the entry tickets.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 16, 2025