How to get from Lima to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu in 2025?
Your first stop in Peru will usually be Lima, the capital, from where you’ll embark on an adventure to Cusco to reach Machu Picchu. The Inca citadel is a must-see attraction, where you can admire the beauty of its architecture and how nature blends with the surrounding structures. Find out what means of transportation you’ll need to get from Lima to Machu Picchu to enjoy the best experience at this wonder of the world.
- How to get from Lima to Cusco?
- How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
- Tickets to Machu Picchu
- Tips for your trip to Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
Classic photo of Machu Picchu
How to get from Lima to Cusco?
Your first stop in Peru to explore the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu will be Lima. From there, you’ll have many transportation options to get to Cusco. Among the most common and popular options, we present the following options:
By air
Flights from Lima to Cusco take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making them the easiest and shortest option. Thanks to their availability around the clock, you can purchase a ticket on the same day of your visit.
There are options for all budgets, although since it’s such a short trip, choosing a budget option won’t be a problem. Cusco’s only airport is Alejandro Velazco Astete, which is just a 20-minute drive from the city center.
By bus
The most economical option to get to Cusco from Lima is to take a bus. This transport also has daily departures, although the hardest part will be traveling for approximately a whole day (22 hours).
The buses are very comfortable; you’ll just need to be prepared for their length. Perhaps bringing a book or a downloaded movie will be the best way to distract yourself. One of the best things about traveling by bus is experiencing the diversity of Peru’s landscapes. You’ll travel from the coast to the Andes, appreciating a great contrast of views.
By private car
If you’re an adventure seeker and have a private car, whether rented or your own, embarking on a road trip could be the best way to travel from Lima to Cusco. It’s an extensive trip that can last more than a day, but it will allow you to make the stops you want, discovering new places that will enrich your experience.
Traveling by private car is a great option if you have good company, since, as it’s such a long trip, you’ll need to take breaks and have someone else take the wheel to make the most of every hour of the journey.
Route from Lima to Cusco
How to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
Upon arriving in Cusco, you’ll find more limited transportation options to Machu Picchu. The most popular option, used by almost everyone, is to take a train from the town of Ollantaytambo. However, there is another option: the hike along Hidroeléctrica. Learn about both options:
Train to Machu Picchu
The most popular option for getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu is to take the train, which takes you through the region’s most impressive landscapes. There are many stations in Cusco: San Pedro (5 minutes from downtown), Wanchaq (10 minutes from downtown), Poroy (30 minutes from downtown), and Ollantaytambo (1 hour 45 minutes from downtown).
The usual route is to travel to Ollantaytambo by car and then take the train from there, as this station has many daily schedules, is also the fastest and the only one open year-round. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) takes approximately two hours.
The best part is that you can almost always find same-day train tickets (except during peak season), so pre-booking isn’t a concern. However, if you want to plan your ideal trip on the best train, you should book in advance.
Walk through Hydroelectric Power Plant
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get to Machu Picchu, the hydroelectric route, which includes a hike, might be the best option. On this adventure, you’ll first travel to the town of Santa Teresa, a five-hour drive from Cusco. After this initial journey, our hike will begin along a safe trail filled with a vast diversity of flora and fauna typical of the jungle.
The trip from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) will take around two hours, depending on the stops you make. It’s completely free and the trail is flat, making it very easy. Just carry your luggage and enjoy the magical scenery.
Hidroeléctrica Route Attractions
: Taking the Hidroeléctrica hike is an adventure that allows you to discover many more attractions along the way. From Santa Teresa, you can also visit the popular Cocalmayo Hot Springs, a natural attraction ideal for taking a break from your trip. Furthermore, on this route, you’ll experience a unique perspective on the biodiversity surrounding Machu Picchu.
Hiking trails
Other alternatives to reach Machu Picchu are the classic hikes from Cusco. There are many tours that take you on these hikes, but in many cases, you’ll need to be in good physical condition to do so.
- Inca Trail: One of the most popular hikes in the world is the Inca Trail, which offers 4-day (classic) and 2-day (short version) treks. This adventure takes you through dreamlike landscapes in the jungle’s edge regions, and you’ll also be able to see Inca structures that can only be seen on this route. To hike the classic Inca Trail, you’ll need to book 3 or 4 months in advance, but the planning is absolutely worth it.
Inca Trail Details
To experience the legendary Inca Trail, you’ll need to book your experience more than three months in advance. This experience can only be booked through a travel agency like ours, to safeguard the legendary trails and better monitor attendance.
- Salkantay Trek: Another adventurous hike to Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Trek, where you’ll discover many natural wonders along the way. During the tour, we’ll explore the incredible Humantay Lagoon, the Salkantay Pass, and the final hike through Hidroeléctrica. This adventure doesn’t require advance reservations; you can schedule it with us upon arrival in Cusco without any hassle.
Wiñaywayna archaeological site – Inca Trail
Tickets to Machu Picchu
When you purchase your ticket to Machu Picchu, you’ll notice there are up to 10 types of tickets: 6 available during the regular season and 10 during the high season. Each of these tickets is divided into three circuits, which will take you through different areas of the Inca citadel. Discover the details and features of the tickets to Machu Picchu.
| Tickets available for children over 12 years old | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket | Accesses included | Difficulty level | Duration | Availability | Reservation time |
| Machu Picchu Mountain (Route – 1A) | Upper platform, Guardian’s house, ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain | Medium – You should take a long but light walk, ideal for families | Up to 6 hours (including the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain) | All year | 1 month before |
| Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route – 1B) | Upper platform and Guardian’s house | Baja – Easy and scenic route, ideal for babies | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 1 month before |
| Inti Punku (Route – 1C) | Upper platform, Guardian’s house, hike to Inti Punku | Medium – Light hike through great landscapes, ideal for families | Up to 4 hours (including the hike to Inti Punku) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 1 month before |
| Inca Bridge (Route – 1D) | Upper platform, Guardian’s house, walk to the Inca Bridge | Medium – Light hike through great landscapes, ideal for adventurous families | Up to 3 hours (including the hike to the Inca Bridge) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 1 month before |
| Classic Designed (Route – 2A) | Tour of the Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, Water Mirrors and the Temple of the Three Windows | Baja – Tour of the citadel, ideal for young children | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 2 months ago |
| Classic Lower Terrace (Route – 2B) | Tour of the Lower Terrace, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Sacred Rock, the Water Mirrors, and the Temple of the Three Windows | Baja – Tour of the citadel, ideal for young children | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 2 months ago |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route – 3A) | Lower part of the citadel: Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and the ascent to Huayna Picchu | High – High-intensity hike, ideal if the child is experienced, requires great care | Up to 5 hours (including the hike to Huayna Picchu mountain) | All year | 2 months ago |
| Lower Temple or Designed Royalty (Route – 3B) | Lower part of the citadel: Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and agricultural areas | Baja – Easy route through the lower part of the citadel, ideal for small children | 2 hours 30 minutes | All year | 1 month before |
| Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route – 3C) | Lower part of the citadel: Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and the walk to the Great Cavern | Medium – Long hike, but full of biodiversity, ideal for adventurous families | Up to 5 hours (including the hike to the Great Cavern) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 1 month before |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain (Route – 3D) | Lower part of the citadel: Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Temple of the Condor, Royal Tomb and the ascent to Huchuy Picchu | Medium – Short but uphill hike, ideal for families | Up to 4 hours (including the hike to Huchuy Picchu mountain) | High season only (June 19 – November 2) | 2 months ago |
Tips for your trip to Machu Picchu
To ensure a more informed trip and the best experience in Machu Picchu, we’ll provide you with a series of tips and recommendations that will enhance your adventure by discovering the best way to reach the Inca citadel.
- One of the first steps for your trip to Machu Picchu is to book your tickets in advance. You should do so at least a month in advance, although if you want to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain or the classic circuit, you’ll need to book your ticket three months in advance.
- The best option for traveling from Lima to Cusco to see Machu Picchu is to first choose a flight, then take the train from Ollantaytambo, and then venture out to experience one of the best experiences of your life.
- Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level, so it’s recommended that you acclimatize with light activities during your first few days in Cusco so you can explore this wonder of the world without any problems.
- The regular ticket season for Machu Picchu runs from November 3rd to June 18th, during which time you’ll only find six tickets.
- Peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu runs from June 19th to November 2nd, during which time you’ll find ten tickets available.
- Plane and train tickets can be booked with little advance notice, but you should focus on booking tickets to Machu Picchu, so you can be on one of the best routes during your visit.
- If you travel to Machu Picchu during the rainy season (November – March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho, as the weather can be rainy at any time.
- Visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season (April through October) offers clearer, more pleasant weather, although there are also usually more visitors.
- You can have a full-day experience at Machu Picchu while in Cusco. It’s one of the best options if you’re short on time during your trip.
- Remember that with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your perfect trip to Machu Picchu. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best way to get from Lima to Cusco?
The most recommended option is to take a direct flight from Lima. It’s the fastest and most comfortable option, as the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
2) Can I travel by bus from Lima to Cusco?
Yes, it’s a more economical option. The trip takes between 20 and 22 hours, depending on the company and the route. It’s ideal if you want to enjoy Peru’s landscapes and don’t mind spending a full day on the road.
3) What options do I have to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
The most popular way is to take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Another option is to combine ground transportation with a hike along the hydroelectric route. There are also hiking trails like the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, ideal if you’re looking for adventure.
4) What is the train ride to Machu Picchu like?
The train ride is comfortable and filled with stunning scenery. From Cusco, you can take the train from stations such as San Pedro, Wanchaq, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo (the most popular). The journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes approximately two hours.
5) What is the route of the hydroelectric plant?
The Hidroeléctrica route is an economical and adventurous option for reaching Machu Picchu. You must first reach the town of Santa Teresa (5 hours from Cusco), then take an easy 2-hour hike to Aguas Calientes.
6) Can I hike from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
Yes, there are trekking routes like the Inca Trail (2 or 4 days) or the Salkantay Trek (4 to 5 days). These are somewhat demanding hikes, but they’re full of scenery and culture.
7) When should I book my tickets to Machu Picchu?
Tickets to Machu Picchu must be reserved at least one month in advance, but if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or tour the classic circuit, you should do so up to three months in advance.
8) What types of tickets are there for Machu Picchu?
There are up to 10 types of tickets, divided into three circuits. Some include additional access points, such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu, or the Inca Bridge. Availability depends on the season (regular or high season).
9) What is the best season to visit Machu Picchu?
The dry season, between April and October, is ideal for its stable climate and clear skies. However, it’s also the busiest. If you prefer a quieter time, you can visit during the rainy season (November to March).
10) Can I visit Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco?
Yes, it’s possible to take a full-day tour. This experience departs very early from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, then takes the train to Aguas Calientes, ascends to Machu Picchu, and returns the same day.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Liv M.“Ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain“
“The ascent to the mountain was impressive, I thought it would be more difficult, but with a little effort is enough. I thank Boletomachupicchu for the experience, I got a dream photograph in Machu Picchu, unforgettable.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 5, 2025