To visit Machu Picchu, the first thing you need to decide is whether you want to travel independently or join an organized tour. The latter option usually includes the entire journey from the city of Cusco to the entrance gate of the Inca City, making the experience easier for visitors. However, many travelers prefer to venture out on their own and organize each stage of the trip themselves. So, how do you get to Machu Picchu without booking a tour? Discover how to reach this Wonder of the World in just 4 simple and well-organized steps.

• Step 1: Buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Step 2: Book your train tickets to Machu Picchu
• Step 3: Travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
• Step 4: Get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• What to do once you’re in Machu Picchu?
• Other ways to get to Machu Picchu
• Questions and answers about traveling to Machu Picchu

Classic photo of a tourist at Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail hiking experience allows visitors to embark on a four-day adventure through archaeological remains and vast natural landscapes. On the fourth day, the hike ends at Inti Punku, the ancient entrance to Machu Picchu, from where visitors begin an unforgettable tour of the Inca citadel.

Step 1: Buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket

• How do you get to Machu Picchu on your own from Cusco? The first step in visiting this Wonder of the World is to reserve your Machu Picchu ticket at least one to two months in advance.
• Tickets must be purchased online through Boletomachupicchu or the Cusco Ministry of Culture website.
• A total of 4,500 tickets are available daily for entry to Machu Picchu, although during the high season (June 19 to November 2) this number increases to 5,600.
• Additionally, 1,000 tickets are made available each day for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) for travelers who were unable to reserve their tickets in advance.
• There are 10 different types of tickets available to visit Machu Picchu, each with its own availability, schedules, ticket allocation, and sightseeing circuit. Discover their main features below:

Step 2: Book your train tickets to Machu Picchu

• After purchasing your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, you should book your train tickets to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
• It is recommended to purchase train tickets immediately after confirming your Machu Picchu entry date and time in order to create an optimized itinerary.
• Train tickets can be purchased just a few days in advance, although booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred schedule and service.
• Train tickets to Machu Picchu can also be purchased upon arrival in the city of Cusco.
• Rail service is operated by two different companies, PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both offer various services that provide different levels of comfort and exclusivity during the journey. Discover each option below:
  • PeruRail train services
    • Expedition Train
    • Vistadome Train
    • Vistadome Observatory Train
    • Hiram Bingham Train
  • Inca Rail train services
    • The Voyager Train
    • The 360° Train
    • The Prime Train
    • The First Class Train
    • The Private Train

PeruRail train at Ollantaytambo station

Step 3: Travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes

• After obtaining the necessary tickets and arriving in the city of Cusco, the next step is to travel to the town of Ollantaytambo, where the main train station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) is located.
• To travel independently to Ollantaytambo, you will need to take one of the cars, buses, or minivans that depart from Pavitos Street in Cusco’s Historic Center.
• The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by public transportation costs approximately 15 soles and takes nearly 2 hours.
• Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, you should head to the train station, which is located just a few minutes from the main square.
• The train route to Machu Picchu offers spectacular scenery, passing through Andean landscapes and into the tropical cloud forest region.
• The train journey to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 2 hours.

Route to Aguas Calientes from the city of Cusco

Step 4: Get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

• The final step, once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, is to purchase bus tickets to travel to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
• The ticket office is located just one block from the train station. Likewise, the bus station to the Wonder of the World is only a short walk away.
• These bus tickets do not have a strict departure time; you simply need to wait in a short line to board.
• The buses to Machu Picchu take around 30 minutes to climb from Aguas Calientes to the entrance gate of the Inca City.
• The first bus departs at 5:30 a.m. and runs every 20 minutes or once full. The last bus leaves at 3:00 p.m..
• There is also the option of hiking to Machu Picchu, although the route is a constant uphill climb via stone steps through the tropical forest. This trek takes nearly two hours and is generally recommended for the descent rather than the ascent.

Route to the Machu Picchu citadel from Aguas Calientes

What to Do Once You Arrive at Machu Picchu?

• Upon arriving at the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, you must enter through the gate corresponding to the circuit included with your ticket. Remember to always carry your identification document.
• Entry is permitted at the time indicated on your ticket. Each ticket includes a maximum grace period of 30 minutes.
• From the moment of entry, each visitor may remain in the Inca City for a maximum of 4 hours. However, if your ticket includes a hiking route, your visit may extend up to 6 hours.
• Hiring a tour guide is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended because it will enrich your experience by providing historical context for each structure included in your Machu Picchu circuit.
• After visiting Machu Picchu, travelers can return the same way they arrived: by bus and train back to the city of Cusco.

Couple of tourists exploring the panoramic circuit of Machu Picchu

Other Ways to Get to Machu Picchu

Besides traveling to Machu Picchu independently (via the train route from Ollantaytambo), there are other ways to reach and visit the Inca City:

• Travel with an organized tour – Machu Picchu tours include all the necessary services for a complete experience, including transportation from Cusco (bus and train), the entrance ticket to the Inca City, and a professional guide. Costs are higher than traveling independently, but the service streamlines every step of the journey (discover the Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour).
• Travel via the “Hydroelectric Route” – This is the most affordable way to get to Machu Picchu. However, it takes considerably longer compared to the train journey from Ollantaytambo. The route starts in Cusco and continues to the Hydroelectric Station (a 6-hour bus ride). From there, travelers take a short 2-hour walk to reach the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – This hiking route is considered the best way to reach Machu Picchu. The experience lasts 4 days and 3 nights, covering approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles). On the final day, hikers arrive at the Inca City through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
• Salkantay Trek – Another hiking adventure that crosses high-altitude landscapes such as the Salkantay Pass (4,650 m / 15,255 ft), as well as tropical regions. It lasts 5 days and 4 nights, covering nearly 65 kilometers (40 miles). The final part of the route follows the Hydroelectric trail and reaches Machu Picchu by bus from Aguas Calientes.

Questions and Answers About Traveling to Machu Picchu

• 1) How long does the journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu take?

  There are three ways to get to Machu Picchu: the Inca Trail (4 days), the alternative Hydroelectric Route (8 hours), and the train journey (4 hours). The train is the fastest and most comfortable option for travelers.

• 2) Can I take the train directly from the city of Cusco?

  Yes, approximately three train services depart from Cusco each day. The journey to Aguas Calientes station takes about 5 hours. However, due to the limited number of departures, most tourists prefer to board the train at Ollantaytambo station.

• 3) Can I walk from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?

  While it is possible to walk this route, few tourists choose to do so because of the difficulty and distance (more than one full day of hiking). For an adventurous and budget-friendly trip, the Hydroelectric Route is the better option.

• 4) What is the local train? Can I take it?

  The local train is a non-tourist service available only to Peruvians and, especially, residents of the towns near Machu Picchu. The fare is only 12 soles per trip.

• 5) Can I walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, this route is only 8 kilometers (5 miles) on foot. However, since the path is uphill and includes hundreds of stone steps, taking the bus is highly recommended. The bus ride takes 30 minutes, while the hike takes 2 hours or more.

• 6) What is the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu?

  Without a doubt, the cheapest route is the one that passes through the Hydroelectric Station in the Cusco jungle. The average cost of this route to Machu Picchu ranges from 20 to 30 USD.

• 7) Where can I buy train tickets?

  Train tickets can be purchased online through the PeruRail and Inca Rail websites. They can also be purchased directly at the train stations or at authorized offices in Cusco.

• 8) Where do I take public transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?

  Buses depart from Pavitos Street, located in Cusco’s Historic Center. You can get there by taxi or on foot from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas). The trip to Ollantaytambo costs around 15 soles and takes nearly 2 hours.

• 9) How much does the Hydroelectric Route to Machu Picchu cost?

  This is the most affordable route, as transportation costs between 20 and 30 USD per person and the hike is free.

• 10) How can I travel to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail?

  The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is protected by the Peruvian government. Therefore, only travelers who book a tour through an authorized tour operator are allowed to enter. These agencies manage the required permits for visitors in order to protect both travelers and the historic trail network.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Joel M.

“One Hundred Percent Recommended“

“Machu Picchu is a magical place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The nature, landscapes, and architecture are unique and unforgettable. If possible, book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket. It is the best experience you can have while visiting Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, June 8, 2026