Machu Picchu is one of the most desired destinations on the planet, and visiting it is an experience that many dream of living. However, we don’t always find company to embark on the journey, and that shouldn’t be an obstacle. Traveling solo to the Inca citadel can become an even more enriching adventure: from the train rides through the Sacred Valley to the stay in the town of Aguas Calientes, every moment of the journey invites surprise, connection with other travelers, and full enjoyment of the path. If your dream is to visit Machu Picchu, doing so individually is not only possible but also a safe, exciting, and unforgettable experience.

• Machu Picchu Tickets
• How is the trip to Peru?
• Arriving in Cusco
• Machu Picchu Travel Routes
• The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
• More activities in Cusco
• Frequently Asked Questions

Many people venture to travel alone to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Tickets

• The first step to traveling to Machu Picchu is to acquire one of the ten available tickets to the Inca citadel. Each of them allows you various experiences, including immersive tours, hiking routes, or panoramic journeys.
• It is recommended to make the reservation at least one month in advance, although if you are looking for one of the most requested tickets (classic circuit or Huayna Picchu mountain), you should do so up to three months in advance.

How is the trip to Peru?

• Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco department, in Peru. The main way to get to the country is by air. The Peruvian airport infrastructure is adequate, especially the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, the capital.
• After arriving, you will need to take a flight to the city of Cusco. If traveling from a neighboring country, it is also possible to enter by land. The roads are in good condition, and the terminals in the major cities offer interprovincial buses to most of the country’s important destinations.

Arriving in Cusco

• After arriving in Cusco, you will need to choose the hotel or accommodation that best suits you. The service options are extensive, and most are located in the city’s historic center (20 minutes from the airport).
• Before traveling to Machu Picchu, it is highly recommended to explore the city of Cusco. A walking tour through the historic center, where the main attractions are concentrated, is possible. However, important archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, or Tambomachay require transport to reach.
• The best way to get to know the city of Cusco is by taking the City Tour, a half-day experience that visits tourist attractions such as: the Cathedral, the Qoricancha temple, and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It also includes professional guidance, tourist transport, and all tickets.
• After spending one or two days in the city and properly acclimatizing, you can begin the journey to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Keep in mind that the people in Cusco are very friendly, so it won’t be difficult to start friendly conversations with the locals. Additionally, there are always tourists from all over the world willing to share their travel experiences, so you will never feel alone.
• Cusco is a safe city, but as anywhere, it is important to be cautious.

Travel Routes to Machu Picchu

To visit the Inca wonder of Machu Picchu, you have several options, depending on your time, budget, or willingness for adventure. All alternatives can be done either through organized tours or independently.

• Train Route through the Sacred Valley

  The most common way to reach Machu Picchu is by train. Train tickets can be booked a few days in advance. The main station is in the village of Ollantaytambo, which is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Cusco. The train journey crosses Andean landscapes of the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River until reaching the tropical cloud forest area of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village). The train ride lasts approximately 2 hours. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, you just need to take the bus that will take you to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in 30 minutes.

• Hidroeléctrica Station Route

  The cheapest way to reach Machu Picchu is via the Hidroeléctrica route. To get to Machu Picchu via this route, you will first need to travel to the village of Santa María, which is a 5-hour drive from Cusco. After reaching Santa María, you must travel 30 more minutes to the Hidroeléctrica station, where the hike to Aguas Calientes begins. The hiking trail is 10 kilometers and usually takes about 2 hours. To reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you can either take the bus (a 30-minute ride) or walk (2 hours).

If you don’t have someone to accompany you on your trip to Machu Picchu, dare to travel alone

The Inca Trail Route to Machu Picchu
The third alternative to reaching Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail experience, an immersive 4-day adventure through ancient Inca paths. The total journey is nearly 41 kilometers, with nights spent in camps under the stars and surrounded by nature. To experience this adventure, you need to make a reservation 4 to 6 months in advance.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

• After completing the entire tour, Machu Picchu will make you feel a special energy. If you are visiting Machu Picchu alone, take the opportunity to discover every landscape, building, or even meditate on the agricultural terraces.
• Depending on the ticket you choose, you can visit one of the 10 available routes, which include one of the 3 circuits that divide the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu may change your life forever. It is highly recommended to purchase a ticket that includes a hiking route to experience an additional adventure. The best options are Huayna Picchu Mountain (route 3A) or Machu Picchu Mountain (route 1A).
• Perhaps the only inconvenience of visiting Machu Picchu solo is taking photos, but don’t worry, there will always be people willing to help you capture that unique moment. Exploring at your own pace will allow you to enjoy all the splendor of each construction in the Historic Sanctuary.
• Taking a solo trip to Machu Picchu can become one of your best travel experiences. The entire journey is safe, and there are several easy ways to reach the citadel. The key is to plan ahead and secure the necessary reservations.

More Activities in Cusco

• If you have more days in the city, you can visit other tourist attractions in the Cusco region. It will depend on the time available and your travel itinerary. As with other cases, you can do each tour either in an organized group or on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Can I travel solo to Cusco and Machu Picchu?

  Yes, traveling solo to Cusco and Machu Picchu is completely possible and a highly rewarding experience. It is a very safe destination, and there are many services available to make the journey easier, from transportation to guided tours. Many travelers visit on their own, so it’s easy to meet people along the way.

• 2) Is it safe to travel alone to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, the trip to Machu Picchu is safe for those who choose to do it alone. Cusco is a small tourist city with good organization. As with any destination, we recommend taking basic precautions and keeping an eye on your belongings.

• 3) How far in advance should I buy my ticket to Machu Picchu?

  It is recommended to book the ticket at least one month in advance. However, if you want to access one of the most popular routes, such as the Huayna Picchu Mountain or the Classic Circuit, we advise doing so between two and three months before your trip.

• 4) How do I get to Cusco if I’m traveling from another country?

  The most common way to get to Peru is by taking an international flight to Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima. From there, you will need to take another flight to the city of Cusco, which takes about one hour. It is also possible to enter the country by land from neighboring countries.

• 5) What should I do when I arrive in Cusco?

  When you arrive in Cusco, we recommend dedicating one or two days to acclimatization due to the altitude. During that time, you can explore the historic center of the city and visit some of its main tourist attractions.

• 6) What places can I visit in Cusco before going to Machu Picchu?

  Before traveling to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to take the City Tour of Cusco. This tour includes iconic places such as the Cathedral, the Qoricancha temple, and nearby archaeological sites like Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

• 7) What is the most common way to get to Machu Picchu?

  The most commonly used route is the train ride through the Sacred Valley. Usually, you depart from the Ollantaytambo station, and the journey takes about two hours to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, you take a bus that ascends to the entrance of the Inca citadel.

• 8) Is there an affordable way to get to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, an affordable alternative is the Hidroeléctrica route. In this case, you travel by car from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica station in Santa María. Then, you walk approximately 10 kilometers to the town of Aguas Calientes.

• 9) Can I visit Machu Picchu without booking a tour?

  Yes, it is possible to organize the trip independently by booking tickets for the entrance, train, and bus. However, many people prefer to book a tour to simplify the logistics and have a professional guide during the visit.

• 10) Is it worth traveling solo to Machu Picchu?

  Definitely yes, traveling solo allows you to explore the site at your own pace, stop at each landscape, and fully enjoy the experience. Plus, the tourist environment makes it easy to meet other travelers and share moments during the journey.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Vivi M

“Travel solo to Machu Picchu“

“I went to Machu Picchu alone in December. At first, I hesitated, but I did it, and it was simply unforgettable. I even took the Santa María - Hidroeléctrica route with a group of new friends I made when I arrived in Cusco. It was a great adventure, and I saved a lot of money. Machu Picchu is incredible, and the trip was totally worth it. Highly recommended.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 17, 2026