Below we have compiled a 2020 up-to-date guide to Machu Picchu, one of the most inspiring archaeological sites ever discovered. People from all over the world gather in Peru to revel in its beauty and grandeur.
Machu Picchu is only accessible from Cusco. Cusco is accessible via air or land. If travelling by land, Peru Hop have buses in all directions to and from Cusco, so make sure to combine your Machu Picchu experience with 1 of our world famous hop on hop off passes!
Machu Picchu is the site of an ancient Inca city, high in the Andes of Peru. Located at 2430m, the site is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”.
It’s one of the most famous and spectacular sets of ruins in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, Machu Picchu receives over one million visitors per year and is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Access to Machu Picchu
The access point to Machu Picchu is the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). This little town has no road access from any surrounding towns, so it’s not reachable by car. It is necessary to use a combination of transport methods including train, car, or walking.
Once there, Machu Picchu lies at the top of the mountain above Aguas Calientes. You can choose between a hike up or a bus to Machu Picchu.
To access the site, you must have a ticket for Machu Picchu – which are available online in advance or from various ticket offices in Cusco.
Machu Picchu tickets are NOT sold at the entrance gate and are limited to 2500 per day, with entrance to Huayna Picchu and Montaña Machu Picchu each being further limited to 400 per day. During peak times of the year, tickets for these additional elements can sell out weeks in advance.
The highest peaked mountain of Machu Picchu with Inca structures on the top at 2,720m. The hike takes about 50 minutes to reach the top of the mountain. The scenery from the summit is unreal, you can see the main square of Machu Picchu about 600 meters down and the Urubamba canyon all around. The hike is tough and a decent level of fitness is required.
Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña Machu Picchu)
Located at the southwest end of Machu Picchu. It’s a longer trek, less steep and less crowded and also offers great views over Machu Picchu and surrounding area but takes about 1 hour 30 to the summit.
The view from Huayna Picchu
To climb one of the mountains you need to purchase a permit in combination with your Machu Picchu entry ticket. This must be bought as an add-on to your Machu Picchu entry ticket at the time of purchase (they cannot be purchased separately from the Machu Picchu entry ticket so once purchased a mountain pass cannot be added or cancelled).
Choosing a trek to Machu Picchu
The Classic Inca Trail
South America’s number one trek and one of the most popular treks in the world. Offering 4 days of trekking along original paved Inca pathways, a variety of fascinating Inca sites and the beautiful scenery of the Machu Picchu national park, the Inca Trail is one of those things that everyone should do once in their life.
The official Inca trail is closed every year for the month of February to give the trails some time to recover and carry out maintenance. It is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail at least 5 months in advance as permits can quickly sell out. Prices range from $550 to $1550.
The Inka Jungle Tour
A four day trek to Machu Picchu for the ultimate adventurer! This action packed tour allows you to experience the astounding views of Machu Picchu after a three day adventure of hiking and biking through the mountains, jungle and a section of the ancient Inca trail, river rafting on the Vilcanota River, and flying through the air on zip-lines in the Santa Teresa canyons.
One of the most popular trips to Machu Picchu with daily departures and usually plenty of availability all year round. Prices range from $200 to $350.
The Salkantay Trek
A true Andean crusade, this 4-day trek through the dramatic Cordillera Vilcabamba is a wonderful alternative for those who want to take a less-travelled and exceptionally beautiful route to Machu Picchu. Mount Salkantay is the 2nd largest mountain in the entire Cusco area (2nd only to Ausangate) and is said to be the “guardian” that stands between the mountains and the jungle.
Crossing over a pass between the peaks of the immense mountains, Salkantay (6270m) and Humantay (6070m), you will get to see some spectacular views of the glacier and the sprawling valleys that they stand over. The National Geographic magazine has frequently listed this as one of the top 10 treks in the world. Prices range from $250 to $450.
The Lares Trek
An excellent alternative to the Inca Trail. Taking you off the beaten track with visits to authentic Andean communities whilst being surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes and valleys. This trek combines amazing mountain scenery, glacier lagoons, cloud-forest valleys and authentic Quechua textile communities as well as a visit to the Lares hot springs. Departures are frequent but not daily as there is not the same demand as the other treks. Prices range from $200 to $400.
For those short on time or who simply do not want to trek to Machu Picchu there are some alternatives that might be the best option.
Going to Machu Picchu by train
2 Day Train
Taking a train to Aguas Calientes and spending the night there before an early start the next day – trekking up the mountain to the ruins or boarding the shuttle bus that leaves every couple of minutes. Taking one of the trains back to Ollantaytambo before being dropped back to Cusco in a mini-bus is a very popular choice for visitors. Prices range from $200 to $350.
Machu Picchu Train
1 Day Train
Forgoing a night in Aquas Calientes and leaving from Cusco at 3/4am to catch the first train to the town at the base of the mountain Machu Picchu is situated atop of. Take the shuttle bus up to the entrance and spend some hours exploring the complex before returning to Cusco in the same manner. Prices range from $200 to $300.
Going to Machu Picchu on your own
2 Day Bus/Walk
Taking a bus from Cusco all the way to Hidroelectrica (the last train stop before Aquas Calientes) via Santa Maria on both paved and unpaved road. From Hidroelectrica it is a flat 3 hour trek alongside the train tracks and river to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night there before an early start the next day – trekking up the mountain to the ruins or boarding the shuttle bus that leaves every couple of minutes.
After visiting Machu Picchu descend the mountain and walk back along the train lines to Hidroelectrica before the long drive back to Cusco. This is the budget option with departures daily. This way of getting to Machu Picchu is not recommended given the dangers associated with the long stretch of unpaved road along a treacherous cliff edge. Prices range from $150 to $200.