How Do You Get To Machu Picchu? Your Ultimate Luxury Guide

Dreaming of Machu Picchu? This legendary Inca citadel isn’t just a bucket-list site - the journey itself is part of the adventure.

The main highlight of any trip to Peru, these sacred ruins are one of the stand-out creations of the Inca civilization - who once ruled these high Andean lands. However Machu Picchu itself takes at least a day to get to from Cusco, and as a result it’s worth knowing which tour packages and transport options are best for travellers looking to arrive there in style.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore how to get to Machu Picchu as a luxury traveller, reviewing the different options and which are best for comfort, efficiency and all-inclusive experiences. Later in this guide we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.

How To Get To Machu Picchu: A Step-By-Step Guide

Given Machu Picchu’s geographical positioning between the spiralling Andes and remote Amazon, getting here isn’t the simplest. However it certainly isn’t hard, and below we’ll outline the easiest and quickest options for you.

Step 1: Arriving Into Cusco Peru

Once you’ve arrived into the capital of Lima with your international flight, you’ll now need to make your way into the touristic city of Cusco. Thankfully there are dozens of daily flights from the capital, which are operated by regional airlines such as LATAM and Sky that depart as early as 5:00am and continue regularly throughout the day and evening until 11:20pm.

The flight itself takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes to arrive into Cusco, where on a clear day we can witness some truly outstanding views of Salkantay Mountain and the surrounding towering Andean peaks (if possible try and book a seat on the left side of the cabin for the best views). You’ll then arrive into the Alejandro Velasco Airport in Cusco, from which you can then take a private taxi directly to your hotel or apartment.

Step 2: Getting From Cusco To Aguas Calientes

Once you’ve arrived and settled in, it’s time to make your way to the New Seventh Wonder of the World. Machu Picchu’s location isn’t the easiest to get to as it’s sandwiched between the Andes and Amazon, meaning that we will need a minimum of one day to explore these ruins from Cusco - and preferably 2-3 days to really make the most of the ancient site and surrounding regions.

There are many ways of getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco, which vary from hiking the Inca Trail to heading on shared minivans. However those who want the most relaxing and all-inclusive experience can instead head on the luxury trains which are operated by PeruRail and IncaRail. Departure times for these luxury trains depart from as early as 9:00am, meaning you can easily arrive at Machu Picchu before midday when arriving the same day on a flight from Lima. Services such as the Hiram Bingham Train include gourmet meals and 360° viewing platforms during your journey to Machu Picchu, and you can easily reserve your spot when booking a private Machu Picchu tour from Cusco with us here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company. 

Note: Many are wondering about the altitude of Machu Picchu, and whether you need to acclimate properly beforehand in Cusco. While its altitude of 2450m is much lower than other sites around Cusco, it’s still worth spending a day or two acclimating up in Cusco if you can - as this will allow for the most comfort. If you’re in a rush then it’s still perfectly fine to head straight to Machu Picchu, and will actually be beneficial since we will immediately decline from Cusco’s higher elevation of 3399m.

Step 3: Heading Up To Machu Picchu Ruins From Aguas Calientes 

Regardless of which train or transport option you choose, you’ll always arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes. Perched between giant mountains within the tropical rainforest, this town is the gateway to Machu Picchu. While it’s possible to walk-up from the town which takes around an hour, the best way is to head on the local buses for the quickest and most comfortable option.

They depart close to the train station on Hermanos Ayer Avenue, taking around 30 minutes to arrive to Machu Picchu. There are frequent departures every 10-15 minutes, with the earliest starting at 5:30am and the latest at 3:30pm. You must buy your tickets in advance online, and you’ll need to bring your passport or verified documentation (in order to enter Machu Picchu).

What Is The Best Way For Luxury Travellers To Get To Machu Picchu?

If you are looking for the most comfortable, enjoyable and all-inclusive way of getting to Machu Picchu, then you’ll want to take the luxury Hiram Bingham Train. Once you’ve arrived into Cusco, you can easily board here at several stations such as Poroy or Wanchaq (and also at the Rio Sagrado Station within the Sacred Valley) - which depart from as early as 9:00am.

On-board this train you can enjoy premium seats as you gaze out and watch the Andean landscapes transform during your journey, while enjoying folklore performance inside the carriage. You will also enjoy a three course gourmet meal, which all together really set the perfect tone before arriving in good spirits into Aguas Calientes - from where you’ll then take a short bus up to Machu Picchu Ruins for your tour.

Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company, we specialize in crafting luxury Machu Picchu tour packages which include the finest accommodation and most comfortable transport options to and from Cusco. You can visit the link above to see what options you have, as well as speaking to our expert team for more advice. 

Getting To Machu Picchu In Style: Choosing Between PeruRail, IncaRail And Private Transportation 

In the previous section we explored every step of getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu. However when it comes to the trains themselves, there can be some confusion as to how they differ, and which are best to choose. Below we’ll briefly outline the main options so you know what you’ll be booking - and you can also read this comprehensive Machu Picchu train article for a full breakdown.

PeruRail Trains (Hiram Bingham, Vistadome Observatory, Vistadome)

PeruRail is one of the two main train providers from Cusco to Machu Picchu, and offers varying train classes and services depending on what you’re looking for. 

• The Hiram Bingham Train is the most luxurious, which includes the most comfortable seats, gourmet meals and overall best service quality - and remains the top choice for travelers that desire the most refined and exclusive way of journeying to Machu Picchu.
• Next we have the mid-tier Vistadome Observatory, which is an upgrade on the standard Vistadome. Here you’ll enjoy a carriage with panoramic windows, local performances and an open-air balcony. 
• The standard Vistadome Train is the entry-level train which is best for those on a budget which includes large viewing windows - however is much busier and has limited food and drink options. 

The Luxury Peru Travel Company Recommendation: If you want the most comfortable and unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, then the Hiram Bingham is hands-down the winner. The Vistadome is a good option for saving money, while the Vistadome Observatory is a nice middle-ground between affordable costs and panoramic views.

Inca Rail Trains (Presidential, First Class, Prime, 360°, Voyager)

Offering slightly more services, IncaRail is the other main provider for Machu Picchu trains. 

• The Presidential Class is the most private and all-inclusive option, which is actually a separate carriage and is operated solely on request. Known as the Inca Princess Carriage, this exclusive service is private just for your group, and includes the most elegant decor, gourmet meals, live performances and much more - and is tailored exactly to your needs.
• The First Class is the standard luxury train to Machu Picchu, and also includes the same comfortable seats, an incredible three-course meal, live music, exclusive lounge and bar, as well as an open-air balcony - just without the full exclusivity of the Presidential. 
• Next we have the Prime Train, which is a less expensive mid-premium service that offers superior comfort to the standard trains, as well as a private transfer to the station - however without included meals and less VIP benefits.
• The 360° is a similar train to PeruRail’s Vistadome Observatory, focusing its design on having large windows for the best viewing experience. While slightly more crowded and less inclusive to the Prime, snacks and live music are still included on this fare. 
• Finally we have the Voyager Train, which is IncaRail’s entry-level train service. The busiest option, here you’ll have basic seating and standard windows with no luxury perks - although it's the most economical train option to Machu Picchu for those looking to save.

Private Transportation

Regarding private transport, it’s important to mention that you cannot take a taxi or drive all the way directly to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Instead, what you can do is take a private taxi or hired shuttle to the train stations, followed by one of PeruRail or IncaRail’s trains to Aguas Calientes. 

However it’s still certainly possible to have an entirely exclusive journey to Machu Picchu though. First you will take a taxi or private shuttle to Ollantaytambo from Cusco, and then board the private Inca Princess carriage as part of the Presidential Class, which is fully customizable and includes everything in your package.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get To Machu Picchu

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about how to get to Machu Picchu, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The Easiest Way To Get To Machu Picchu?

The quickest and easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is by boarding one of PeruRail or IncaRail’s trains in Cusco, and then taking the bus from Aguas Calientes up to the legendary ruins. For added comfort and exclusivity, you can book either the Hiram Bingham, Presidential, First Class or Prime Classes which are offered between both providers.

How Strenuous Is Visiting Machu Picchu?

When exploring Machu Picchu ruins with your tour guide, you’ll find it’s actually quite manageable and doesn’t require great fitness. This is because the ruins are located at a more comfortable altitude of 2450m (especially when compared with Cusco which is higher up), and also as the site is easily walkable. There are stairs to access different platforms, but as a whole it’s not a strenuous experience when visiting Machu Picchu. 

Can A Beginner Climb Machu Picchu?

Absolutely yes - beginners can easily explore the ruins of Machu Picchu - even without breaking a sweat!. You need no hiking experience at all here, where you’ll walk between different viewing platforms during your guided tour. Just remember to take frequent breaks when hiking up and down the different platforms, and to keep drinking lots of water.

Overview Of How You Can Get To Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of South America’s most incredible and mysterious sites that you can visit, which combines both beautiful Andean scenery along with historical Incan ruins.

Getting to Machu Picchu nowadays is very easy, and there are several different options to choose from depending on what you would most like. Those after the most luxurious and all-inclusive options will want the Hiram Bingham, Presidential or First Class trains, while the 360 and Vistadome Explorer are less expensive alternatives that still offer remarkable views with their giant panoramic windows.

Are you ready to secure your dream Machu Picchu journey? Here at The Luxury Peru Travel Company we have been crafting fully tailored tours around Machu Picchu and the rest of Peru for decades, and can help you plan out your dream itinerary step by step. Get in touch with our expert team now, where we can tailor your entire experience exactly how you want it to be.