How to Get to Machu Picchu
Reaching Machu Picchu is not just about getting from one place to another. It is about choosing the journey that matches the way you want to experience Peru. From trekking through remote Andean landscapes and visiting local communities to taking the train through the Sacred Valley, there are several ways to reach this iconic site.
In this guide, we explain the different options, including the best treks, train journeys and practical tips to help you plan your Machu Picchu experience.
Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel nestled high in the Peruvian Andes.
Trekking to Machu Picchu
For many travelers, planning a visit to Machu Picchu begins with a simple question: should I take the train or hike? The better question, however, isn’t how you’ll get there, but what kind of journey you’re hoping to have.
A trek transforms the journey into part of the destination. Instead of arriving within a few hours, you’ll spend several days moving through changing landscapes. Mountain passes give way to cloud forests, remote villages and quiet valleys before Machu Picchu finally comes into view. Each route offers a different perspective, whether your priority is history, dramatic scenery or meaningful encounters with local communities.
The Coffee Route to Machu Picchu
Some journeys are remembered for the destination. Others are remembered for the people you meet along the way.
If you’d rather return home remembering the people you met than simply the places you visited, the Coffee Route offers a very different way to reach Machu Picchu. Instead of following one of Peru’s busiest trekking routes, this journey leads through small farming communities in the coffee-growing valleys where the Andes meet the Amazon. Along the way, you’ll spend time with coffee-growing families, learn how coffee is cultivated and processed, share home-cooked meals, and discover what daily life looks like far from Peru’s heavy tourist traffic routes.
The Coffee Route: an unforgettable hike through Peru’s landscapes and local communities on the way to Machu Picchu
Coffee Route to Machu Picchu: The Journey Matters
Whether you choose the more adventurous 4-day hike or the shorter 3-day journey that combines coffee and chocolate experiences, both itineraries invite you to slow down and experience Peru beyond its famous landmarks.
Instead of rushing from one highlight to the next, you’ll spend your days walking through coffee plantations, sharing moments with local families, and discovering landscapes that few travelers ever see. Machu Picchu remains the grand finale, but by the time you arrive, the journey itself has already become one of the most memorable parts of your adventure.
Best for: Travelers looking for authentic cultural experiences, slower travel and meaningful encounters beyond the traditional tourist trail.
Meet the Families Behind the Coffee
Coffee is far more than a crop in this part of Peru. The combination of altitude, fertile soils and a humid climate creates ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee, including varieties such as Typica, Catimor, Geisha, Bourbon and Pacamara, which you’ll discover on the farms of Alejandro and Enrique. Beyond its flavor, however, coffee tells the story of the people who grow it.
Connecting with local farmers and experiencing the traditions of Peru’s coffee-growing communities
For many families, it remains an important source of income, and local cooperatives have helped small-scale farmers improve their livelihoods while preserving a strong connection to the land. Community-based tourism has become another important source of income, complementing coffee farming rather than replacing it.
Walking through these valleys offers more than an insight into how coffee is produced; it reveals the communities and traditions that continue to shape this region today.
The 4-Day Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most rewarding alternatives to the Inca Trail for travelers drawn to high mountain passes, snow-capped peaks and constantly changing landscapes. For many travelers, its appeal lies not only in the scenery, but in the feeling of moving through different worlds in just a few days, from high-altitude landscapes beneath the Salkantay Mountain to the warmer valleys surrounding Machu Picchu.
The route crosses the foothills of the snow-capped Salkantay Mountain before descending through cloud forests and subtropical valleys on the way to Aguas Calientes. It is generally considered more physically demanding than the Classic Inca Trail, but it also offers a greater sense of wilderness and doesn’t require the limited permits that make the Inca Trail so competitive.
The Salkantay Trek: a breathtaking journey through some of Peru’s most spectacular mountain landscapes
While we don’t currently offer the Salkantay Trek as a standalone tour, we’re happy to include it as part of a tailor-made itinerary if it matches the type of experience you’re looking for.
Best for: Experienced hikers who enjoy challenging mountain landscapes and want an alternative to the Inca Trail.
The Lares Trek
The Lares Trek offers a quieter and more personal way to experience the journey to Machu Picchu. While many routes focus on dramatic landscapes or ancient ruins, this trek stands out for the opportunity to connect with the living culture of the Andes.
Typically completed over four days, the trail passes through remote villages where Quechua traditions, weaving, farming, and centuries-old customs continue to shape everyday life. The mountain scenery is impressive, but for many travelers, the most memorable moments come from the encounters along the way, sharing conversations with local families and gaining a deeper understanding of life in the Andes.
The Lares Trek offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and cultural encounters
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Lares Trek does not end directly at Machu Picchu. Instead, the itinerary finishes in the Sacred Valley before continuing by train to Aguas Calientes, making it one of the most popular alternative routes to reach the citadel.
Like the Salkantay Trek, the Lares Trek isn’t currently available as a standalone tour through Impactful Travel, but it can be incorporated into a personalized itinerary.
Best for: Travelers looking for cultural connections, quieter trails and a deeper understanding of Andean communities.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is arguably the world’s most famous hike to Machu Picchu, and for good reason. For centuries, sections of this ancient network of paths connected communities across the Inca Empire. Today, the trail remains one of the most iconic ways to reach Machu Picchu, ending at the Sun Gate, where hikers catch their first view of the citadel before walking into the archaeological site itself.
Because access is strictly regulated, permits are released in limited numbers and often sell out months before departure. If walking the original Inca Trail is high on your wish list, planning ahead is essential.
A once-in-a-lifetime trek through history, nature, and breathtaking Andean landscapes
Did you know the Inca Trail is much more than a single hike to Machu Picchu? Discover seven unforgettable trekking experiences across the ancient Inca road network in our complete guide.
Best for: Travelers who want to combine history, hiking, and the classic arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Trains to Machu Picchu
Not every journey to Machu Picchu needs to begin with hiking boots. If you’re traveling on a tighter schedule, prefer a more relaxed journey, or simply want to spend your energy exploring the citadel itself, the train is an excellent alternative.
A breathtaking journey by rail through the heart of the Peruvian Andes
Most train journeys begin in Ollantaytambo, a town in the Sacred Valley that can be reached from Cusco by private transfer, taxi, or public transport. From there, the railway follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley, gradually leaving the highlands behind as the landscape becomes greener and more tropical before reaching Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Some services also depart from stations closer to Cusco, although departures from Ollantaytambo are generally more frequent.
Before You Board
Train services are currently operated by two main companies, PeruRail and Inca Rail. While both offer different schedules and service levels, the limited competition means prices can be higher than some travelers expect. During the busiest months, it’s worth booking as early as possible to secure your preferred departure time.
Prices vary considerably depending on the season, route and service level, ranging from more affordable standard options to premium experiences. Both companies also apply luggage restrictions, so larger suitcases should usually be left at your hotel in Cusco while you travel with a small overnight bag.
If your main goal is to experience Machu Picchu and your time in Peru is limited, the train is a comfortable and efficient way to get to Machu Picchu without hiking. If you’d like to compare the different train options in more detail, our complete guide to trains to Machu Picchu covers the available services, ticket categories, luggage rules and everything you need to know before booking.
The Final Ascent to Machu Picchu
Whether you arrive by train or on most trekking routes, your journey doesn’t end at Machu Picchu itself. With the exception of the Classic Inca Trail, nearly every route finishes in Aguas Calientes, from where you’ll make the final ascent to the archaeological site.
Aguas Calientes: the gateway town to the legendary Machu Picchu
The most popular option from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is the shuttle bus, which takes around 25 to 30 minutes along a winding mountain road. Travelers who prefer to continue on foot can hike up a steep stone path instead. The climb usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on your pace, and is a rewarding choice for those looking to begin their visit a little more actively.
Whichever option you choose, it’s worth spending some time planning your arrival, especially if you have a fixed entrance time for Machu Picchu.
Extend your experience in Aguas Calientes with our guide to the best places to explore, relax, and enjoy this unique Andean destination.
Can You Visit Machu Picchu on a Day Trip?
Yes, it’s possible to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco in a single day. Early train departures and carefully timed connections make it a realistic option, and many travelers choose it when they’re short on time.
That said, it’s also one of the busiest and most tightly scheduled ways to experience Peru’s most famous landmark. An early start, several transfers and fixed departure times leave little room to slow down or adjust your plans if something changes along the way.
At Impactful Travel, we usually recommend a slower approach. A visit to Machu Picchu involves more than reaching the entrance gate at the right time. It is also about having enough space to appreciate the journey. For that reason, we don’t offer one-day trips to Machu Picchu. Whenever possible, we recommend spending at least one night in Aguas Calientes. It creates a more relaxed pace, reduces travel pressure, and gives you the opportunity to focus on the experience itself rather than the logistics.
Prepare for Your Machu Picchu Experience
A successful Machu Picchu visit is shaped long before the moment you finally walk through the entrance gates. Booking your Machu Picchu tickets in advance, choosing the right season for your journey, and allowing time to adjust to the altitude can make a significant difference. Your packing choices matter too, especially if you’re traveling by train and need to manage luggage restrictions on the way to Aguas Calientes.
Create your own Peru adventure and discover iconic places like the legendary Machu Picchu
If you’d like support with planning your journey, our team can help you create a personalized Peru itinerary that turns your visit to Machu Picchu into more than just a destination, but a meaningful part of your Peru experience.
Do you prefer to travel independently and would like to book only specific tours with us? Then you can have a look at all our Machu Picchu Tours and Experiences in Cusco.
FAQ´s
How do you get to Machu Picchu?
The most common ways to reach Machu Picchu are by trekking or by train. Trekkers can choose from routes such as the Coffee Route, the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or Lares Trek. Travelers who prefer a shorter or more comfortable journey can take the train from the Sacred Valley or Cusco area to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu.
How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu?
The journey time depends on your chosen route. Train journeys from the Sacred Valley usually take around 1.5 to 2 hours to Aguas Calientes, while trekking routes take between two and several days. A day trip from Cusco is possible but involves a long, tightly scheduled day. For a more relaxed experience, many travelers choose to spend a night in Aguas Calientes.
Can beginners hike to Machu Picchu?
Yes, but it depends on the route you choose. All Machu Picchu treks require a good level of fitness due to the high altitude and uneven terrain. The Lares Trek is a more accessible option for beginners, while the Salkantay Trek is more challenging with higher passes and longer hiking days.
Proper acclimatisation is essential before your trek. Our guides adjust the pace, include rest stops, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?
Yes. Machu Picchu entrance tickets, especially popular circuits and high-season dates, can sell out in advance. Planning ahead is particularly important if you are traveling during the busiest months or combining your visit with a trekking route.
