How to Travel to Machu Picchu The Easy Way
Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world and one of the 7 new wonders of the world. There is definitely a reason why this magical place has made the list. I have written this post on how to travel to Machu Picchu the easy way for the lazy, the non-athletic, non-hikers, elderly, those on a limited time crunch and anyone else you think will find this post helpful. There are a lot of people who are hesitant to visit Machu Picchu with the ideas of having to do a 4-day intensive hike in high altitudes to get a chance to visit this beautiful Incan city. However, there is more than one way to visit Machu Picchu and that is why I am writing this post today.
If you aren’t interested in traveling to Machu Picchu the easy way, then be sure to read this complete guide to hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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Travel to Machu Picchu The Easy Way
When to Travel to Machu Picchu
The best time to travel to Machu Picchu is during the months of April – October. The trail is closed in February. June through August, of course, are the busiest time of the year to travel to Machu Picchu. If you want to visit with fewer tourists and better prices, I suggest you visit during the off-shoulder season which includes April, May, September, and October. During the off-season you may get chances of rain as we did on our trip, however, it cleared up by 9:00 am. Although, rain is possible any time of the year your chances of clearer skies will be June – August. The choice is ultimately up to you on what works best for you. Are you planning to spend more time in Peru? Read more about how to spend 2 weeks in Peru.
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Tickets to Machu Picchu
So, this is a very important step before you even decide to go. You are not able to go unless you have tickets to get into Machu Picchu. They are very limited to how many people they let in, although I have heard that they are lenient, however, I wouldn’t risk it if you only have the one opportunity to visit.
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There are pretty many 3 ticket options for your trip Machu Picchu (option for 1 turn or 2 turns inside), Machu Picchu and the Mountain, Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu. These options are highly dependent on what you want to see.
Types of Tickets for Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu Ticket. You can still get the classic and beautiful tourist shot. For the Machu Picchu shots, you still need to climb a few stairs to get to the top and get those good photos. I am placing this disclaimer in there because there are no areas that are handicap accessible and it still requires a small amount of hiking. Additionally, I suggest if you only decide to purchase Machu Picchu tickets to get the 2nd turn. Once you are in Machu Picchu, there are some areas that you are required to only go in one direction and you may be forced to exit. You will want to get that second turn in case of this incident or if you need to go to the bathrooms since the bathrooms are outside near the main entrance. Side note: You need to pay to use the bathrooms.
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Machu Picchu and the Mountain. The mountain option is if you want higher viewpoints. There are only certain time frames you can access these areas, I suggest you choose the earlier option so that you can get a great view with fewer crowds. This was the ticket we purchased, and we were included the second turn.
Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu.
How to Purchase Tickets to Machu Picchu
To purchase tickets to Machu Picchu, you need to buy them online at http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/. All prices are in Peruvian Soles. Although, most tickets are around $60 USD. On the website, you will see how many tickets are available at the counter on the top left. Like I have stated before, it’s important to purchase your tickets in advance. When you purchase your tickets, you must select a date that you plan to visit Machu Picchu.
If you want to know how to purchase your tickets online, I highly suggest you check out How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets Online. Don’t make the same mistake I did! When I first did my reservation online, I was not required to make a payment. It stated it was reserved and that I needed to pay in person. Here I thought I had everything taken care of, but there was an additional step that I needed to do online to pay online.
How to Get to Machu Picchu
There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu as I have stated before. During our trip, we chose to travel to Machu Picchu the easy way. We were limited on time during our trip.
Flying to Cusco
When flying in, the best place to stay would be in Cusco, Peru. Flights to Lima, however, are cheaper, but you could always stay in Lima, Peru before flying into Cusco. I suggest you arrive in Cusco at least 2-3 days before you venture out to Machu Picchu. You will need plenty of time to adjust to the altitude. You may feel dizzy, dehydrated, sick or even nauseous.
READ: Things to do in Cusco
Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
To get to Ollantaytambo from Cusco, take a bus (these also look like large vans) for about 10 /soles each way.
It is 2 hours from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. Keep that in mind when reserving your train tickets as you want sufficient amount of time to get there. For the van, you don’t need to reserve since there are many vans that continuously go there throughout the day. To find the van in Cusco, see the starred location in the map below. To find a van in Ollantaytambo, you will find most of them at the train station to take you back to Cusco.
NOTE: If you get car sick or any kind of motion sickness, bring Dramamine with you on the trip. Take it before the first bus ride since the ride can be a bit bumpy with a lot of turns.
Train from Ollantaytambo to Agua Calientes
To get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, you need to reserve your train tickets in advance. You can either purchase your tickets from 2 train companies, Inca Rail or Peru Rail. There are different options to have more of a skylight view when traveling, which is more expensive. Or the basic train experience. Purchase the tickets in advance as these sell out quickly.
The route you will need to take for the train is to travel from Ollantaytambo to Agua Calientes. One option is to go a day earlier and sleep in Agua Calientes the night before. The second option would be to travel early in the morning.
Bus from Agua Calientes to Machu Picchu
After you arrive in Agua Calientes you will need to book your 20 min bus ride up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride can be booked the day of. Have one person purchase all of the tickets. Have another person stand in line to wait for the buses since this line can get ridiculously long. The round trip bus cost about $24USD round trip. You will need everyone’s passports to purchase the bus tickets. In the map below, you can see where you can purchase your bus tickets from Agua Caliente to Machu Picchu.
You have finally finished the daunting task of getting to Machu Picchu. Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, I highly suggest you use the bathroom before entering the gates. Like I stated before, in and out privileges are limited.
There you have it my easy way to get to Machu Picchu! It’s not as hard as hiking up with the Inca Trail and you still get to see one of the most popular 7 wonders of the world. Let me know what you think of this post in the comments below.
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This isn’t just for the lazy! I love hiking and I’m in good shape, but Peru was my first experience at a high altitude (and I speak as someone living at 1000+ meters above sea level!). Even though I gave myself ten days to get from Lima to Cusco, I still got debilitating altitude sickness. There were a few moments where I thought my brain was going to explode out of my head! I’m so glad the bus option exists, otherwise I would have made it all the way to Aguascalientes and never been able to make it to to Machu PIcchu! As it stands, I could only stay for a few hours before I had to go back and hide in my dark bed!
True. The altitude in Cusco is definitely hard to adjust. I am from California, so altitudes like Machu Picchu are similar to our mountain ranges which was something I was used to.
I used this post for the lazy, short on time, etc. whatever the reason may be since the Inca trail is quite difficult.
Thanks for this! I’ve always wanted to do the Inca Trail but with the idea of starting a family soon it seems out of reach, maybe the easy way would be the way to go!
Totally! I don’t want people to feel that the Inca Trail is the only option.
This definitely sounds a lot easier than the Inca Trail! Peru was my first ever experience at altitude and I’ve never hiked in the past, but I was mental enough to book the Inca Trail! Luckily, it was great and I survived (just about haha!) but it’s great to see the other options – I’d hate for it to be inaccessible to some people!
This is wonderful information! I was having issues with my knees after a trek in Nepal and I was devastated that I might now to see Machu Picchu. I’m thrilled to know it’s an option, I’ll pin this for sometime soon I hope! ~M
I have not really researched Machu Pichu, because frankly, I am getting up in years, and do not know that I would ever be able to make the hike. I had no idea that there were other ways to make the trip! So thank you for this article. Now I can put this amazing place on my list of travels for the next couple years@
Glad you found it helpful. Although it does require some steps, at least you can walk through instead of doing a 4 day hike. But you can go at your own pace and not feel rushed. ?
Love this different perspective! You see so much about how to hike Macchu Pichu that I forgot there was an alternative. Would be great to share with my mom, thanks for these!
We haven’t made it to Machu Picchu yet, but have had it on our list forever. So great to know that somewhere so incredible is also accessible! Sounds like the transportation tips are helpful for everyone!
Thank you so much for outlining a simple guide to Machu Picchu! I’ve been wanting to visit for so long, but I get overwhelmed by the details. The airport tip is especially useful!
Machu Picchu is so high on my bucket list it is crazy. Your photos only made me more eager to go and explore! I hope to get there in the next two years! What a cool hike! I didn’t know there was another way other than the hike. I think I’d still want the hike for sure but cool to know there’s another way!
Goodness, even if you are going for the less energetic option, you still couldn’t manage this if you are feeling lazy! I mean there are sooo many tickets to consider and buy in advance!! Thanks for this as it does all sound awesome.
I have to admit I am even more tempted by the hiking option!!
Machu Picchu is a dream destination for all. 4-day intensive hike is really a tough one for many to reach. Good to know all your handy tips and easy option to explore Machu Picchu. All breathtaking landscape are so alluring me to explore someday!!!
This was indeed a great indepth information about Inca trail. I have always seen fascinating pics of Peru thinking will visit it some day. Saving this information for later
I haven’t been, but I definitely agree with the comment about altitude sickness. This information is just super handy for so many reasons. It would be so sad to make it all the way up there and then not be able to see the ruins themselves because you got sick. Knowing my luck, it would be an issue for me too. Now I can have a plan B on the back burner.
I’d love to see Machu Picchu! I read not too long ago that it was now required to hire a guide when you visit. What that you’re experience too?
A guide is not required. It may be be required for the inca trail, but not required when you enter Machu Picchu.
This is on my bucket list and you have just made my life alot more easier. :))))) made my day!!!
This is such a great guide. I wish I had read this before my trip in 2015. I did a rather painful inca trail that left me burned out for days (even though I’ll say it was worth it because, well, Machu Picchu). I do plan on visiting again soon so this will come in very handy. Great photos too!