Table of Content
Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. This 15th-century citadel, located in the mountains of the Peruvian Andes, welcomes over a million visitors each year. The journey from Lima, the capital of Peru, to this archaeological wonder is an adventure that combines modern flights, scenic trains, and the majesty of the Andes.
Access routes from Lima
Option 1: Recommended air route
Total duration: Minimum 2 days
- Lima → Cusco: Commercial flight (1h 20min)
- Cusco → Ollantaytambo: Ground transportation (1h 30min)
- Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes: Tourist train (1h 30min)
- Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu: Bus or hike (30min – 1h 30min)
Option 2: Complete land route
Total duration: 3-4 days
Lima → Cusco by road (20-22 hours by bus), followed by the same train route.
Essential practical information
Best times to travel
- Dry season (May-September): Ideal weather, but higher tourist influx
- Rainy season (December-March): Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, but unpredictable weather
- Ideal months: May, June, and September
Altitude acclimatization
Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. It is crucial to:
- Arrive 2-3 days before visiting Machu Picchu
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid heavy meals and alcohol for the first 48 hours
- Consider coca tea (legal and traditional in Peru)
Essential reservations
- Entry to Machu Picchu: Reserve 2-3 months in advance
- Train: Tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak season
- Huayna Picchu: Only 400 people per day, reserve 4-6 months in advance
Estimated costs (per person)
Budget option
- Flight Lima-Cusco: $80-120 USD
- Tourist class train: $65-85 USD
- Entry to Machu Picchu: $45 USD
- Bus Aguas Calientes: $12 USD
- Approximate total: $200-260 USD
Premium option
- Flight Lima-Cusco: $150-250 USD
- Vistadome/Hiram Bingham class train: $150-600 USD
- Entry to Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: $75 USD
- Approximate total: $375-925 USD
Expert tips
Necessary documentation
- Original passport (mandatory for foreigners)
- Original ID (for Peruvians)
- International student card (discounts available)
What to bring
- Sunblock (intense UV radiation at high altitude)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Layered clothing (variable temperatures)
- Non-slip footwear
- Camera with extra batteries
- Snacks and water
Accommodation alternatives
- Aguas Calientes: Most convenient for early morning trips to Machu Picchu
- Cusco: Greater variety of hotels and restaurants
- Sacred Valley: More authentic experience and better acclimatization
Additional experiences
Classic Inca Trail
A 4-day trek that culminates at Machu Picchu at sunrise. Requires a reservation 6 months in advance and a mandatory guide.
Colorful Mountain (Vinicunca)
Full-day excursion from Cusco to see the famous multicolored rock formations.
Sacred Valley
A circuit that includes Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, ideal for understanding Inca culture before visiting Machu Picchu.
Final recommendations
Machu Picchu is not just a tourist destination; it is a meeting with one of the most sophisticated civilizations of pre-Columbian America. Planning ahead is key to a memorable experience. Consider hiring a certified guide to enrich your visit with historical and archaeological knowledge that will transform your perspective of this world wonder.
The journey from Lima to Machu Picchu is itself part of the adventure: from the modernity of the Peruvian capital to the most spectacular Andean landscapes in the world, each stage of the journey offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
