From Lima to Machu Picchu
There are so many ways in which you can organize your trip around Perú. That’s what happens when you have a country with such a variety of amazing things to do. In this article, we’ll give you a quick summary of the journey from Lima to Machu Picchu and answer the typical questions that come up…
Can I go straight from Lima to Machu Picchu?
This is not possible. As there’s no direct connection between them, you’ll have to visit other parts of the country, but don’t worry: this is no waste of your time, as some of the incredible possibilities Perú has to offer, you’ll find them along the way.
Where do I need to go to get to Machu Picchu?
For starters, you’ll need to arrive from Lima to Cusco. There are different ways to do this (plane, bus, train) and we’ve described them all in detail on this article. Remember that in countries like Perú, it’s important to consider the altitude level in each place you’re going, to make sure your body can get used to it (more details on the link above).
Is the Lima-Cusco journey really worth it?
Absolutely! There are some amazing cities, landscapes, and adrenaline-filled activities to do along the way. For example, you can stop in Arequipa. We understand though that not everyone can take several days to slowly move from city to city. If that’s your situation, don’t worry! You can go straight by plane, and you’ll just have to take it easy at first in Cusco to recover. Then you can move on towards Machu Picchu.
Are there any cool things to do in Cusco or this is just another stop along the way?
This will absolutely be a great stop in your journey, trust us! You’ll find amazing things to do in the city of Cusco, the day trips are definitely worth a try, and if you just want to rest and feel pampered, check out what to eat around Cusco!
Ok, so I definitely have to go to Cusco:
How do I go from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
You’ve got plenty of options. If you are trying to get to Machu Picchu ASAP, the best thing to do is to use motorised transportation: train, or a combination of car up to a certain point, then the train. Most visitors get there this way, from the nearby Ollantaytambo (2 hours away), also from Urubamba, Poroy or San Pedro Station in Cusco. The trahttps://incarail.com/in will leave you in the town of Aguas Calientes (or as it’s also named, Machu Picchu Town).
Tip: San Pedro station is new (2019), so there might not be a lot of information available on guide books, unless you just bought one! The journey takes about 4 hours.
More info on train services here and here
Other Options
For those with more time, these are the possibilities:
The famous Inca Trail: this trekking experience can be organized in 2 or 4 days. We have a whole section dedicated to it, so check out more details here.
Alternative options such as: Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, the Inca Jungle Trek. The good thing about these routes is that they’re not as massive as the Inca Trail, so they don’t sell out as quickly.
A third way: the not-so-famous Hydroelectric Route is what you could consider the “low cost” option to get to Machu Picchu. Slowly, it’s gaining more attention. From Cusco you can get to the Hydroelectric Plant: there are buses that connect Cusco with Santa Maria, and from there you can grab a taxi to drop you off at the Hydroelectric Plant in Santa Teresa. From the Plant you can actually walk (or take a train) to Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu Town.
Anything else I should know?
It’s a lot to consider, but that’s also a good thing! It means you can really adjust your time in Perú to your needs and preferences. We have plenty of information to share, and Perú is waiting for you!
-More info on Machu Picchu on this article.
