Cusco to Machu Picchu: How to Get to The Sacred Valley of The Incas

Machu Picchu has long been a top bucket list location for many travelers. In 2007, when the list of the new wonders of the world was announced, it was not surprising that Machu Picchu snagged a spot on the elite list.

You know those places that look epic in photos but fail to impress in person? Yeah. Machu Picchu isn’t one of those, and it’s a special place worth every bit of hype it receives. 

Cusco to Machu Picchu isn’t a leisurely evening drive. But half the fun is making the journey an adventure in itself. 

Cusco to Machu Picchu: What to Know Before Booking Your Trip 

You cannot simply show up to Machu Picchu, buy tickets, and walk-in. It is a protected archaeological site, which means that you cannot visit Machu Picchu without a guide. Whether you plan to trek the Inca Trail or visit via the train through Aguas Calientes, it is essential to check availability before you plan your trip to Peru. 

Since COVID, permits for daily visitors have been cut in half, which is both a blessing and a curse. It might be harder to find a guide and get tickets; however, the lack of crowds when visiting Machu Picchu makes up for the additional restrictions. 

Most tour companies and guides recommend securing your date and tickets for Machu Picchu at least one month in advance and possibly up to three months during peak tourism season. 

Cusco to Machu Picchu: What to Do Once Arriving in Cusco 

This part differs for every visitor depending on how they plan to visit Machu Picchu. There are two main ways:

1. Classic Inca Trail (26 miles, four days, 3-night trek) 
2. Train + bus ride from Ollantaytambo (1 day) 

Once arriving in Cusco, you’ll need at least one day to acclimate to the higher elevation. The city of Cusco sits around 11,400ft. Attempting to pack too much in too soon can leave you feeling sick and weak.

I have a decent amount of experience at higher altitudes and climbing mountains. However, I still felt quite nauseous the first afternoon in Cusco. Don’t overestimate your abilities and give yourself at least a day. Drinking coca tea, which is found at cafes throughout Cusco, also helps acclimate to the higher altitude. 

The good news is that Machu Picchu is located at a much lower elevation than the city of Cusco. On the Inca Trail trek, you will hit elevations upward of 13,000ft, making acclimatization even more necessary. If you plan to travel down to the Sacred Valley and arrive at Machu Picchu by train, you will sit between 8,000ft - 9,000ft once crossing the pass, leaving Cusco. This should help with any altitude sickness you may be experiencing. 

Depending on your tour/guide company, you will need to do two things when you’re ready to leave Cusco and make your way to Machu Picchu: 

1. Many tour companies provide transportation from Cusco. If this is the case, you will most likely be picked up from your hotel and taken down to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
2. If your guide does not provide transportation, you will need to rent a car to drive from Cusco. Driving in the city of Cusco is hectic, but once out from the city, the driving appears relatively straightforward. 

Cusco to Machu Picchu: Can You Rent a Car and Drive to Machu Picchu?

No, this is not possible, and that is because the road to Machu Picchu ends in the town of Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you must hop on a train to complete your journey to the town of Aquas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu.

The only way to access Machu Picchu without hiking the Inca Trail is via train. 

Some tour companies and guides will get the train tickets as part of their service, but it is essential to double-check when booking. The train sells out, and you cannot rely on getting same-day tickets. If your tour company does not book tickets for you, many recommend booking them as soon as you know what date you will be visiting Machu Picchu. 

Cusco to Machu Picchu: How Long to Stay in Machu Picchu 

Whether you decide to hike to Machu Picchu or take the train, I highly recommend staying at least one night in Aquas Calientes before returning to the city. You don’t want to be rushed to make your designated train back to Ollantaytambo. Machu Picchu is incredible, and it deserves to be taken in without time limits. 

Aquas Calientes is a beautiful town surrounded by Andean jungle. The town is quaint but offers a lot of great food, beer, and other activities. It is an option for both those trekking and training to Machu Picchu, as everyone has to go through it on their way back to Cusco. 

Ollantaytambo is an excellent option for those wanting to stay a night in the Sacred Valley of Incas on their way to Machu Picchu. There are Incan ruins directly in town, and it also offers one of the most beautiful properties I’ve ever stayed at, called Tunupa Lodge Hotel. They have the most beautiful gardens and even have a family of alpacas that freely roam the property. 

I do not recommend a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco, as it is a 4-hour journey one-way. I don’t believe it would be relaxing, spiritual, or enjoyable, which are all the things Machu Picchu should be. 

Cusco to Machu Picchu: Trekking Vs. Train 

Oof, this is a tough one for me. As someone who typically takes the path less traveled and spends her summers living in the backcountry, taking the ‘easy’ way to Machu Picchu was a bit of a 360 for me. 

However, I will say that there is no wrong way to Machu Picchu. I’m not going to lie; I enjoyed eating a strawberry crepe with a scoop of ice cream before heading up the mountain to Machu Picchu. But I also know it typically feels more rewarding to work your way to a destination. 

But no matter what, Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you have a physical fitness level and don’t mind roughing it, a trek is highly recommended. However, if you are booking more “last minute” or don’t feel comfortable with the hike/elevation, it is totally OK to visit Machu Picchu by bus/train. Both ways you are supporting the local areas and helping the economy. 

Enjoy the experience no matter what. You’re at one of the Seven Wonders of The New World.

Cusco to Machu Picchu: Which Tour Companies are The Best 

We traveled through Peru with EF Ultimate Break, who sorted the logistics for every aspect of the trip. This included flights from Lima to Cusco, train tickets, transportation, and more. This was definitely one of those trips that I was happy someone else was in charge, as it eliminated any potential stress and allowed our group to simply enjoy the adventure.

Other tour companies I have heard great things about for trekking to Machu Picchu:

Killa Expeditions: https://killaexpeditions.com/

Valencia Travel Cusco: https://www.valenciatravelcusco.com/