Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, undoubtedly holds a top spot on many travel bucket lists, especially for those venturing through Peru. And it absolutely deserves its place. The sheer majesty of the site, with its ancient ruins nestled amidst breathtaking green mountains and under expansive blue skies, is an experience you won’t want to miss during your Peruvian adventure.
If time is of the essence and you’re wondering how to squeeze in a visit to this iconic landmark, you’re in the right place. Just like I did, you can find yourself marveling at Machu Picchu within a mere 30 hours of touching down in Lima. Here’s how to make a swift yet unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu a reality.
Navigating Your Route to Machu Picchu
Your journey begins in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital. From Lima, frequent flights operated by LATAM offer a quick hop to Cusco. The flight itself is just over an hour, though be aware that delays are not uncommon. With flights departing to Cusco almost every 20 minutes, finding one that fits your schedule should be a breeze.
Cusco is larger than many anticipate, acting as the primary gateway to Machu Picchu. While Cusco has its own charm, if you’re pressed for time, consider bypassing it directly and immersing yourself in the Sacred Valley towns instead. Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, or Urubamba offer more tranquil settings and are closer to Machu Picchu.
From Cusco, a scenic 3.5-hour train journey will take you to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Peru Rail, our chosen operator, proved to be a comfortable and enjoyable option, although slightly pricier than Inca Rail at around $80 per person. The experience included a light meal and drinks on both legs of the journey, spacious seating, and panoramic ceiling windows that provided stunning views of the Andean mountains.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, make your way to the clearly marked ticket office to purchase your round-trip bus tickets to Machu Picchu, costing approximately $24. While hiking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s entrance is possible, it’s a very steep climb. We observed a few determined hikers, but it seemed a strenuous undertaking, distinct from the Inca Trail hikes which require guided tours booked in advance. The bus ride, a solid 30 minutes uphill, is undoubtedly the more convenient and time-saving choice, especially at altitude.
The bus conveniently drops you right at the entrance of Machu Picchu, adjacent to the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. The entrance is unmistakable, just follow the flow of fellow visitors.
Machu Picchu ancient ruins and surrounding mountains under a clear blue sky
Perfecting Your Machu Picchu Timing
Coordinating train, bus, and entrance tickets requires some planning. While there’s no single “right” way, here’s a glimpse into our efficient itinerary that you can adapt:
- 7am: Depart Cusco on Peru Rail.
- 10:30am: Arrive in Aguas Calientes.
- 11:30am: Board bus to Machu Picchu.
- 11:50am: Reach Machu Picchu entrance.
- 12pm: Quick snack at the entrance snack bar.
- 12:30pm-2pm: Explore the wonders of Machu Picchu.
- 2:15pm: Bus back to Aguas Calientes.
- 3pm-5pm: Explore Aguas Calientes town.
- 5pm: Train back to Cusco.
- 8:30pm: Arrive back in Cusco.
Guided Tour or Independent Exploration at Machu Picchu?
Just outside the Machu Picchu entrance, numerous guides await, eager to lead you through the ancient city. The perennial family travel question arose: guided tour or solo exploration? For Machu Picchu, we opted for the latter. Was it the ideal choice? Perhaps. Informational signs are sparse within the site, suggesting a guide would have enriched our understanding. However, we valued the freedom to wander and absorb the ruins at our own pace. The expertise of the guides is undeniable; we observed many groups benefiting from their insights. Hiring a guide is definitely not a scam and is worth considering. Tours generally cost around $15 per person. Don’t hesitate to negotiate if quoted higher. Booking in advance isn’t mandatory, allowing for a spontaneous decision upon arrival.
Essential Machu Picchu Travel Tips
Be aware that restrooms and food services are unavailable inside Machu Picchu. You are permitted to bring food and water, but re-entry after exiting is not allowed. The Belmond hotel near the entrance reportedly allows non-guests to use their facilities discreetly, and there is also a restaurant and public restrooms available outside the entrance.
Machu Picchu’s layout follows a largely one-way “loop” system. Once you proceed past a viewpoint or feature, backtracking is restricted. Therefore, upon entering, we recommend immediately turning left. This path ascends stairs leading to a series of iconic viewpoints, offering the classic, breathtaking panoramas of Machu Picchu you’ve likely seen in photographs.
Panoramic view of Machu Picchu from a high vantage point, showcasing the layout and surrounding landscape
Cusco Accommodation Recommendation
Should you choose to stay in Cusco, the San Blas neighborhood is highly recommended. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, San Blas promises magical sunsets and enchanting city nightscapes. For larger groups or families, consider this Airbnb, which we found perfect for our needs.
