Climbing Machu Picchu: Routes, Schedules, and Best Times of the Day

Machu Picchu, One of the Wonders of the World, is a Dream Destination for Travelers Worldwide To make the most of your visit, it's essential to know the various ways to get there, the best times to explore, and the practical details that will make this experience unforgettable.

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu

Planning your visit to Machu Picchu is crucial to fully enjoy this unique destination. From routes to reach it to recommended schedules, here you’ll find all the information you need to make your experience truly memorable.

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

From Cusco, the most common way to reach Machu Picchu is by train. You can board at the Poroy or San Pedro stations or take ground transportation to Ollantaytambo and continue by train. For adventurers, the Inca Trail is an alternative that takes you directly to the sanctuary after several days of trekking.

Bus Ride to Machu Picchu

Once in Aguas Calientes, you can take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. This 30-minute journey is perfect for those who prefer to save energy for exploring the archaeological site. Buses run frequently from early morning, allowing you to arrive in time to enjoy the sunrise.

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

From Lima, the best option is to take a flight to Cusco and then continue with the mentioned alternatives. For those seeking a longer experience, a bus trip from Lima to Cusco can be an economical choice, although it takes more time (around 20-24 hours).

Hiking Up to Machu Picchu

If you prefer to hike up from Aguas Calientes, the journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. This challenging path rewards you with stunning views and a closer connection to nature, making it an ideal option for those seeking a more active and spiritual experience.

Tickets to Machu Picchu

It’s important to purchase your tickets in advance, especially during the high season. The options include:

Machu Picchu Citadel: Ideal for a general visit.
Huayna Picchu: For spectacular views after a challenging hike.
Machu Picchu Mountain: Perfect for panoramic landscapes.

Remember that each ticket has specific schedules, and you must bring your passport.

How Long Does the Hike to Machu Picchu Take?

The duration depends on the route:

From Aguas Calientes: 1.5 to 2 hours on foot.
Inca Trail: Approximately 4 days and 3 nights.
Salkantay Trail: 5 days and 4 nights, offering diverse landscapes.

Train to Machu Picchu

The train is a comfortable and scenic option to reach Aguas Calientes. Companies like PeruRail and IncaRail offer various services, from budget-friendly to luxury. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes as you travel to the foot of the Inca citadel.

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo?

From Ollantaytambo, you can take a direct train to Aguas Calientes. This segment is one of the most beautiful parts of the journey, offering views of the Vilcanota River and the majestic Andean mountains.

Stay at Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel and Complete Your Experience

Make your visit to Machu Picchu even more special by staying at Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel. Overlooking the Vilcanota River and inspired by Andean culture, we offer a luxurious experience with comfortable rooms, authentic gastronomy, and holistic treatments at our K'intu Spa.

Book now and discover the magic of Machu Picchu from a unique place. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms!

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5