From the USA to Machu Picchu Without Stress: The Perfect Itinerary and Where to Stay for the Best Experience

Visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many travelers from the United States. However, the logistics of reaching this world-famous archaeological site can seem daunting. With careful planning and the right accommodations, your trip can be both smooth and unforgettable. This guide will outline the ideal itinerary from the USA to Machu Picchu, including the best places to stay, focusing on Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel and other top-tier options for travelers seeking comfort and quality.

1. Starting Your Journey: Flights from the USA to Peru

Your journey begins with a flight from the USA to Lima, Peru. Direct flights are available from major cities like New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), and Houston (IAH).

Recommended Airlines:

American Airlines
Delta Airlines
United Airlines
LATAM Airlines

Flight duration varies depending on your departure city, with an average time of 6 to 8 hours.

2. From Lima to Cusco

Upon arriving in Lima, you will need to take a domestic flight to Cusco. This flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Airlines Operating Lima-Cusco Route:

LATAM Airlines
Sky Airline
JetSmart

Booking morning flights is recommended to allow ample time for acclimatization upon arrival in Cusco, which sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level.

3. Acclimatizing and Exploring Cusco

Spend at least one night in Cusco to adjust to the altitude and explore its charming streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant markets.

Recommended Activities:

Visit the Plaza de Armas and Cusco Cathedral
Explore Sacsayhuamán
Try Peruvian cuisine at Chicha by Gastón Acurio or Cicciolina

4. Cusco to Aguas Calientes: The Train Journey

The most comfortable way to reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, is by train. You can board the train from either Poroy (near Cusco) or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.

Train Options:

PeruRail Vistadome: Scenic train with panoramic windows.
PeruRail Expedition: A more budget-friendly option.
IncaRail First Class: Offers premium service and comfort.
Belmond Hiram Bingham: A luxury train experience, including gourmet meals and guided tours.

Departure Times (subject to change):

Poroy to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 3.5 hours (limited departures).
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (frequent departures).

5. Visiting Machu Picchu: Entry Times and Recommendations

Machu Picchu is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Entrance tickets are categorized into time slots, with popular morning slots filling up quickly. Advanced booking is essential via the official website.

Entry Time Recommendations:

6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Best for seeing the sunrise and avoiding crowds.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ideal for photography with better lighting conditions.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Fewer visitors in the afternoon.

Consider hiring a certified guide to enhance your understanding of the Incan citadel.

6. Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes

Choosing the right hotel is key to maximizing your comfort after a day of exploration. Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel stands out as the premier choice for travelers seeking elegance, comfort, and convenience.

Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel:

Luxurious rooms with Andean decor and river views.
Spa with Inca-inspired treatments.
Kintu Restaurant, offering gourmet Peruvian cuisine.
Steps from the bus station to Machu Picchu.

Additional Top-Quality Hotels:

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Eco-friendly resort with lush gardens and nature trails.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel: Known for its culinary experiences and wellness spa.
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu: Modern, comfortable rooms with excellent service.

7. Getting from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Buses run from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance every 10 minutes from 5:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes.

Bus Tickets:

Available online or at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes.
Consider purchasing tickets a day before to avoid morning lines.

8. Tips for a Stress-Free Experience

Book Everything in Advance: Flights, train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance, and hotels.
Pack Smart: Lightweight clothes, hiking shoes, rain jacket, sunblock, and a refillable water bottle.
Stay Hydrated: Altitude can cause dehydration; carry bottled water.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

9. Final Thoughts

Traveling from the USA to Machu Picchu may seem complex, but with a well-planned itinerary, it can be an unforgettable experience. Staying at Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel ensures comfort and relaxation, allowing you to focus on the beauty and history around you. Pair it with visits to Cusco and the Sacred Valley for a complete Peruvian adventure.

Plan ahead, embrace the journey, and prepare for a life-changing experience in the heart of the Andes.

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