Best Airports To Access Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a popular destination in Peru, attracting tourists with its breathtaking scenery and mysterious history. The closest airport to Machu Picchu is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, also known as Cusco Airport, located in the city of Cusco. From Cusco, travellers can opt for various means of transportation to reach Machu Picchu, including trains, buses, and trekking trails. The famous Inca Trail, known for its stunning views and challenging terrain, is a popular choice for those seeking an adventurous experience. With its year-round accessibility and daily visitor quota, Machu Picchu offers a memorable journey into the heart of the Inca's ancient citadel.

Cusco Airport, also known as Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, is the closest airport to Machu Picchu

There are a limited number of direct flights to Cusco Airport from outside of Peru. Travellers may need to get a connecting flight from another Peruvian city, such as Lima, which is Peru's main airport. Other options include direct flights from Bogotá, Santiago, and La Paz.

Once in Cusco, there are several options for travelling to Machu Picchu. The fastest, easiest, and safest way is to take the train, with beautiful panoramic views along the way. There are three stations to choose from: Poroy, the closest to Cusco, and Ollantaytambo and Urubamba, which are one to two hours' drive from the city. Another option is to take a bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which is the cheapest method of transport, but also the least comfortable and most dangerous. The bus journey can take a full day, the same amount of time as the shortest trail.

For those seeking adventure, there are several trekking paths from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The most famous is the Inca Trail, which takes around four days to five days and is known for its amazing views, tough terrain, and rich history. This trail is relatively difficult and crowded, and a permit and guide are required. Other trails are available, some of which can be trekked privately with a ticket or permit. Trekking can take anywhere from one to seven days and varying degrees of fitness levels are required.

From Cusco, you can take a bus, train, or trek to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a breathtaking destination nestled in the mountains of Peru. It is a place steeped in history and mystery, evoking a sense of wonder in all who visit. The closest airport to Machu Picchu is Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in Peru's capital, Lima. From here, you can embark on various journeys to reach the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. One option is to fly to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and then choose from several transportation methods, including buses, trains, or trekking.

Cusco to Machu Picchu by Bus and Train

If you opt for the bus and train combination, you can take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. This option offers flexibility and stunning views along the way. The train ride is an experience in itself, with companies like Peru Rail and Inca Rail providing panoramic windows, cultural presentations, and complimentary snacks. The entire journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, with costs ranging from $50 to $500 depending on your choice of economy or luxury class.

Cusco to Machu Picchu by Train

For a more direct route, you can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. This option is ideal if you want to avoid bus transfers and enjoy the train journey. The train ride takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and offers breathtaking scenery alongside the Urubamba River. Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail provide daily departures with various price points to suit your budget.

Cusco to Machu Picchu by Trekking

If you're feeling adventurous and want to immerse yourself in the Andean landscape, you can opt for a trek to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail, a 4-day, 3-night hike, starts near Ollantaytambo and leads to the ancient citadel. It offers challenging terrain, rich history, and unparalleled views. Keep in mind that trekking requires more time, fitness, and stamina, but it can be a life-changing experience.

Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, the journey to Machu Picchu is an integral part of the experience. Whether you opt for the convenience of buses and trains or the challenge of trekking, each option presents its own unique advantages and perspectives. Remember to plan according to your preferences, fitness levels, and the type of experience you wish to have.

The Inca Trail is a famous 4-day, 5-day trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail is a world-renowned 4-day, 3-night trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu, covering a distance of about 45km (26 miles) and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,200m (13,775 ft). The trail is a moderately challenging hike that can be completed by most people who are fit and well-acclimatised to the high altitude. It is important to note that permits for the trail are limited and sell out quickly, so hikers should book their tickets well in advance, usually 6 months to a year.

The first day of the trek starts with an early morning car or bus ride through the Sacred Valley, followed by a relatively easy 12km (7.5 mi) trek. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning, usually between 4:00 and 6:00 AM, and transported to the Sacred Valley. The drive takes about 3 hours to reach the starting point, known as KM82, named as such because it is 82km from Cusco by train. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo.

The second day of the trek is when the hiking becomes more challenging. You will trek through stunning Andean landscapes and visit ancient archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna. This day will test your endurance and acclimatisation to the altitude. The third day of the trek is when you will reach the Sun Gate, which provides breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from above. From there, you will descend to the ruins of Machu Picchu, where you will have a guided tour.

The final day of the Inca Trail allows you to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel built by the Incas. After exploring the site, you will either catch a bus or walk down to Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes, in the valley below. The walk down takes about 2 hours and offers magnificent views of Machu Picchu's terraces. Most tour operators will have arranged a mid-afternoon train journey back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will be transported back to Cusco.

The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is the fastest and easiest option

Machu Picchu is a popular destination in Peru, attracting tourists with its ancient Inca history and mysterious allure. The closest airport to Machu Picchu is Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, which is a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Cusco. From Cusco, there are several transport options to reach Machu Picchu, but the train is the fastest and easiest choice.

The train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu offers both convenience and a unique travel experience. PeruRail and Inca Rail are two popular train operators that provide services on this route. With several departure times and deals, you can easily book your train tickets online or through authorised ticket offices. PeruRail, for instance, offers an exclusive and luxurious travel experience. As the train travels across the Peruvian Andes, you can enjoy sophisticated Peruvian cuisine and breathtaking views from the observatory car. The journey concludes as the train reaches the shores of the mystical Lake Titicaca or the Imperial City of the Incas.

Inca Rail also provides a comfortable and exclusive bimodal service, ensuring a seamless transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Station, where you board the train to Machu Picchu. The station is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and is approximately a two-hour drive from Cusco. The train journey itself offers incredible nature views and attentive service, making it a memorable part of your trip.

Taking the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a straightforward option, allowing you to avoid the potential safety concerns associated with unmarked taxis in Peru. Additionally, booking train tickets in advance ensures that you secure your spot, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak season, which falls between July and August. While the train journey may not accommodate luggage for extended trips, it is still the fastest and easiest option for a day trip to Machu Picchu.

Overall, the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a convenient, comfortable, and scenic choice for your journey. With online booking options and exclusive services, you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable travel experience as you make your way to this ancient and enigmatic destination.

Machu Picchu is open all year round, with peak season from July to August

Machu Picchu is open all year round, with the peak season falling between July and August. The dry season, from May to August, is the busiest time to visit Machu Picchu. The weather is perfect for exploring, attracting many tourists. However, it is very crowded, and you need to book early. The rainy season, from November to March, is wetter and less crowded. It is not the best time for outdoor activities, but you can save money.

The dry season, from April to October, has clear skies and little rain. The rainy season, on the other hand, brings heavy downpours and potential landslides, but it is also the time when you will find lower prices and fewer crowds. Advance booking is crucial during the peak season, as tickets to Machu Picchu can sell out weeks or even months in advance.

If you are looking for less busy times to visit Machu Picchu, consider April-May or September-October and book 2-3 months in advance. May is another great time to hike the Inca Trail, with similar temperatures and quiet trails. If you don't mind the crowds and want nearly guaranteed sunny days, July and August will be superb. Just be sure to book your Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu in advance as permits sell out quickly!

Machu Picchu is perched in a cloud forest and has a subtropical climate with warm and humid weather throughout the year. Rain should always be expected, but most rain falls between November and March. The wet season. While you'll encounter more showers, the opposite is true for crowds, which are far thinner than in the dry season.

To visit Machu Picchu, you will need to fly to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru, a one-and-a-half-hour flight from Cusco, which is the closest airport to Machu Picchu.

Frequently asked questions