Arriving in Aguas Calientes always feels like stepping into a hidden world. The train curves into a narrow valley, the sound of the river rises, and suddenly you are surrounded by vertical walls of cloud forest. The town is small, warm, and constantly humming with travelers preparing for the same moment: entering Machu Picchu.
Whether you arrive here after a multi-day trek or a scenic train ride, the feeling is the same: anticipation builds. This is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, and the journey to get here is part of the experience.
Reaching Machu Picchu: Every Option Explained
The route you choose affects not only your schedule and budget, but also the type of experience you will have. There is no “best” way, only the one that matches your preferences, fitness level, and time.
Here are all the ways to reach Machu Picchu, from the most comfortable to the most adventurous.
Guided Tours
By Train (the classic and most comfortable option)
Machu Picchu by train is the most popular choice for travelers who want a fast, scenic, and low-effort journey.
Train Classes
- Expedition / Voyager / Standard: comfortable, panoramic windows, budget-friendly.
- Vistadome: larger windows, better views, cultural onboard experience.
- Hiram Bingham / First-Class luxury options: gourmet meals, lounge service, exclusive bus to Machu Picchu.
1-Day Tour
- Early pickup from Cusco
- Train ride to Aguas Calientes
- Guided tour + return train the same day
- Ideal for travelers with limited time
2-Day Tour with Sacred Valley
- Sacred Valley tour
- Train to Aguas Calientes on Day 1
- Overnight stay in town
- Early entry to Machu Picchu on Day 2
- Allows sunrise viewing and a less rushed experience
Best for travelers who want comfort but also time inside the citadel.
Inca Trail (the classic trekking route)
The path built by the Inca 500 + years ago, an immersive way to the Inca Citadel.
4-Day Inca Trail
- The original pilgrimage route used by the Incas
- High-Andean passes, cloud forest sections, archaeological sites accessible only by foot
- Arrive through the Sun Gate (Intipunku)
- Requires good fitness and booking months in advance
2-Day Inca Trail
- Shorter version
- Start at Km 104
- Hike through Wiñay Wayna and enter Machu Picchu in the afternoon
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes + guided tour next day
- Best for travelers who want the “Inca Trail feeling” but not the full expedition
Alternative Treks (scenic, flexible, and diverse)
Salkantay Trek — 5 Days
- Passes near the glacier Apu Salkantay
- One of Peru’s most diverse trekking routes
- Mix of high mountains, cloud forest, and coffee-growing areas
Salkantay Trek — 4 Days
- More direct and fast-paced
- Same general scenery with fewer acclimatization days
- These treks are ideal for hikers who want big landscapes, more wild terrain, and fewer restrictions than the Inca Trail.
Lares Trek — 4 Days
- The most culturally focused alternative trek
- Passes through isolated Quechua communities where traditional weaving, herding, and farming are still part of daily life
- Features high mountain passes, lagoons, and encounters with local families along the way
Independently (Without a Tour)
By Train (DIY Style)
Travelers comfortable organizing logistics can book everything themselves:
Steps:
- Buy train tickets online (Inca Rail or PeruRail).
- Reserve your Machu Picchu entrance ticket separately.
- Book accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Take the bus up to the citadel or hike the stairs.
This option is great for experienced independent travelers who want flexibility.
By Car to Hidroeléctrica (Budget + Adventure)
The “Hidroelectrica route” is the most economical alternative but requires patience and flexibility.
How it works:
- Drive or take a shared van from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (6–7 hours).
- Walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (10–12 km, mostly flat, 2–3 hours).
- Stay overnight and visit Machu Picchu the next day.
Pros: inexpensive, scenic, flexible.
Cons: long road journey, less comfort, weather dependent.
Best for backpackers, adventure travelers, or those extending long-term trips.
Which Option Fits You?
| Option | Experience Type | Difficulty | Price Range | Perfect For |
| Train Tour (1 Day) | Comfortable, fast | Very low | Medium | Limited time, families, comfort-first travelers |
| Train Tour (2 Days) | Comfortable + relaxed | Very low | Medium–High | Sunrise viewing, slower pace |
| DIY Train | Flexible, independent | Very low | Medium | Solo travelers, planners |
| 4-Day Inca Trail | Classic pilgrimage | High | Medium–High | Trek lovers, cultural immersion |
| 2-Day Inca Trail | Short + iconic | Medium | Medium | Moderate fitness, limited time |
| Salkantay 5 Days | Wild, diverse landscapes | High | Medium | Adventure seekers |
| Salkantay 4 Days | Fast-paced adventure | High | Medium | Fit hikers with tight schedules |
| Hidroelectrica (By Car) | Budget + adventure | Medium | Low | Backpackers, low-budget travelers |
Reaching Machu Picchu doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. The myth of it being “exclusive” disappears once you understand the options. With the right planning, there is a way for everyone:
- Luxury travelers can take panoramic trains and premium lodging.
- Hikers can choose from world-class treks with mountain passes and cloud forest views.
- Budget travelers can reach Aguas Calientes through the Hidroeléctrica route.
- Independent explorers can build their own itinerary.
Machu Picchu is accessible, diverse, and flexible — and the route you pick becomes part of the story you take home.
