How do you get to Machu Picchu?

Question

What city would you fly into in Peru? I'm assuming you would just fly into Lima, but then that leaves the question of getting to Machu Picchu, which is nearly 300 miles away I believe. If anyone has been there, I'd like to know what route you took to getting there.

Answer 1

Bus/drive from Lima.  I think there's also a train now.

Its actually harder than getting to the Galapagos (600 miles west of Ecuador) because of the small airport in the Galapagos, and you should be careful about altitude sickness there.

EDIT:  Margarit, below, has more current info on Machu Picchu, so I would go with what she says, although remarkably she can't spell it.  (credit to USA educational system)

Answer 2

Check the following link, it will give you information of how to get there.

http://www.ecotravel.com/ecotravel2/libr...

hope this will help, this is the same route I used and it is fascinating.  Have fun.

Answer 3

Get to Cusco ( fly/bus/walk your choice)

Then:

1. Train to Aguas Calientes (~$70 USD RT). Then bus to ruins ($12 USD RT)

2. Local bus to Ollantaitambo from Cusco (a few dollars). Then train to Aguas Calientes. Then bus to ruins.

As you can see Aguas Calientes is your destination to get to MP. How do you get to Aguas Calientes is your choice depends totatlly on you. Easiest way is option #1.

Answer 4

Typically Cusco/Cuzco, Peru is the jumping off point for getting to Machu Picchu.

Internationally it seems that to get to Cusco you must first fly into Lima. I came in from Bolivia by bus but I don't recommend that as there are commonly strikes and buses may not run for days/weeks. I can say that from Cusco to Machu Picchu (the town of Aquascalientes) the trains are reliable and not overwhelmingly expensive. Plus there are a few interesting stops, such as Ollantaytambo.

But I am not exactly sure how most people get to Cusco from Lima. I think there are domestic flights at least...

Answer 5

I am currently in Peru now on an 12 day vacation from the Eastern United States.  I flew into Lima and stayed three days at Hotel Antigua Miraflores which was very reasonable and the staff is attentive.  I went on a city tour one day and self explored the other days.  

From there I took a flight from Lima to Cusco--you can fly TACA or Lan Peru.  (There are a few other airlines that fly).  You will need to stay in Cusco and rest at least 24 hours prior to going to Machu Picho because of the high altitude.  Do not eat anything heavy, drink plenty of water, do not bend your head down, also drink plenty of coca leaf tea and altitude pills--called soichoil (I will get you correct spelling tomorrow)--this is to get you acclimated to the high altitude if not you will end up with a severe headache, stomach issues, etc.  In Cusco you can stay at Rumi Punku Hotel www.runipunku.com and ask for Hilda who can help you with a guided tour to Macho Picho.  If you don't want to go via the guided tour you can still go.  You will need to board the train from Cusco on Perurail http://www.orient-express.com.  You can take the Backpacker which is their budget train and has very little leg room or the Vistadome which is $20 more but well worth it since it has more leg room, more comfortable seating, serves a free snack & beautiful views through skylights.  The last stop is Aguas Calientes where you will need to pay for a round trip bus fare that will take you to the entrance to Macho Picho.  If you go the guided tour route they will transport and arrange everything.  If not you can tag along behind a guided tour group and tip the guide.  

I am still in Peru and going to the Sacred Valley next so you can e-mail me if you want additional information.

Good Luck