How to get to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, perched above the Sacred Valley, is a destination that most travellers dream of visiting. Every year, thousands of travellers make the journey to Peru to experience the beauty of the ruins up close. But before you start planning your journey, there are a few different ways for you to reach Machu Picchu that you should consider. 
 

• Travelling by air to Cusco

Cusco is where travellers will start their journey before venturing along the Inca Trail and surrounding routes to reach the Machu Picchu ruins. Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,399m (11,152ft) and is the best place for travellers who have not been exposed to high altitudes before to become more comfortable with the change in conditions and to reduce the impacts of altitude sickness. Before you travel, it’s advised that you complete the appropriate research about the dangers of altitude sickness, how to alleviate its symptoms, and the associated health risks. Most importantly, not only is Cusco the place to be for acclimatisation, it's also where you will find traces of fascinating Inca history, local textile markets, awesome nightlife, and unique architecture. Whatever you do, don’t rush your time in Cusco as there is much to see and do. 

To arrive in Cusco, most international travellers will first need to fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (airport code LIM) in Lima before reaching Cusco via internal flight. QANTAS is a popular airline that services this route for Australian travellers. In the UK, British Airways, Air France, and KLM are among the favoured airlines, whereas US travellers tend to select the routes with JetBlue, LATAM, United, and Avianca, just to name a few. The journey will be long, and it’s likely that you will encounter a layover at least once or twice depending on where you fly from and what airline you select. 

For internal flights within Peru from Lima to Cusco, some of the popular airlines include LCPeru, Peruvian Airlines, LATAM, and StarPeru, and are relatively inexpensive. 
 

• Travelling by road to Cusco

Once you arrive in Lima, there is an option to travel on a bus that connects you from Lima to Cusco, but it’s definitely a time-consuming option that can take anywhere between 20-27 hours. This is known among travellers as a budget option, but it is worth noting that the roads are incredibly windy, and the road conditions are sometimes unstable or dangerous. 

When comparing local bus companies, be careful not to fall into the trap of booking the cheapest ticket. If you are concerned about your safety on the roads travelling from Lima to Cusco, it is advised that routes that travel through Arequipa are generally safer.