How to Get to Machu Picchu

Steps to get to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a place that conquers most people who visit its monumental Citadel. However, the journey to reach this millenary sanctuary can make you live one of the best experiences of your life. Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, offers its visitors a fascinating adventure that will captivate them from beginning to end.

There are several ways to reach this World Heritage Site, from trekking the legendary Inca Trail, to traveling in a luxury train that will take you with all the comforts to Machu Picchu. Everything will depend on the budget and the type of adventure you want to have. In this opportunity, we will explain how to get by train to the Inca Citadel from Poroy Station (Cusco) in 10 steps.

Train tickets

To make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu, the first step we recommend is to buy your train tickets in advance in order to avoid any setbacks. On this page you will find several train stations on the way to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Poroy Station is one of the closest to the city of Cusco and it is ideal to start this trip because it is only 20 minutes away. In addition, it offers different schedules for the departure of the different train services offered.

Step #2: Jorge Chavez International Airport
There are two ways to leave for Cusco if you are in Lima, you can do it by land or air. If you choose to travel by plane you must go to Jorge Chavez International Airport, located on Elmer Faucett Avenue s/n, Callao. From this place national and foreign tourists can start their trip. It is advisable to use this means of transportation because of the comfort, safety and speed of the flight. In addition, the arrival to the city of Cusco would be in approximately 1 hour.

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

From the plane you will be able to observe the luminous sky of Cusco and the houses surrounding the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, located in Velasco Astete s/n, Wanchaq, Cusco. The flight to the Imperial city takes approximately 1 hour from Lima.

From this airport you can take a cab or a private service to the hotel where you will spend the night.

We recommend that the traveler rests in his hotel for at least one night to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco and to be able to make the trip in optimal conditions.

Buying entrance tickets to Machu Picchu Citadel

To enter Machu Picchu, tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices authorized by the Ministry of Culture, located at Calle Garcilazo SN – Museo Casa Garcilazo, Cusco. They are also available at the Cultural Center, in Machu Picchu Pueblo (next to the central square), you only need to present documents for identification such as: ID (for Peruvians) and passport (if you are a foreigner). Do not forget that the established payments are in Peruvian national currency (soles) and in cash.

Also, you can reserve and pay the entrance ticket electronically at this page www.machupicchu.gob.pe

Travel to Poroy Station (Cusco)

If you are in the city of Cusco, you should head to the Poroy Station (Cusco), as the starting point to travel to the mystical Machu Picchu. There are two ways to get to this point, by cab or private transportation service if you have hired a tour package. The trip will take about 20 minutes approximately.

Boarding the train at Poroy Station (Cusco)

It is recommended to arrive at Poroy Station 30 minutes before the departure of the train chosen for the trip. At boarding, you will need to present your train ticket, your ID card (if you are Peruvian) or passport (if you are a foreigner) for the corresponding check in.

Arrival at Machu Picchu Station

After approximately 3 and a half hours of travel, you will arrive at Machu Picchu Station, the last train stop, located in Machu Picchu Pueblo. From this point, reaching the summit of the Inca Empire is only a few minutes away.