How to Get to Machu Picchu: A Guide to Visiting on Your Own
Being such a tourist destination, you’d think Machu Picchu would be easier to access than it is. Instead, getting to Machu Picchu takes numerous forms of transportation and many hours from the Sacred Valley. And unless you decide to trek the classic Inca Trail, you’ll be utilizing a car, a train, and a bus to get you there. All this to say that your Machu Picchu trip cost can be high but it doesn’t have to be. This guide on how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco will outline all the steps you need to take to get here easily.
Getting to Machu Picchu without a tour guide is easier than you might think, too. With just a few steps you can easily access one of the most incredible Wonders of the World on your own. And save yourself hundreds of dollars per person in the process.
Just a quick note: This page might include affiliate links. If you click and purchase anything from the links I receive a tiny commission to support this website. The good news? I only recommend products I actually use and believe in. So you're getting the best products at a super good price.
Where is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Located in the rural mountains of the Sacred Valley of Peru, Machu Picchu is high in the mountains above the small tourist town of Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes, the base of any expedition to Machu Picchu, is only accessible by train or the Inca trail.
Can you go to Machu Picchu without a guide?
Absolutely! Getting to Machu Picchu without a guide is entirely doable. This option will save you hundreds of dollars per person compared to booking a guided experience. The only thing to know is you need to be organized to do it. There are a few steps in the process but this guide will help you through all the steps along the way!
Travel Tip! If you decide you want a guide for Machu Picchu you can still follow the steps below and then hire a guide in Aguas Calientes for a fraction of the price.
Machu Picchu Trip Cost
This post is going to outline the steps I took to get to Machu Picchu as cheap as possible without trekking. Hiring a guide to visit Machu Picchu is super expensive but you can make your own DIY experience that drastically will cut your expenses to visit.
But that doesn’t make visiting Machu Picchu cheap either. Our DIY experience was still roughly $400 per person. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Machu Picchu, it just means that you have to be creative to make it as affordable as possible.
Getting from Cusco to Machu Picchu (via the Sacred Valley)
There are several ways to reach the Sacred Valley from Cusco: public bus, taxi, private transfer, or rental car. Each option has its pros and cons. Depending on your budget and comfort level, you can choose the one that works best for your travels.
Public Bus
Taking a public bus is one of the most popular and affordable ways to reach the Sacred Valley. Buses depart from the terminal on Grau Street in Cusco, with the easiest route being to Urubamba, the largest city and a convenient base in the Sacred Valley.
The bus ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with buses running every 15 minutes until 6:30 PM. This option costs around $2 USD, making it ideal for budget travelers.
Taxi
If you prefer more comfort and direct service, taking a taxi is a great choice. A private taxi can take you directly from your hotel in Cusco to your destination in the Sacred Valley. This is especially helpful if your hotel is located outside the main towns.
The cost for a taxi from Cusco to Urubamba ranges from $30 to $50. To ensure a fair price, ask your hotel in Cusco to prearrange your taxi. Since taxis in Cusco don’t have fixed rates, booking through your hotel guarantees transparency and avoids haggling.
Private Transfer
For the ultimate convenience and comfort, hiring a private transfer is the best option. Private transfers provide door-to-door service at a fixed rate that is agreed upon and paid in advance. Many travelers find the ease and reliability of this option well worth the cost.
Renting a car in Cusco (the best option!)
Though you can get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, the day is terribly long and will inconvenience you more than staying in the Sacred Valley. Plus, the Sacred Valley has so much to offer that I highly recommending spending 3-4 days within it.
One of the easiest and best ways to explore the Sacred Valley is renting a car in Cusco. You’ll have a lot more freedom to wander the small towns while stopping to take photos of the epic mountains along the way. You’ll also be able to access the Inca Ruins and even the Maras Salt Flats on your own. This alone will will save you hundreds of dollars by just paying the entrance fee without a guide.
Plus, it’s well worth renting a car just to stop along the way for the amazing views!
Driving in the Sacred Valley is very easy, too. The roads are in great condition. Though they do go through the mountains, you’ll quickly feel confident driving in the Sacred Valley.
Where to get your rental car
We booked our rental car through Sixt Rental at the Cusco International Airport. I always recommend comparing your car rental options using AutoSlash, but Sixt tends to be the cheapest option by far in Cusco.
I’d recommend renting the car upon arrival to the airport or stay a couple of days in Cusco before renting a car to return the day you are flying out. Either way, the car rentals are all right next to the airport so it will be easy to get in and or out of town.
The cars will not be premium vehicles in Peru, or at least that’s not my experience. If your rental is anything like mine, it’ll likely be scratched up to the point you might ask, “how will they even know if I messed anything up?”. But it will get you there.
Guided Machu Picchu tours from Cusco
If you’re looking for an easy, all-in-one option, there are plenty of guided Machu Picchu tours from Cusco that handle all the logistics and get you to the site in a single day. But while they’re convenient, they’re also pricey—and come with a few downsides that, personally, make them not worth it for me.
First, these day tours often cost significantly more than if you plan the trip yourself. You’re paying a premium for the convenience, but not necessarily for a better experience. Second, it’s a long day. We’re talking early morning pickups, multiple transfers, and a tight timeline that can leave you feeling rushed at the very place you came to see.
But the biggest reason I skip these tours? You completely miss the Sacred Valley. One of the most beautiful regions in Peru, the Sacred Valley deserves time—whether it’s exploring local markets in Pisac, soaking up the history in Ollantaytambo, or just enjoying the slower pace of the Andes. A whirlwind day trip skips over all of that.
If you’re going to visit Machu Picchu, I think it’s worth taking the extra day or two to really experience the journey, not just the destination.
where to stay in the sacred valley
The best way to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco is to first take a trip out into the Sacred Valley. Staying here not only gives you a new perspective on Peru but it’s closer and easier to get to Machu Picchu as well.
Best Towns to Stay in the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is a collection of small communities nestled in the Andes, with Urubamba being the largest and most central town. Urubamba makes an excellent base for exploring the valley due to its prime location near key landmarks and its variety of restaurants that stay open into the evening.
For travelers without a rental car, Urubamba is the most convenient option as it offers easy access to transportation and amenities. On the other hand, if you plan to rent a car, you’ll have more flexibility to stay in rural and unique accommodations scattered throughout the valley. These hidden gems allow you to experience the Sacred Valley’s natural beauty and charm more intimately.
My Top Places to Stay
Sequeiros Garden $ | Located outside Ollayantambo, this small and clean property is perfect for those looking to stay closer to the train station before heading to Machu Picchu.
Chaska Valle Inn $ | In the heart of Urubamba this property is centrally located for a very affordable price.
My Top Pick!
San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta | I absolutely loved my stay here! A converted monastery, the hotel has some breathtaking views, great cocktail happy hour, and a quick walk from Urubamba’s center.
Andean Wings Valley | Quaint and charming are two words that come to mind about Andean Wings. It’s located a bit outside of Urubamba but can be worth it if you plan on having a rental car.
Luxury Places to Stay in the Sacred Valley
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel | Located in a 17th century hacienda, this 5-star hotel includes a spa that specializes in medicinal treatments. The hotel has a pool, jacuzzi and is located on the river with beautiful views from every guest room.
Stardome | With a great location to take in the Sacred Valley, the Stardome is a unique place to stay perfect to add to your Sacred Valley itinerary. In addition to the unique stay, the hotel has a fantastic garden and restaurant.
Tambo del Inca | Getting to Machu Picchu is a lot easier at Tambo del Inca, which has a private train station that runs to Aguas Calientes. The hotel is located on the Urubamba River with every room including a balcony.
How to get to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley
I. Getting from your accommodation to the Ollantaytambo train station
If you get your own rental car you’ll have a much easier time getting to the Ollantaytambo train station for the your trip to Machu Picchu. However, you can easily hire a driver to take you and pick you up from Ollantaytambo.
Depending in where you are staying in the Sacred Valley your trip to Ollantaytambo can take up to an hour and a half. You’ll want to account for the time getting from your accommodations, time to park (if you have a rental car), and getting to the train station.
Parking in Ollantaytambo
There are many local lots for parking on the small road leading to the entrance to the train station. Many of these parking lots are run by teenagers with minimal English. At least with my experience in our lot, we paid when we returned based on the amount of time we were gone. Parking was just $2.50 for the entire day and easy to find.
II. How to take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
First, know that you’ll want to buy your train tickets in advance, especially during busy season. You have two service options, IncaRail and PeruRail for your train journey. They are basically the same experience, so just compare ticket prices for the class of service you’re interested in.
Know that IncaRail and PeruRail train cost are both super overpriced. You can save money on your train tickets by taking the earliest train and last train of the day. We opted to take a nicer train to Machu Picchu in the early morning that included a show within the bar car and boxed snack meal, too. And opted for the lowest class ticket back to Ollantaytambo. It was nice having the balance of experiences.
Inca Trail Trek Option
If you decide to hike to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, your journey will begin at the Kilometer 82 trailhead, just outside Ollantaytambo. This 4-days, 3-nights Inca trail tour is challenging due to the high elevation but incredibly rewarding, as it culminates at the iconic Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu. Keep in mind that hiking the Salkantay Trek requires booking a tour with a licensed operator.
III. Getting from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes is the base to exploring Machu Picchu. The town is full of souvenir stalls and small hotels catering towards tourists but it is also absolutely beautiful.
If you have an early ticket to Machu Picchu, you might decide to take a day bag (large luggage is not allowed on the train) to Aguas Calientes and stay the evening before your timed ticket. Typically, you’ll keep your hotel or Airbnb in the Sacred Valley and book your night in Aguas Calientes so you can leave your baggage.
Travel Tip! You can spend the night in Aguas Clientes to spend more time at Machu Picchu. I recommend Gringo Bills for your overnight. It's an adorable hotel that's perfect for a little overnight!
III. Take the Bus Ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
If you arrive the same day or arrive the evening before, you’ll need to head to the bus station and purchase tickets to get up the switchback road to the peak.
Don’t want to take the bus? You can reach Machu Picchu for free by simply walking up the mountain. But be warned: it’s a long walking distance with many steps — all at high elevations. If you want to say you hiked Machu Picchu, you could always take the bus to the peak and walk back to town.
Getting back to the Sacred Valley
Getting back to the Sacred Valley is the exact opposite of getting there. Once you’re finished exploring the mountain you can head back out to the area you arrived at and you’ll wait in line for the next bus. Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll head back to the train station for your timed train ticket. (Easy enough, right?)
Travel Tip! Plan enough time back to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch or dinner in town. The shops are pretty much all the same but you can find some great places to eat around town.
Tickets To Machu Picchu
While you can easily visit without a guide, you cannot enter Machu Picchu tickets. You must purchase entrance tickets in advance, as they are not sold at the entrance.
If you want to explore Machu Picchu without a guide I recommend you purchase your entrance ticket at least a week in advance as they are limited and do sell out, especially if you are planning a day trip and need an early entry ticket.
If you’re planning a last-minute trip, you can purchase entry tickets in Aguas Calientes at the Machu Picchu Cultural Centre.
Bottom Line
You don’t need a guide when visiting Machu Picchu! You can easily save yourself hundreds of dollars by doing all the steps in the process yourself. Just be organized and book early. Join my weekly newsletter for even more ways you can save on travel.
Machu Picchu FAQs
Yes. You need to purchase tickets in advance for one of 3 circuits when visiting Machu Picchu. Tickets sell out quickly, especially during high season, so booking your tickets as soon as you know your travel dates is recommended.
You need a few hours to get to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu’s entrance. The train ride to Aguas Calientes is about 2 hours long and the bus ride from there to the Machu Picchu entrance is another 30 minutes. Once at Machu Picchu I recommend about 3 hours to walk around, take photos, and enjoy it.
Reaching Machu Picchu is a complicated, multi-step process. Though there are a few ways to do it the most straightforward is taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then from there a bus to the Machu Picchu entrance.
More Peru Tips and Inspiration
I hope you enjoyed learning more about how to visit Machu Picchu on a budget! Your Machu Picchu trip cost can actually be really affordable with a few tweaks and a bit of organization. If you liked this be sure to check out these related posts:
- Spend some time getting inspired with my complete Peru itinerary
- Going to Cusco? Check out this guide to find some great places to eat and things to do
- Be sure to check out my complete packing guide to Peru
