How to Visit Machu Picchu
- Kate Parker
- Oct 7
- 8 min read
Machu Picchu. The monumental archaeological marvel shrouded in mist and mystery. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it rises beneath a canopy of greenery, serving as a timeless symbol of Incan innovation and ancient architecture.
Perched high in the Andes at 2,430 metres above sea level in Peru’s Sacred Valley, the site was built in the 15th century under Emperor Pachacuti and later abandoned during the Spanish conquest. It remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911, which is why it is often called the Lost City of the Incas. This blend of mystery, majesty, history, spirituality and cultural depth draws travellers from across the globe, year after year.
With more than one million visitors each year, entry permits are limited to support conservation efforts, so planning ahead is essential.
How to Get to Machu Picchu
You’ve probably heard of the Inca Trail, but you may not know there are several other ways to reach Machu Picchu, from multi‑day treks and lesser‑trodden paths to scenic train journeys, there really is something for everyone.
If you plan to trek, spend a couple of days acclimatising in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first to reduce the risk of altitude sickness
Trekking
The Inca Trail:
A classic for a reason and ideal for first-time trekkers, the Inca Trail is a standout choice for those looking to cut their teeth on the most iconic route. With that said, don’t get too confident or comfortable. The Inca Trail is no walk in the park.
The scenery on the Inca Trail is spectacular and varied, from high mountain summits to lush green valleys and subtropical plants covered in cloudforest, alluding to what’s ahead.
Day two of the Inca Trail puts hikers through their paces with a summit at Dead Woman’s Pass, sitting at 4,215 metres, 1,800 metres higher than Machu Picchu itself. It’s a challenging day with higher altitudes, a steep, rocky ascent and exposed terrain where conditions can be harsh. It’s often regarded as the hardest day of the trek, and speaking personally, I can confirm this to be true.
The 4-day trek concludes at the Sun Gate, typically at sunrise, offering a memorable first glimpse of Machu Picchu after days of build-up. Vivid greenery, fast-moving cloudforest, and grazing llamas in the ancient city make the hardest moments feel well worth it.
Inca Trail Permits generally go on sale each October for the following year. In February, The Inca Trail closes for maintenance, although Machu Picchu itself may still be open, with limited access due to weather. Peak times are from May to September.
Both G Adventures The Inca Trail 7 days and Intrepid’s Inca Trail Express are great options with plenty of local interaction and sustainable tourism experiences.
Duration: 4 days
Total kms: Around 43 kilometres total
Average daily distances are around 12 km, 14 km, 10.5 km and 5 km for days 1–4 respectively.
Other treks available:
If Inca Trail permits aren’t available or you want something beyond the classic route, there are plenty of rewarding alternatives. Each delivers its own unique experience, beautiful landscapes and a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.
Salkantay Trek:
The Salkantay Trail is considered a challenging hike steeped in magic at high altitude: glacial turquoise lakes, snowcapped peaks, traditional Andean villages, coffee plantations and a cloud forest filled with orchids, butterflies, and warmer air courtesy of the Amazon basin below.
Considered one of the 25 best hikes in the world by National Geographic, the hike journeys through nine different bio-zones, varying altitudes and diverse terrain. One of the stars of the trek is Humantay Lake, a glacial turquoise lake framed by snow-capped peaks that is impossible to forget, in contrast to the typical greenery seen on The Inca Trail.
The highest point of the trek is Salkantay Pass at 4,638m, offering panoramic views of the Andes, giving a real sense of triumph. Towering above Salkantay Pass stands Salkantay Mountain, considered a sacred Apu or spirit mountain in the Andes. Apu Salkantay acts as a guardian to this day, protecting the land, crops, and people. Ritual offerings like coca leaves are still made today to honor its presence and seek blessings.
Enjoy Pachamanca meals, earth-cooked feasts using hot stones, often shared communally or take a high-altitude horseback ride with an Andean Horseman. The trek visits Llactapata Ruins, a lesser-known Inca site with a rare southeast view of Machu Picchu beyond the typical Instagram shots.
World Journeys 7-day Salkantay Trek is a popular option, and for horse-lovers, there is even an Equestrian focused version of the Salkantay Trek available on selected dates.
Duration: 4-day, 5-day or 7-day options are available.
Total kms: Classic routes are around 70-75 km.
Daily trekking time varies depending on the route. World Journey’s 7-day trek ranges between 4-6 hours per day, while a 4 day trek ranges between 8 - 20 km each day.
The Quarry Trail:
The Quarry Trail is one of the least-traveled routes to Machu Picchu, offering fewer crowds and a deeper sense of adventure.
Unlike the well-traversed Inca Trail, it doesn’t require a permit making it an accessible and remote alternative with its own share of beauty, history, and challenge.
Day one treats trekkers to the misty beauty of Perolniyoc waterfall and its nearby Inca ruins, while day two delivers the dramatic ascent to Kuychicassa Pass, the highest point on the trail at 4,450 metres, with sweeping views across the Sacred Valley and a true sense of scale.
While the Quarry Trail doesn’t end at Machu Picchu’s famous Sun Gate, its second day offers a striking alternative. An archaeological site perched above Ollantaytambo, rich in history and panoramic views.
Intrepid’s Inca Trail Express gives travellers the option to choose the Quarry Trail circuit for the final leg, Kachiqata to Ollantaytambo by bus, followed by a train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu’s gateway town.
Duration: 4 days
Total kms: Approximately 31 to 37 km.
The Lares Trek:
G Adventures 7 day Lares Trek offers a quieter route to Machu Picchu with less crowds and in typical G Adventures style, plenty of local interaction and community initiatives.
Trekkers can visit a women’s weaving co-op, a local pottery making community, and have lunch at Parwa Restaurant, where ingredients are bought directly from the local farmers.
This trip lets travellers end their trek with a trip via train and bus to Aguas Calientes for a restful stay at a hotel ready for a guided tour of Machu Picchu the next morning. The best part? You’ve earned your trekking badge of honour but arrive at the main show fresh as a daisy.
Duration: 7 days.
Total kms: Expect between 40 - 55 km total.
Average daily distances range between 3 to 7 hours per day.
Train and bus:
If you aren’t up for a hike, a luxury train journey will have you arrive in style, without breaking a sweat. The Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train departs from Cusco and takes guests on a 3.5 hour journey on the 1920s carriages through Sacred Valley and Urubamba Valley. Think linen table clothes, mood lighting, fine dining cocktails and dancing to the Peruvian cajón and tambourines. The trip includes a private tour of Machu Picchu and afternoon "Cocktail Experience" at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel.
Alternatively, you can take the Machu Picchu train. Take a bus or a cab from Cusco to the Inca Rail station in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to board the train to Aguas Calientes station. This train journey takes around 1.5 hours and then you'll board a bus to take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Your expert FBI Travel Advisor can advise you on the best option for you and organise your tickets.
See more of Peru on an escorted group tour or private tour:
Machu Picchu is a standout among Peru’s many treasures but there is so much more to Peru. From Lima’s world‑class restaurants to piranha line‑fishing in the Amazon and the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca, an escorted tour stitches local moments into Peru’s true magic.
Tauck’s 8 day Mystical Peru is jam-packed with cultural experiences including horseback riding through a small village in the Sacred Valley, play the Peruvian pan flute, and see a show starring Peruvian Paso horses, protected as part of the Patrimonio Cultural (Cultural Heritage) of Peru. You can even get blessed by a local shaman the evening before your visit to Machu Picchu.
Luxury Gold’s Treasures of the Incas 12 day tour offers luxury and discovery from start to finish. Learn the art of tea making at a working tea plantation, view the world’s largest private collection of indigenous orchids, take a private cruise of Lake Titicaca to the man-made Uros Floating Islands made entirely of reeds.
Abercrombie & Kent’s Wonders of Peru Tour is an 11-day tour taking travellers to Machu Picchu, before cruising through The Amazon afterwards. Guests board a state-of-the-art riverboat through Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a 21,000-square-kilometre showcase of exceptional beauty and biodiversity in northeastern Peru including pink dolphins, manatees and more.
With plenty of options including family adventures, please ask your FBI Travel Advisor for the best itinerary for you.
How to get to Peru
Qantas codeshare with LATAM Airlines and fly from Melbourne to Lima via Auckland and Santiago, Chile. If you are just visiting Machu Picchu, you can take a domestic flight from Lima to Cusco, which is around 90 minutes. If visiting Peru and Machu Picchu is part of a bigger South American adventure, our expert Travel Advisors can help you with the best itinerary to maximise your time.
Best time to visit
May–June marks peak trekking season, with dry, cool conditions ideal for multi-day hikes.
July–August brings crisp mornings and clear views, while September sits in the shoulder season—still dry, but quieter and less crowded.
February closure: The Inca Trail closes for maintenance in February, though Machu Picchu itself may remain open. Alternative treks may still operate, but weather is unpredictable.
Entry requirements at Machu Picchu
If you have your heart set on the Inca Trail, it's important to know that a permit is required. Permits are usually released in early October for the following year and are limited to 500 per day. Only approved tour operators can obtain permits. Please ask your FBI Travel Advisor for the best tour option for you. Alternatively, the Lares, Salkantay and Quarry Trails currently do not require a permit.
All visitors to Machu Picchu need an entry ticket which your tour company will arrange if you are trekking. If you are travelling by train, it’s worth double checking whether or not entry into Machu Picchu is included in the ticket.
In June 2024, Peru’s Ministry of Culture introduced the circuit system to help manage numbers. Visitors now choose from three main circuits, each offering different views and access points. You must stick to the route you book and can’t backtrack or switch mid-visit.
To enter, you'll need a physical entry ticket, a valid passport or government-issued ID. Drones, tripods, food, and loud music are prohibited and licensed guides are recommended and required for groups.
What to Pack
Temperatures shift throughout the region, so layering is essential. Breathable base layers, a lightweight puffer for warmth, and a hooded rain shell to handle sudden rainfall.
As with any hike, worn in hiking boots are non-negotiable and be sure to break them in well before your trek. Pack multiple pairs of thick socks and pack plasters to avoid blisters. Outdoor accessories like hats, beanies and sunblock will have you prepared for all the elements.
If you’re looking for extra support, there are plenty of options in Cusco to hire hiking poles and gear. Speak to your GP about altitude sickness and if medication might be right for you.
Leaving no trace and travelling responsibly is key. Machu Picchu isn’t just a landmark, it’s a sacred site that deserves to be treated as such.
Whether you hike or trek one of the amazing routes, travel by luxury train, or take the bus, seeing Machu Picchu up close is a memory you’ll feel for years to come and the journey that got you there.
If visiting Machu Picchu and Peru is on your travel wish list, get in touch with one of our expert Travel Advisors. They can advise the best itinerary for you and book your tours, train tickets, flights, travel insurance, hotels and more!
