There are no direct flights from Lima to Machu Picchu. Every route goes through Cusco first, and from there you make your way to the citadel. The total distance from Lima is approximately 724 miles, but the journey has several stages that you need to plan in advance.
Contents
The best route: Lima – Cusco – Machu Picchu (The most common)
This is the route used by 95% of travelers. It is the most direct and has the best infrastructure.
Step 1: Lima to Cusco
By plane (Recommended)
Flights depart from Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima and arrive at Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are flights throughout the day operated by LATAM, Sky Airline, JetSmart, and Viva Air.
Book in advance to get better fares. Prices vary by season, with the cheapest fares available between November and March.
By bus (Budget alternative)
The bus ride takes between 20 and 24 hours. The most reliable companies are Cruz del Sur and Oltursa, which offer sleeper services with reclining seats.
This option is not highly recommended because you lose a full day of travel and arrive in Cusco exhausted, where you need to be in good shape to acclimatize to the altitude.
Step 2: Acclimatization in Cusco
Cusco sits at 11,150 feet above sea level. Arriving directly from Lima (490 feet above sea level) can cause altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
You need at least one full day in Cusco before continuing to Machu Picchu. Two days is ideal. During this time, walk slowly, drink coca tea, stay well hydrated, and avoid heavy meals. Do not engage in intense physical activity on the first day.
Step 3: Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
Aguas Calientes is the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu. There are two main ways to get there from Cusco.
Option A: Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo
From Poroy (Cusco)
The Poroy station is 20 minutes from downtown Cusco. Trains take 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Aguas Calientes. Peru Rail operates services with different comfort levels, from the basic Expedition to more premium options.
This station only operates during the dry season (April-October). During the rainy season, trains depart exclusively from Ollantaytambo.
From Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
First, you need to get to Ollantaytambo from Cusco. You can take a bus or van that takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. Vans depart from Pavitos Street in Cusco.
From Ollantaytambo, trains take 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Aguas Calientes. Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail operate services in different categories. This is the most practical option year-round.
Option B: Alternative route via Hidroelectrica
Cusco to Hidroelectrica
You take a van from Cusco that goes directly to the Hidroelectrica station. The ride takes between 6 and 7 hours by road. Vans depart from the Santiago terminal in Cusco, early in the morning (5:00-6:00 AM).
Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
From Hidroelectrica, you walk along the train tracks for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Aguas Calientes. It is a flat and fairly easy path, with views of the Urubamba River and tropical vegetation. There is also a local train that covers this section in 30 minutes.
This route is cheaper but also more tiring. It works if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind spending more time on transportation.
Step 4: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
By bus (Consettur)
Buses climb up a zigzagging road for 25-30 minutes. They depart every 10 minutes starting at 5:30 AM. You can buy tickets at the ticket office next to the bus stop or reserve them online.
On foot
There are stairs that lead up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. It takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours. It is steep and tiring, but free. If you are in good physical shape and want to save money, this is your option.
Total travel times by route
Standard route (Lima-Cusco-Aguas Calientes)
Lima to Cusco: 1h 20min by plane
Acclimatization in Cusco: 1-2 days
Cusco to Ollantaytambo: 1h 45min by van
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: 1h 45min by train
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: 30min by bus
Minimum total: 3 days (including one day for acclimatization)
Hidroelectrica route
Lima to Cusco: 1h 20min by plane
Acclimatization in Cusco: 1 day
Cusco to Hidroelectrica: 6-7h by van
Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes: 2h 30min on foot
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: 30min by bus or 1h 30min on foot
Minimum total: 3 days
With the Inca Trail
If you take the Classic Inca Trail, it is a 4-day trek from km 82 to Machu Picchu. You need to book 5-6 months in advance because spots are limited. The cost includes a guide, porters, meals, and entry to Machu Picchu.
Suggested itineraries based on available days
Express itinerary (3 days)
Day 1: Morning flight Lima-Cusco. Free afternoon for acclimatization.
Day 2: Early transfer to Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in town.
Day 3: Very early visit to Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco. Evening flight to Lima.
This itinerary is doable but tight. It works if you have limited time available.
Standard itinerary (4-5 days)
Day 1: Flight Lima-Cusco. Acclimatization and city tour.
Day 2: Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo). Overnight in Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Day 3: Train to Aguas Calientes. Free afternoon in town.
Day 4: Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 5: Return flight to Lima.
This is the itinerary we recommend most because it gives you enough time to acclimatize and enjoy each destination without rushing. If you are looking for an all-inclusive option, we recommend the Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu 5-Day Tour Package so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the logistics.
Full itinerary (7 days)
Day 1: Arrival in Lima. City tour through Miraflores and the historic center.
Day 2: Flight to Cusco. Acclimatization.
Day 3: Cusco city tour (Plaza de Armas, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman).
Day 4: Full Sacred Valley tour. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Day 5: Train to Aguas Calientes. Explore the town and its hot springs.
Day 6: Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco.
Day 7: Flight Cusco-Lima and international connection.
This itinerary lets you experience the best of Peru at a relaxed pace, with time for additional experiences.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum time needed?
Three full days from the time you leave Lima until you return. But if you want to enjoy it without rushing and reduce the risk of altitude sickness, plan for 5 days.
Is it possible to go and come back in one day from Lima?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. You would have to take the first flight to Cusco, catch an immediate train to Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu in just a few hours, and head back. It is exhausting, does not give you time to acclimatize, and you do not truly enjoy the experience.
What is the cheapest route?
The route via Hidroelectrica, walking the sections you can. However, keep in mind that it requires more time and physical effort.
What is the fastest route?
Flight to Cusco + train from Ollantaytambo. You can reach Aguas Calientes the same day you leave Lima if you coordinate the schedules well.
Do I need a mandatory guide?
Yes, since 2019 all visitors must enter with a guide. You can hire a shared guide at the entrance or bring a private one. At Peru Sites Adventure, we include certified guides in all our packages.
Can I buy everything when I arrive?
Entry tickets to Machu Picchu must be purchased in advance. Train tickets are also best reserved ahead of time, especially during peak season (June-August). Organizing everything on your own can be complicated if you are not familiar with the timing and availability. That is why many travelers prefer to book a complete package that includes all coordinated services, without having to worry about last-minute reservations or sold-out availability.
