How to Plan Your Trip to
Machu Picchu Independently
Learn how to secure your Machu Picchu tickets, train passes and more
What Do I Need to Travel to Machu Picchu?
Visiting Machu Picchu is one of the most cherished experiences for travellers worldwide. Yet, many wonder: how can I organise my trip easily without relying on a travel agency? This practical guide offers a step-by-step approach for first-time visitors, with all the essential information to build your travel package, save time and avoid common mistakes.
Item |
Where to Get It |
Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation in Cusco and Aguas Calientes |
Discover our hotel discounts in Machu Picchu and Cusco |
Book near your train departure station. |
|
Machu Picchu Entry Ticket |
Purchase at least 1 month in advance. |
|
|
Train Ticket |
PeruRail - Click here |
Choose from Expedition, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or Hiram Bingham |
|
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu |
Buy the day before or early in the morning. |
|
|
Tour Guide (optional) |
At the entrance or in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). |
Recommended to better understand the site's history. |
Recommended Itinerary from
Cusco to Machu Picchu
Are you in Cusco and planning a day trip to Machu Picchu? We’ve prepared a practical guide with key steps to help you organise your journey smoothly and stress-free. The suggested timings are based on typical demand and are suitable for a full-day visit or a 1-night/2-day itinerary departing from Cusco.
Full Day in MACHU PICCHU
Day Before: Prepare and Explore Cusco
Take a self-guided city tour to acclimatise to the altitude and discover Cusco’s highlights without spending much time or money.
Suggested walking route from the historic centre:
- Plaza de Armas – your starting point, rich in history and colonial architecture.
- Cusco Cathedral – admire it from outside or step inside.
- Hatun Rumiyoc Street – home to the famous Twelve-Angled Stone.
- San Blas District – perfect for strolling, photography and panoramic views.
- Qorikancha – visit the interior or view it from Avenida El Sol.
Total duration: 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace
Don’t forget: Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable clothing.
- Check your bookings: ensure you have your Machu Picchu ticket, PeruRail train pass, and transport to the station.
- Pack light: small backpack with water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, passport, printed or digital ticket, and comfortable clothes.
- Sleep early: the day starts very early.
Travel Day: From Cusco to Machu Picchu (Suggested Times)
05:00 a.m. – Depart from your hotel in Cusco
Book a reliable taxi or use apps like InDriver or Uber to reach the train station. Most trains depart from Ollantaytambo Station (check your ticket).
Estimated time and cost from central Cusco:
- San Pedro Station: 10min | S/ 5 – S/ 8
- Wánchaq Station: 10min | S/ 7 – S/ 10
- Poroy Station: 30min | S/ 25 – S/ 30
- Urubamba Station: 1hr 20min | S/ 50 – S/ 65
- Ollantaytambo Station: 1hr 30min | S/ 70 – S/ 85
06:00 a.m. – Arrive at the train station
-
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Have your passport and ticket ready (digital or printed).
- Staff will guide you to your carriage and seat.
06:30 a.m. – Train journey to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
- Duration: 1h 40min to 3h 30min depending on train type. Click here to explore train options.
- Enjoy the scenery: valleys, rivers and stunning mountains.
10:00 a.m. – Arrival in Aguas Calientes
-
- Follow signs to the exit.
- Use restrooms, buy water or snacks, and get ready for the ascent.
10:30 a.m. – Bus to Machu Picchu entrance
-
- Buy your Consettur bus ticket online or at the station (Avenida Hermanos Ayar & Ccapac Yupanqui, 2 min walk).
- Buses run every 20 minutes from 5am to 10pm, daily.
- Round-trip tickets available.
- Journey: 25 minutes on a winding road with unforgettable views.
11:00 a.m. – Enter Machu Picchu
- Show your ticket, valid passport and ID if requested.
- Follow the circuit selected during ticket purchase (staff will assist).
- Average visit: 2 to 3 hours depending on the circuit. Learn more here
14:00 p.m. – Return to Aguas Calientes and lunch
- Take the Consettur bus back.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Click here for PeruRail discounts.
- Visit the Artisan Market for souvenirs.
16:00 p.m. – Train back to Cusco
-
- Arrive early at the station.
- Journey: 3 to 4 hours.
- Some trains stop at Ollantaytambo; take a taxi or van to Cusco (approx. 2h).
20:00 p.m. – Arrival at your hotel in Cusco
- Have a light dinner. Click here for restaurant discounts via PeruRail.
1 Night / 2 Days in MACHU PICCHU
Day Before: Prepare and Explore Cusco
Take a self-guided city tour to acclimatise and discover Cusco’s essentials without spending much time or money.
Suggested walking route from the historic centre:
- Plaza de Armas – starting point, surrounded by history and colonial architecture.
- Cusco Cathedral – admire from outside or step inside.
- Hatun Rumiyoc Street – see the famous Twelve-Angled Stone.
- San Blas District – ideal for walking, photography and panoramic views.
- Qorikancha – visit inside or view from Avenida El Sol.
- Total duration: 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (printed or digital)
- PeruRail train ticket
- Consettur bus ticket (optional to buy in Aguas Calientes)
- Accommodation booking in Aguas Calientes
- Light backpack with water, snacks, repellent, sunscreen, passport
Day 1: Cusco – Machu Picchu Pueblo + Visit to the Citadel (Suggested Times)
05:00 a.m. – Depart from hotel in Cusco
-
- Request a reliable taxi or use apps like InDriver or Uber.
- Check your departure station according to your ticket.
06:00 a.m. – Arrival at the train station
-
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Have your passport and ticket ready.
06:30 a.m. – Train journey to Aguas Calientes
-
- Duration: 1h 40min to 3h 30min depending on train type.
- Enjoy the scenery: valleys, rivers and stunning mountains.
10:00 a.m. – Arrival in Aguas Calientes
-
- Use restrooms, buy water/snacks and prepare for the ascent.
10:30 a.m. – Bus to Machu Picchu entrance
-
- Buy your ticket at the Consettur station or online.
- Journey duration: 25 minutes.
11:00 a.m. – Entry to Machu Picchu
-
- Show your ticket and passport, and follow your selected circuit.
- Visit duration: 2 to 3 hours.
14:00 p.m. – Return to Aguas Calientes and lunch
-
- Take the bus back. Eat at local restaurants.
- Recommended options: Andean cuisine, artisan pizza, tourist menus.
16:00 p.m. – Check-in at your accommodation
-
- Rest, shower and relax.
17:30 p.m. – Free afternoon in Aguas Calientes
Local tourism options:
-
- Machu Picchu Artisan Market
- Orchid Garden (over 300 species)
- Light walk to the Vilcanota River
- Aguas Calientes Hot Springs (bring swimwear)
20:00 p.m. – Dinner in town
-
- Enjoy a quiet dinner. Some lodgings include dinner.
Day 2: Local Tourism + Return to Cusco (Suggested Times)
07:30 a.m. – Breakfast at your accommodation
-
- Many lodgings offer breakfast. Click here for PeruRail discounts.
08:30 a.m. – Optional activities before the train
-
- Walk to Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum (30 min from town)
- Relax at the hot springs if you didn’t go the day before
- Take photos at the hanging bridge and river area
11:30 a.m. – Check-out and light lunch
-
- Prepare your backpack for the return. Eat before heading to the station.
13:00 p.m. – Arrival at the train station
-
- Arrive early to board your train.
13:30 p.m. – Train back to Cusco
-
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours. Some trains arrive in Ollantaytambo.
17:30 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco
-
- Take a taxi or van from Ollantaytambo if your train doesn’t go direct.
19:30 p.m. – Light dinner in Cusco
End of the trip! You can rest or take a walk around the city.
How to Book Everything You Need
How to Buy Your Machu Picchu Tickets Independently
If you’re planning your trip without a travel agency, the first essential step is securing your official entry ticket to Machu Picchu. Since June 2024, access is organised through specific circuits that must be selected at the time of purchase.
Where to Buy Tickets?
Only via the official website of the Ministry of Culture: tuboleto.cultura.pe
Types of Tickets and Available Circuits
Machu Picchu is divided into 3 main circuits and 10 sub-circuits, designed to enhance the visitor experience and protect the archaeological site:
Circuit 1 – Panoramic
-
- Ideal for the classic photo from the Guardian’s House.
- Includes optional routes such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Inti Punku and the Inca Bridge.
- Duration: up to 2h30 (the mountain adds 4 extra hours).
- Some routes are restricted to visitors over 18 and only available in high season.
Circuit 2 – Inka Citadel
-
- The most complete and recommended route.
- Allows exploration of temples such as the Temple of the Sun, the Three Windows, the Condor, water fountains and more.
- Also offers the classic photo from a lower terrace.
- Duration: up to 2h30.
Circuit 3 – Royal Sector
-
- Focused on royal and religious constructions in the lower area.
- Includes routes like Waynapicchu, Great Cavern and Huchuypicchu.
- Demanding hikes, only for visitors over 18.
- Duration: between 1h and 4h depending on the sub-circuit.
Key Recommendations
Machu Picchu is organized into three main circuits with ten sub-circuits, designed to enhance the visitor experience and protect the archaeological site:
- Book in advance, especially during high season (June to October).
- Check your circuit: each ticket is linked to a specific route.
- Hire a guide: highly recommended for first-time visitors.
- Internal transport: from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), take the Consettur bus to the citadel entrance.
- Visitor capacity:
- High season (June to October): up to 4,500 visitors/day
- Low season (November to May): 3,800 visitors/day
How to Buy Your PeruRail Train Tickets to Machu Picchu
Travelling by train is the most comfortable and safest way to reach Machu Picchu. If you’re planning your trip independently, here’s how to choose the ideal train and book your ticket online.
- Expedition
- Affordable and tourist-friendly.
- Comfortable seats, panoramic windows, ambient music.
- Ideal for travellers seeking a budget-friendly yet comfortable option.
- Vistadome
- Mid-range service with glass roof.
- Includes snacks, drinks and onboard entertainment.
- Perfect for enjoying the Andean landscape.
- Vistadome Observatory
- Premium version with observatory carriage.
- A more immersive and scenic experience.
- Hiram Bingham
- Luxury train with gourmet dining, bar, live music and all-inclusive service.
- Ideal for an exclusive experience.
- Choose your route, date and train type.
- Select departure time and number of passengers.
- Enter your personal details.
- Choose your payment method and confirm.
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners)
- PayPal
- SafetyPay (bank transfers).
- Installment payments (depending on your bank’s conditions)
Guide to Buying the Consettur Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu
What is Consettur?
Consettur Machupicchu S.A.C. is the only authorised company providing tourist transport between Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) and the entrance gate to the Machu Picchu citadel. It operates a fleet of modern, eco-friendly buses.
Where to Buy Your Ticket?
- Online
Direct purchase via the official website: comprar.consettur.com
You only need to select:- Travel date
- Number of passengers
- Ticket type (one-way or round trip)
- in Person
- In Cusco: Av. Pardo 827
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 08:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:30
- In Aguas Calientes: Av. Hermanos Ayar S/N (before Puente Ruinas)
- Hours: Daily from 05:30 to 22:00
- In Cusco: Av. Pardo 827
- Credit or debit card (online)
- Cash in soles or US dollars (in person)
Bus Departure Times
- 05:30 a.m. to 15:30 p.m.
- 06:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Trip Duration
Approximately 25 to 30 minutes each way
Updated Fares
Passenger Type |
One-Way |
Round Trip |
|---|---|---|
|
Foreign Adult |
US$12
|
US$24
|
|
Foreign Child (<12) |
US$7 |
US$12
|
|
Peruvian Adult |
S/ 8
|
S/ 15
|
|
Peruvian Student |
S/ 6
|
S/ 10
|
|
Peruvian Child |
S/ 5
|
S/ 8
|
|
Peruvian Guide |
S/ 6
|
S/ 12
|
|
Cusco Resident |
S/ 9.50 |
S/ 19
|
|
Machu Picchu Resident |
S/ 4 |
S/ 8
|
- Call Center: +51 994 835 648
- Sales: ventas@consettur.com
- Technical Support: ti@consettur.com
- Admin: info@consettur.com
- Buy your ticket in advance, especially during high season
- Bring your passport or ID when boarding
- Your ticket is valid for any bus within operating hours
- You may choose to take the bus uphill and walk down (approx. 1h30)
Guide to Hiring a Tour Guide in Machu Picchu
Is a Guide Mandatory?
Currently, hiring a guide is not mandatory to enter Machu Picchu. However, it is highly recommended, as the site has very few informational panels. A professional guide can enrich your visit by explaining the history, architecture and symbolism of the citadel.
- Shared Service: Ideal for budget travellers. Tours are conducted in groups of 10 to 15 people, lasting around 2h30. Languages usually available: Spanish and English. Price per person: US$15 to US$20
- Private Service: Perfect for a personalised experience. Available for small groups (1 to 8 people), also lasting around 2h30. Languages offered: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian. Price per group: US$55 to US$65
Where to Hire a Guide?
At the entrance to Machu Picchu:
Official guides are located at the gate. You can negotiate the price and service type directly.
- Spanish
- English
- Portuguese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Other languages (e.g. Japanese, Russian, Arabic) may require booking via specialised agencies
- Shared service: 07:00 a.m., 09:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.
- Private service: Flexible – you choose the time within opening hours (06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.)
- Complete tour of official circuits
- Historical, archaeological and cultural insights
- Free time for photos and personalised orientation
- Greater safety and compliance with site regulations
Plan Your Trip to
Machu Picchu Independently
Duration
1 or 2 days
Difficulty
Low
Climate
Between 9 °C and 26 °C
Altitude
2430 m.a.s.l.
- Valid passport or ID (required for entry)
- Printed or digital tickets (citadel, train, bus)
- Cash (not all places accept cards)
- Light and comfortable clothing for walking
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable, non-slip footwear
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera or phone with full battery
- Small backpack (max. 20 litres)
- Light snacks for the return
- Reusable water bottle
- Souvenirs from the Artisan Market
- Dry clothes if it rained during your visit
- Pets
- Cigarettes or vapes
- Alcohol or toxic substances
- Selfie sticks or tripods
- Food or drinks
- Large suitcases
- High heels or hard-toe shoes
- Baby strollers
- Book your tickets in advance: Machu Picchu has limited daily capacity. Reserve your entry, train and bus at least 2 weeks ahead.
- Acclimatise in Cusco: Spend one or two days adjusting to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
- Choose the right circuit: There are several routes inside the citadel. Pick one that suits your interests and physical condition.
- Check the weather: Machu Picchu has variable climate. Review the forecast and dress accordingly.
- Arrive early: Morning slots have fewer tourists and better lighting for photos.
- Hire a guide for a richer experience: Though not mandatory, a guide can enhance your visit with historical and cultural insights.
- Respect site rules: Stay on marked paths, don’t touch the structures, and follow staff instructions.
- Take care of your health: Bring water, healthy snacks and avoid overexertion if you’re not used to walking at altitude.
Your Train Journey to Machu Picchu Starts Here
Frequently Asked Questions
- Expedition (budget-friendly)
- Vistadome (panoramic windows)
- Vistadome Observatory (open-air balcony)
- Hiram Bingham (luxury service)
Yes, there are many accommodation options for all budgets. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the town, visit the hot springs, artisan market, and other local attractions.