Machu Picchu Guide: How to Reach the City the Incas Tried to Hide (By Train from Cusco)
Few places in the world capture the imagination like Machu Picchu. Hidden high in the Peruvian Andes, this ancient Inca city is one of the most famous archaeological sites on Earth.
But reaching Machu Picchu is part of the adventure.
From the historic streets of Cusco to a scenic train ride through jungle canyons and the lively town of Aguas Calientes, the journey to the Lost City of the Incas is full of surprises.
In this guide we share our first time visiting Machu Picchu, including how to get there by train, what the journey looks like, and tips to help you plan your own trip.
Where is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located in the Peruvian Andes, about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Cusco.
The ancient Inca city sits at an altitude of around 2,430 meters (7,970 ft), surrounded by steep mountains and the Urubamba River far below.
Built in the 15th century during the height of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911.
Today it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Starting the Journey: Cusco
Before heading to Machu Picchu, most travelers spend time in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.
At 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level, Cusco is also where many visitors experience altitude for the first time.
For us, the first hours were about slowing down, exploring, and adjusting.
Walking through San Pedro Market, we were surrounded by colors, local food, and the rhythm of daily life in the Andes. Fresh fruit juices, street food, and traditional Andean products filled the stalls.
Cusco is one of those cities where history is everywhere — in the stone walls, in the architecture, and in the people who call it home.
A Walk Through the Heart of the Inca Empire
From the market we wandered toward Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Cusco.
The square is a fascinating mix of Spanish colonial architecture built on top of ancient Inca foundations, a reminder of the city’s layered history.
Later we climbed into the San Blas neighborhood, known for its narrow streets and artistic atmosphere.
At this altitude even a short walk feels like a hike, but the views across the ancient city made every step worth it.
How to Get to Machu Picchu by Train
The most popular way to reach Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo.
The train journey itself is an incredible experience.
As the train leaves the high Andean plateau, the landscape slowly changes. Mountains grow steeper, the valley narrows, and lush vegetation begins to appear.
The tracks follow the Urubamba River through deep jungle canyons, creating one of the most scenic train rides in South America.
Depending on where you depart, the journey takes between 1.5 and 3.5 hours.
Most travelers start their train ride from:
• Cusco (San Pedro or Poroy stations)
• Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo is the most common departure point because it is closer to Machu Picchu and has more train departures.
What we did is to book a local agency that organised the trip for us. Here you can find the options:
🎟 Train + Machu Picchu Entry Tickets (Most Popular Option) https://gyg.me/qBHS81sG
🌄 Guided Day Tour from Cusco (Best Rated)
👉 Book a Trip with Our Guide Jimmy
Booking the Train to Machu Picchu
If you plan to organise the trip yourself this guide also helps you.
Train tickets should ideally be booked in advance, especially during high season between May and September.
Two main companies operate the train route to Machu Picchu:
PeruRail
The largest train operator with several service levels, from standard tourist trains to luxury panoramic trains.
Inca Rail
Another popular company offering comfortable trains with large windows and scenic views.
Prices vary depending on the service and time of year but usually range between $60 and $150 per person one way.
Booking online ahead of time is usually the easiest option and ensures you get your preferred departure time.
Aguas Calientes: The Gateway to Machu Picchu
All trains arrive in Aguas Calientes, the small mountain town located directly below Machu Picchu.
Despite its remote location, the town is lively and often packed with travelers from around the world.
Restaurants, hotels, and small markets line the narrow streets, creating an atmosphere that feels both exciting and slightly chaotic.
Most visitors spend the night here before heading up to Machu Picchu early the next morning.
Visiting Machu Picchu for the First Time
The final step of the journey is the short but dramatic climb from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Visitors can either:
• Take the bus up the mountain road
• Hike the stone stair trail
As the clouds begin to clear and the ruins slowly reveal themselves, the scale of the site becomes truly impressive.
Terraces cascade down the mountainside, temples rise from perfectly cut stone blocks, and the surrounding peaks create a setting that feels almost unreal.
For many travelers, this is a moment that stays with them forever.
👉 Book a Trip with Our Guide Jimmy
https://machupicchuexploration.com
Why the Journey Matters
Machu Picchu is extraordinary, but what makes the experience truly special is everything that happens along the way.
From the markets of Cusco to the train through the Sacred Valley and the stories of the people living in the Andes, the journey becomes much more than simply visiting a famous landmark.
It becomes an experience of culture, history, and discovery.
Travel Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
Spend time acclimatizing in Cusco
Altitude can affect travelers differently, so give yourself at least one day to adjust.
Book Machu Picchu tickets early
Daily visitor numbers are limited and tickets often sell out weeks ahead.
Take an early train or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes
Arriving early helps avoid the biggest crowds.
Bring layers
Weather in the Andes can change quickly.
Don’t rush the journey
Cusco and the Sacred Valley are just as fascinating as Machu Picchu itself.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Machu Picchu is one of the most unforgettable experiences in South America.
But the magic isn’t just the ruins themselves.
It’s the journey through the Andes, the people you meet along the way, and the feeling of arriving somewhere that once felt hidden from the world.
