Best Ways to Visit Machu Picchu, Peru

The iconic Inca city of Machu Picchu is a huge draw for visitors to Peru, but what is the best way to see it?

There are many options when it comes to visiting the mountaintop city, from a leisurely train ride to a five-day trek. Perhaps the most famous trip to Machu Picchu involves hiking the Inca Trail, but it can cost up to $500 and you’ll have to book months in advance due to restrictions on visitor numbers.

Another option is the Salkantay Trek, which takes a similar amount of time but tends to be a little cheaper. Neither option is for the faint of heart, and you’ll need to be in fairly good shape if you want to enjoy the trek.

If you’re cash poor but time rich, the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu is via Santa Teresa. Take a bus from Cuzco along the Sacred Valley to Santa Teresa, and hike up the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. The walk will take you a day and you’ll have to spend a night in Aguas Calientes before you go to Machu Picchu the next day, but it’s the cheapest route. You can even spend an evening in the thermal pools in Santa Teresa to help your rest and recovery on the way back down.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the train ride from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes. Tickets start at $62, but you’ll get to Machu Picchu and back in a day with minimal effort.