Are you gearing up for a trip through Peru’s Sacred Valley to reach one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the Americas? It’s undoubtedly a popular tourist route, but the journey to Machu Picchu is not as straightforward as visiting many of the other magnificent wonders of the world. You’ll need to hike for several days or take a train.
Until explorer and Princeton professor Hiram Bingham traversed the grounds of Machu Picchu as the first foreigner ever in 1911, the “lost city of the Incas” was genuinely lost. This concealed city wasn’t an Inca capital teeming with gold; rather, it was a fortress too remote for the conquistadors to discover. (Vilcabamba was, in truth, the final capital of the Incas before their demise.)
Nonetheless, it housed breathtaking ancient structures that were known to locals but unknown to the outside world. Perched high atop a mountain and demanding a challenging hike to reach, it conceals numerous secrets that may never be uncovered and enigmas that cannot be unraveled without a time machine.
The site continues to evoke wonder and admiration today, its image firmly etched in our minds by countless Instagram posts. (Half of them originate from the exact same location at the Sun Gate.) Each year, the government increases the daily visitor limit while attempting to distribute them throughout the day, introducing more regulations every year or two that strive to balance profit with maintaining UNESCO World Heritage standards.
This delicate array of ruins was never designed to accommodate such large crowds—the cap was merely 1,250 daily visitors when I first traveled there in the early 2000s—so many of the ticket price hikes and additional visitor regulations over the years aim to avoid turning people away while still safeguarding the structures.
This is not a trip where you can simply improvise without conducting any research unless a tour company is handling all the arrangements. It’s wise to prepare by obtaining advance tickets and deciding on your travel route well ahead of time.
Your choice of how you’ll arrive impacts your experience, energy levels, and the amount of time and money you invest. Some travelers feel time constraints. Others are concerned about altitude sickness or their physical condition for long hikes. The voyage can be as captivating as the destination. The route to Machu Picchu is not just about reaching it—it’s also about the experiences along the way.
## Machu Picchu by Train
Traveling to Machu Picchu by train offers quickness, comfort, and significantly less planning than hiking options. It is ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer simpler logistics. [Machu Picchu rail tours](https://incarail.com/en/tours) from the Cusco and Ollantaytambo train stations provide direct access with dependable departures. Families, older adults, or individuals with mobility concerns may opt for the train.
The train journey is smooth, tranquil, and easy on the body. It accommodates travelers of all ages and fitness levels. You can relax and take in the scenery without any strain or hassle. You also have multiple departure options since there are trains from the Cusco area or several locations within the Sacred Valley.
You can reserve a “vistadome” train featuring a glass-panel roof for optimal viewing. Even on the most economical option, the train provides large windows and expansive views of the Andes. You’ll witness rivers, cloud forests, and agricultural land drifting past your window. While it may not be as picturesque as a hike, you still get to appreciate some of the Peruvian countryside. This is the option I took below, but you can upgrade for meal service and fewer passengers per car.
There’s one premium choice, the Hiram Bingham Train named after the explorer. It is operated by the same company as Belmond Hotels, formerly Orient-Express, which is part of the world’s largest luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH. If your wealthy uncle is footing the bill, enjoy the complimentary drinks, food, and entertainment: they’re included in the $1,140 round-trip fare.
Trains to Machu Picchu technically operate year-round, but it is not unusual for services to be suspended during the rainy season, and occasionally the tracks are affected by mudslides or floods requiring weeks of repairs. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to avoid visiting Machu Picchu between January and March.
## Hiking to Machu Picchu
Reaching Machu Picchu on foot allows you to experience the countryside at a leisurely pace rather than watching it zip by. Trekking attracts adventure enthusiasts, backpackers, and nature lovers, which was certainly my inclination when I embarked on the Inca Trail in my younger years. Solo travelers often appreciate the guided groups that accompany hikes, and couples relish the opportunity to dine