Machu Picchu is a contemporary gem of the world and among the most renowned fortresses of the past few years. Its imposing Inca ruins, deep connection with history, and majestic natural beauty make it a must-see destination. Thousands of tourists eagerly seek out this South American must-see each year. Among the main visitors are those from countries such as Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and, of course, the United States.
If you’re planning your journey to Machu Picchu, you might be curious about how to get to Machu Picchu from the USA and the best way to travel there from the United States. Even as a seasoned traveler, you might still have several extra questions. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team wants to share with you everything you need to know to ensure your next trip. Remember that this is just a brief overview of what this emblematic destination has to offer.
Discover how to explore Machu Picchu from the United States
- Planning a trip from the USA to Machu Picchu
- Preparations
- Flight from the United States to Cusco
- Classic route
- Alternative routes
- Getting to the citadel
- In Machu Picchu
- Most recommended Machu Picchu itinerary
- Frequently asked questions
Planning a trip from the USA to Machu Picchu
Regardless of where you’re from, the essential part of your experience is to plan your next Machu Picchu trip in detail. This point is special because you’ll have to consider many factors, such as transportation, accommodations, and many other details. Besides, we recommend hiring a professional tour operator who will provide peace of mind these days.
Furthermore, the top suggestion for traveling to Machu Picchu from the United States is to schedule your trip at least six months in advance. This is mainly because you should reserve your Machu Picchu ticket well in advance. Although there are months with many tourists, during the dry season, each month has its unique features. Therefore, the best time to visit Machu Picchu and plan your trip will depend on your interests and available time.
Understanding Machu Picchu
Grasping the circuits of Hiram Bingham’s greatest discovery will be essential when purchasing your ticket to Machu Picchu. Authorities have established three main routes for exploring this Wonder of the World. One ticket is valid for one exclusive circuit, which you must choose at the time of booking. And if you’re searching for the best way to visit Machu Picchu from the USA, understanding these circuits will help you plan the perfect experience. To better understand them, we present them below:
- Circuit 1 (Panoramic): This is ideal for taking classic postcard photos that you’ll see anywhere. Additionally, you can choose from four available routes, each with its highlights. Among the main attractions are the Guardian’s House viewpoint, the Sun Gate, and the general view of the terraces.
- Circuit 2 (Classic): Perfect for a complete exploration of the citadel and the most recommended by tour companies. Here you can choose between two routes, available year-round. Additionally, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Royal Tomb are some of the main attractions on this circuit.
- Circuit 3 (Adventure): Excellent for those who want access to Huayna Picchu, the mountain around the Urubamba River. Four routes are available, only two of which are open year-round. Its main attractions are the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Sun, and the Moon.
Preparations
After planning, you should prepare all the items you’ll need during your stay. While it will vary based on the places you plan to visit, deciding what to pack for Peru is crucial. To do this, create a packing list before your flight. This will help you identify what items you need and what you need to buy.
You should also think about documentation as one of your main priorities. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Peru. However, they should keep in mind that they can only stay there for up to 183 days without a tourist visa. Moreover, having your copies of documents and ID would be perfect.
As for your luggage, it’s best to pack clothing and footwear appropriate for the activities you’ll be doing. For Machu Picchu, it’s best to dress in layers because the weather is variable and unpredictable. Hiking clothing is the most appropriate in most cases, so keep this in mind. Moreover, remember to include protective items like bug spray, hats, shades, umbrellas, and sunblock in your packing. And as you plan the way to get to Machu Picchu from the United States, having the right gear will make your journey far more comfortable and enjoyable.
On the other hand, health is one of the main considerations in preparations. We know that every case is unique, so consulting your primary care physician is best. Likewise, implementing precautionary actions for altitude sickness will be essential, especially if you are susceptible to temperature changes. Besides, hiring travel insurance for Peru will give you the security and safety that you want for your experience.
Flight from the United States to Cusco
The first step in embarking on this new adventure will be taking a flight to Peru. Travelers can take flights from key US cities like New York, Miami, or Houston. Yet, among the different ones to travel to the Andean country, two stand out for their easy connections and comfort. And if you’re planning to travel to Machu Picchu for vacation, choosing the right flight will make the start of your journey much smoother. Below, we present both options, which will surely help you better understand this step.
- The most favored choice involves taking a direct flight to Lima, Peru’s capital, followed by a flight to Cusco. The first flight takes between 8 and 11 hours on airlines such as American Airlines, LATAM, United, or Avianca. The second is a short 1.5-hour flight to the center of the world on airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airlines, or Jetsmart. We emphasize that there are multiple daily flights to Cusco, so you will have a multitude of options.
- The second option is less popular; however, travelers can adapt it to other alternative flights. We refer to the one that has a stopover in Bogotá and then directly to Cusco. As mentioned earlier, the advantage is that you can enrich your trip with a stopover in Colombia’s capital city. However, the disadvantage is that flights have more limited schedules, and it’s more expensive than the previous option.
Classic route
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and offers incredible attractions and, obviously, iconic routes to the Inca citadel. However, its altitude at 3,400 meters above sea level might need some time to acclimatize. Tourists usually take a day before venturing out on their next adventure. Once that’s ready, you have two options for arriving at Machu Picchu Town, which also happen to be the most common ways of how to get to Machu Picchu from the United States.
- Taking a train to Machu Picchu is the most popular way to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. The journey is direct from the Wanchaq train station in Cusco and takes approximately four hours. Despite having few departures, many pricing choices depend on the type of service you desire.
- On the other hand, if you’re interested in a more flexible and faster option, we recommend this second option. We’re referring to taking a bus to Ollantaytambo and then taking a train to Machu Picchu Town. The total journey takes approximately 3 hours and offers beautiful panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
Alternative routes
In a different scenario, you can decide to embark on more adventurous and less popular options. These options are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who have multiple days available for their stay. And for those researching how to get to Machu Picchu from the United States, these hiking routes offer an unforgettable alternative to reach the citadel. We are referring to the hikes to the Machu Picchu citadel, of which we present the following:
- Inca Trail: Celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, this trek is one of Peru’s most distinctive and emblematic adventures. The trek spans about four days, combining both cultural encounters and thrilling adventures. The jungle canopy, historical ruins, and breathtaking views are just some of the attractions you can experience. However, you must book in advance because tickets for this route are limited.
- Alternative treks: If access to the Inca Trail is unavailable, you can choose different paths to explore. Although some may be more challenging than others, they are a good way to reach the Inca citadel and enjoy the outdoors. We’re referring to the Salkantay, Choquequirao, Lares, Huchuy Qosqo, and Inca Jungle Treks. However, some of them combine sections with the classic route, so be careful when choosing the one you want to take.
You might also be interested in: Top Alternative Treks to Machu Picchu.
Getting to the Citadel
Regardless of the route you choose to travel to Machu Picchu Town, there’s only one last step to reach the citadel. Although Aguas Calientes is the closest destination, it’s necessary to get around because Machu Picchu is located at the top of the aforementioned town. Therefore, we present both options that will give you a closer look at this Wonder of the World.
- Taking a bus to Machu Picchu is the most popular option to reach the Inca citadel. The biggest advantage is that it runs every 10 minutes starting at 5:30 am, making it accessible. The journey also takes approximately 30 minutes. However, there is a high demand for tourists who choose this option, so you will likely have to wait in line.
- The other option is more adventurous and involves hiking uphill for approximately two hours. Hiking from the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance to Machu Picchu is free and a fun experience. You have to think about the temperature, as it can be intensely hot from mid-morning onwards, making hiking difficult.
In Machu Picchu
We got it, once at Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy and relax in the experience you previously chose. As we mentioned, there are different routes you can choose depending on what you want to see and observe. However, you will need to keep in mind some rules that govern your visit to this Wonder of the World. Therefore, below we present some of them, along with some recommendations that will surely be helpful.
- Guided tours are mandatory for a maximum of 2.5 hours. You cannot transfer or change entry times; therefore, you must respect the time slots. Furthermore, we do not permit re-entry to the site.
- To enter Machu Picchu, you must wait in a mandatory line. Therefore, it’s best to arrive early to avoid complications with entry times. Moreover, it’s also highly recommended to have sunscreen and insect repellent on hand for this downtime.
- The citadel allows no more than 10 people per group inside. Therefore, you must take into account the limit of tourists per group upon entering.
- Authorities regulate which trails are suitable for sightseeing in Machu Picchu. You cannot leave the trail and explore on your own. The designers intelligently create the routes to protect the historic structures and the natural environment.
- We’re sure your special someone in the United States will want to see the photographs you take during their stay. However, you must respect the photography rules. The sanctuary’s preservation suffers when people use tripods or climb on structures.
Most recommended Machu Picchu itinerary
The team at Machu Travel Peru has crafted an ideal itinerary tailored for American tourists, showcasing its finest attractions. This experience ideally allows you to enjoy Peru and Machu Picchu in an exclusive, private, and authentic way. Luxury hotels, private services, and highly specialized personal services will provide you with a unique experience. And as you travel from the US to Lima, this itinerary ensures a seamless introduction to Peru. Although this tour is customizable, below is the most suitable itinerary for first-time travelers:
- Day 1 (Peru – Lima): Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, make a city tour, and overnight stay. The advantage of resting here is that it allows you to prepare for the change in altitude and recharge.
- Day 2 (Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley): The adventure continues in the Andean region, for which you will need to take a flight. For better acclimatization, you will head directly to the Sacred Valley upon arrival in Cusco. The Sacred Valley is at 2,800 meters, which will ultimately reduce the impact of altitude sickness.
- Day 3 (Sacred Valley): Explore the circular terraces of Moray, the salt mines of Maras, and Ollantaytambo. The beautiful landscapes, the surrounding culture, and the local inhabitants will be the highlights of this day.
- Day 4 (Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco): The highlight begins with a journey from Ollantaytambo to the ancient citadel. After enjoying the experience of Machu Picchu in all its splendor, you will head to the city of Cusco.
- Day 5 (Cusco): After spending a few days in the Andes, you are now excited to explore the captivating charm of Cusco. During this day, you will have the opportunity to take a city tour and discover its beautiful attractions. The Main Plaza, Qoriqancha, Sacsayhuamán, and Tambomachay are some of the attractions you can enjoy during these hours.
- Day 6 (Cusco – Lima): The experience is almost over, and with it, the last flight before heading to the United States. Once you arrive in Lima, you’ll be ready to return home and share your incredible trip with your loved ones.
Frequently asked questions
Every American traveler has a unique situation, so their travel experience will be unique and individual. Moreover, you likely have many inquiries, or maybe you haven’t considered them yet. And if you’re wondering how to get to Machu Picchu from the US, you’re not alone. Therefore, we present some of the most frequently asked questions that many tourists from the United States and other parts of the world have.
How do I get to Machu Picchu from the USA?
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu from the USA is by flying to Cusco and then traveling by train. Although there are some stops, and you can even connect with other destinations, there is a classic route. It involves flying to the imperial city to reach Machu Picchu and then taking one of the various routes.
How much does it cost to go to Machu Picchu from the US?
The cost to go to Machu Picchu from the United States varies greatly based on the quality of service you want. For a more exclusive experience, consider staying at the Sanctuary Lodge, which will increase your budget. Or for an authentic experience, such as visiting the Indio Feliz, you’ll significantly reduce the cost.
Is Machu Picchu safe for American travelers?
Traveling to Machu Picchu is completely safe for American travelers. However, you should take safety and health precautions typical of the South American country. Please stay in tourist areas, which are suitable for receiving people from all over the world.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru from the United States?
No, American citizens do not need travel visas to come to Peru. You will only need to have a valid passport for six months before leaving on your adventure. However, you cannot remain in Peruvian territory for more than 183 days without a tourist visa.
“A CHARMING PLACE CAN OFFER YOU AUTHENTIC AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES THAT YOU WILL SURELY WANT TO LIVE ONCE IN YOUR LIFE”
As we’ve seen, US citizens can travel to Machu Picchu successfully and without complications. However, you’ll need to consider certain aspects, especially planning well in advance. The Machu Travel Peru team hopes we’ve provided you with information that will serve as your first guide to Machu Picchu. Remember that this is just a first look at your dream destination; for more information, contact our advisors.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in tourism in Peru. Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact Us today to plan your dream adventure!
