How to reach Cusco and Machu Picchu from Lima_
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Getting Machu Picchu from Lima

How to go from Lima to Machu Picchu?

 

Lima and Machu Picchu. Lima, the capital city of Peru, the colonial architecture. Machu Picchu, the Inca Citadel, is one of the most incredible attractions in South America. Lima, the international airport, and Machu Picchu may be your final destination. Both are linked, and of course, I´m sure you have some questions about Lima and Machu Picchu. For example… How to get Machu Picchu from Lima? Can I take a plane? Can I go by bus? Check important information about that:

 

From Lima to Machu Picchu by plane

There is a fast and easy way to go from Lima to Machu Picchu, and it´s by air. In fact, it´s to take a plane from Lima to Cusco, and then next step from here by land to the Inca Citadel. The flight takes 1:10 hs, and there are several frequencies every day from the capital city of Peru and the ancient capital of the Incas, Cusco.

If you are a lover of aerial views, the flight from Lima to Cusco can be very interesting for you. Indeed, the planes cross the Andes Mountains and land in Cusco, which is over 3,000 meters above sea level, although turbulence is quite common, the view is wonderful.

One of the biggest drawbacks when traveling to Cusco from Lima is the height. The fact that you are at sea level in the city of Lima and you climb 10,000 feet in height in just two hours … This is not good for the body and is the reason why approximately 75% of tourists get sick altitude sickness in his first two days in Cusco, after the flight from Lima to Cusco. And this is normal, it is part of what you should know on your trip to Cusco.

 

from Lima to Machu Picchu, Peru - How to get Machu Picchu from Lima?

 

From Lima to Machu Picchu by bus

Another option is to go on a trip from Lima to Machu Picchu by bus. Yes, it´s a long way, but also interesting because you will enjoy the route. Here, the scenery and stops in different interesting areas are the best part. Of course, it will take some days, but it´s a great idea to discover other areas of Peru, after arriving at the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.

Basically, there are two ways to get Cusco from Lima by bus:

Getting Lima to Cusco by bus, via Nazca

This route takes you to the south of Peru, from Lima to Nazca before starting to climb the Andean Cordillera, crossing Abancay before arriving at the ancient capital of the Incas: Cusco. There are several bus companies. The journey takes approximately 22 hours in bus service. It´s a long way, but can be completed in a full day. You do not stop, just go directly from one point to your final destination by bus. There is another way, for me, much better… Buy your tickets in advance, through our company.

 

 

 

From Lima to Cusco by bus, visiting Nazca, Arequipa, and Puno

Another way, via hop on / hop off service. This route takes you further south first, going from Lima to Arequipa and next again north from Arequipa to Cusco. This route is usually better because it offers interesting attractions to appreciate along the way. The recommended stops are Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa and Puno. If you´re planning a relaxing trip with time enough, and are interested in visiting also these areas of Peru, the trip is amazing. Stop in Nazca to enjoy an overflight to the amazing Nazca Lines for example, or explore the Titicaca Lake from Puno.

This is the most common route among tourists in Peru, and it gives them the opportunity to know interesting things about Peru on the way to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. It is a hop on hop off service, very interesting.  It´s important to buy your tickets in advance.

 

So, by plane, or by land, you reach Cusco first and from here, continue to Machu Picchu. So, the ancient capital city of the Incas is the gate to visit the incredible Machu Picchu.

Getting from Lima to Machu Picchu by car

Is it possible? Well, not to Machu Picchu, but you can go to Cuzco or the heart of the Sacred Valley, it´s Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, and then reach the Inca citadel by train. So, yes it is possible to go from Lima to the Sacred Valley and then reach Machu Picchu. You can go closer, to the small village of Santa Teresa, drop the car and trek for around 4 hours…

Of course, you have to have experience in mountain roads, and know that you will travel roads in Latin America, which are not always well signposted or properly equipped as in Europe or the United States. But if you have that adventurous profile, it is a great experience. You can rent a car, it will be not cheap, but there are different rent a car companies available in Lima, with offices in Cusco too. Check with us possible prices for renting a car.

 

How far is Machu Picchu from Cusco?

Machu Picchu is 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco. Although it sounds close, in fact, it is a bit far considering that the mountains of the Andes block the direct route. So, how to reach the Inca Citadel from Cusco?

 

 

 

Getting Machu Picchu from Cusco?

How getting Machu Picchu from Cusco? Here we go: Once in Cusco, the usual way to arrive at Machu Picchu is by train, and there are several options too. But, basically is a ride in a train from Cusco to the small village of Aguas Calientes, called also Machu Picchu Pueblo, through the amazing Sacred Valley of the Incas and Ollantaytambo, one of the most important points in the area.

You also can go by bus service, but it´s not very usual, I suggest getting the citadel by train. And finally, you can walk! Yes, the famous Inca Trail is amazing trekking that takes between 3 to 5 days, depending on the option you choose, your health conditions, etc. The Inca Trail is an amazing option too, to arrive at the Inca citadel through the jungle. Check with us, about prices and available options for the IncaTrail.

 

Lima to Machu Picchu Tour Packages

We have different tours to visit Machu Picchu from Lima. Of course including Cusco and the Sacred Valley, but also great options visiting Puno and Titicaca Lake, including Nazca Lines, or the amazing Peruvian Amazonas with Puerto Maldonado in the itinerary. Check prices with our company, and book this amazing tour package! It´s one of the suggested trips we have to visit Peru: #550 – Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 5 amazing nights. 

 

Tour to visit Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Peru

 

 

Book now, our 550 tour to visit Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu!  It´s an amazing trip to explore the best of Peru!

 

If it´s not what you´re looking for, don´t worry. We have many tours. Check our complete list of tour to visit Peru!

 

 

 

For further information, or for booking and buying your bus tickets in advance, contact us at info@ripioturismo.com We´re ready to help you!

 

Thank you!

 

 

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