Machu Picchu and Cusco are two essential stops for a first trip to Peru. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, boasts numerous Inca ruins. See below our suggestions on how to plan a perfect trip to delve into Peru's history, covering Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley.
The Best Time to Go to Cusco and Machu Picchu
For a great trip that balances the best weather with fewer travelers, the best months to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is mostly dry with little rain and the scenery is best with a clear blue sky.
We don't recommend that you go during the summer vacation from June to August. Machu Picchu is extremely crowded during these months. Expect long lines at the entrance and difficulty getting to the perfect photo spots.
However, if June to August is your only available time to travel, consider allowing Peru experts like us to organize your trip for you to make the most of your experience.
How Many Days Do You Need for Cusco and Machu Picchu?
For a trip to cover Cusco and Machu Picchu, you need at least 2 days. We recommend that you allow about 3–4 days to cover more highlights of the region, exploring Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley. This way, you would get a full exploration of the Inca civilization and be immersed in the local indigenous culture at a comfortable pace.
A 2-day trip might feel hurried. You would have a day for acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and a packed day trip to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is a 4 to 5-hour train ride from Cusco so it would be a long and busy day.
If you have 3–4 days, you would stay for 1 night in Aguas Calientes and enjoy more time in Machu Picchu. You could also explore the highlights of the Sacred Valley, such as the Ollantaytambo ruins, Moray, Maras, the Pisac ruins, and local Peruvian villages.
How Many Days to Stay in Cusco to Acclimatize?
We recommend that you allow 2–3 days for acclimatizing to the high altitude. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that Cusco is not sthe ideal place for acclimatization as it is higher than Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Therefore, we recommend spending 2–3 days in Ollantaytambo or Machu Picchu to acclimatize instead.
Is a Day Trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Possible?
It is possible to have a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu, but it would be a rush and a long day trip. You would have to catch a very early train from Cusco to Machu Picchu for the journey of about 3–4 hours and then return to your hotel in Cusco at about 10 pm.
For a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, we recommend staying overnight in Aguas Calientes, the charming town located at the base of Machu Picchu.
How to Arrange Your Cusco and Machu Picchu Itinerary
Cusco is the base for exploring Machu Picchu. Cusco's airport is the closest airport for accessing Machu Picchu. It is easy to connect Cusco and Machu Picchu as there are many daily trains connecting the two places. The train ride from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu takes about 4 hours.
Should I Visit Machu Picchu or Cusco First?
You may wonder if you should visit Machu Picchu or Cusco first. We suggest that you go to Machu Picchu first as it sits at a lower altitude than Cusco. Cusco is located at about 3,400 meters above sea level (11,200 feet), where altitude sickness affects many, while Machu Picchu is 2,400 meters above sea level (7,900 feet), where altitude sickness is almost unheard of.
It is easier for you to acclimatize to high altitudes above 3,000 m (10,000 ft) by spending some time at intermediate altitudes of around 2,400 m (8,000 ft).
How to Get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
The most convenient way to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by train. Multiple daily services run between the two locations. These trains feature big windows for travelers to enjoy the scenery en route.
Trains depart for Machu Picchu from several stations, including San Pedro, Wanchaq, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo. While San Pedro and Wanchaq are closer to Cusco, they primarily offer limited morning services. For a more extensive schedule, the Ollantaytambo station is the preferred choice for tours. We use Ollantaytambo station for our tours.
The train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes about 4 hours.
Is It Recommended to Stay at Aguas Calientes for One Night?
Absolutely! Staying a night in Aguas Calientes could truly enhance your trip, offering a more relaxed experience and extra time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace.
Aguas Calientes is at the foot of Machu Picchu and is where all of the tours to Machu Picchu start. Just a 20-minute bus ride away, it provides easy access to Machu Picchu.
By staying overnight, you could reach Machu Picchu early for a sunrise view and beat the crowds.
If you visit Machu Picchu in the rainy season from October to April, it is almost essential to stay in Aguas Calientes as you may need to revisit (or wait to visit) the site for clearer skies.
However, Aguas Calientes itself is touristy with little to see. The hotel prices are higher. Alternatively, we suggest you stay in Ollantaytambo, a charming town with picturesque surroundings and nearby Inca ruins to explore.
Our Suggested Cusco and Machu Picchu Itinerary
We have suggested an itinerary to give you an idea of what works well, as detailed below.
2-Day Machu Picchu and Cusco Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Cusco: Direct transfer from Cusco's airport to Ollantaytambo: Explore Ollantaytambo: discover the Inca ruins and wander through a charming village. Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo
- Day 2: Day trip to Machu Picchu: catch an early train to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu) Explore Machu Picchu and marvel at the ancient wonder Return train journey to Ollantaytambo
3-Day Machu Picchu and Cusco Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Cusco Direct transfer from Cusco's airport to Ollantaytambo: Explore Ollantaytambo: discover the Inca ruins and wander through the charming villages. Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo
- Day 2: Day trip to Machu Picchu: catch an early train to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu) Explore Machu Picchu and marvel at the ancient wonder Return train journey to Ollantaytambo
- Day 3: Explore the Sacred Valley: visit Pisac, Moray, and Maras Return to Cusco Enjoy this well-paced itinerary for a memorable adventure in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Plan Your Machu Picchu and Cusco Trip with Us
We know that every traveler has a unique style when it comes to exploring Machu Picchu. That's why our team is here to assist you in crafting your very own personalized Peru adventure. Get in touch with us today to begin your journey!
