Trip of a Lifetime: How to Visit Peru & Machu Picchu
A practical guide to visiting Peru and Machu Picchu — how to get there, when to go, and what makes this one of the world’s great trips of a lifetime
Perched high in the Andes and often wrapped in cloud at dawn, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu rewards those willing to make the journey with something genuinely unforgettable. Built in the 15th century and rediscovered by the wider world in 1911, it remains one of the most extraordinary surviving examples of Inca engineering and design anywhere in South America.
Getting There
Most journeys to Machu Picchu begin in Cusco, reached via a connecting flight from Lima. From Cusco, travellers typically continue to the town of Aguas Calientes by train through the Sacred Valley, before a short bus journey or hike up to the citadel itself. The journey is part of the experience — the Sacred Valley offers dramatic Andean scenery long before the ruins come into view.
When to Go
The dry season, roughly May to September, offers the clearest views and most reliable weather, though it’s also the busiest period. The shoulder months of April and October offer a good balance of decent weather and thinner crowds, while the wet season (November to March) brings lush green scenery but a higher chance of rain, particularly in the afternoons.
Making the Most of Your Trip
A trip of this scale deserves more than a rushed itinerary. Many travellers combine Machu Picchu with time in Cusco itself — a beautifully preserved colonial city built atop Inca foundations — and the wider Sacred Valley, home to its own impressive ruins, markets and mountain scenery. For the more adventurous, multi-day treks such as the classic Inca Trail offer an alternative, more immersive route to the citadel.
A Trip Worth the Planning
Altitude is worth factoring into any Peru itinerary — Cusco itself sits at over 3,400 metres, and most travellers benefit from a day or two acclimatising before continuing to Machu Picchu. It’s a small planning consideration for a trip that consistently ranks among the most memorable a person can take.
FAQ
How do you get to Machu Picchu?
Most journeys begin with a flight to Cusco via Lima, then a train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus ride or hike up to the citadel.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The dry season (May to September) offers the most reliable weather, though the shoulder months of April and October offer a good balance of decent weather and smaller crowds.
Can you combine Machu Picchu with other parts of Peru?Yes — many travellers combine it with time in Cusco and the wider Sacred Valley, or tackle a multi-day trek such as the Inca Trail for a more immersive route to the site.
