Unfortunately, it is impossible to drive all the way to Machu Picchu on your own. The site’s remote location in the Andes Mountains means that access to the area is very limited. The closest you can drive to Machu Picchu in your own vehicle is the nearby town of Santa Teresa, which lies west of Machu Picchu. From here, you can take a collective taxi to the hydroelectric power station (Hydroelectrica) before hiking onto Aguas Calientes and, in turn, Machu Picchu.
If you’re a reluctant hiker or have limited mobility, it’s still possible to visit Machu Picchu. The remote town of Aguas Calientes is serviced by a train from Ollantaytambo. You can then take a short bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu along the dramatic Hiram Bingham road. It’s not possible to drive to Aguas Calientes in your own vehicle or drive along the bus route in your vehicle. The only way you can get to Aguas Calientes is by hiking there or by taking the train.
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains overlooking the Urubamba River valley. The ancient Inca site is situated in the Machupicchu District within the Urubamba Province. This region is within the Eastern Cordillera area of southern Peru.
Machu Picchu’s remote location ensures there are very few options for traveling to and from the site. The nearby town of Aguas Calientes is 5.5 miles from Machu Picchu and is the gateway to this amazing Inca ruin. However, there’s no road between Aguas Calientes and the main Peruvian road system, so the only way to get there is by train or hiking. There’s more information in our Aguas Calientes guide.
Once in Aguas Calientes, the following are the only ways of getting to Machu Picchu:
Road – A single road connects Aguas Calientes with Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham road stretches 5.5 miles up the mountain to the ancient site. There’s a bus service that runs at regular intervals from 5.30 am to 5:30 pm and takes around 30 minutes to make the journey.
Rail – The train line ends in Aguas Calientes. This means there’s no way to travel by train to Machu Picchu.
Walking/Hiking – The best and most rewarding way to get to Machu Picchu is by hiking. Providing you hold an entrance ticket, you can hike independently or as part of a tour. The 5-mile route is almost entirely uphill and considered a strenuous hike. It should take you anywhere between 1.5 hours and 3 hours, depending on your level of fitness.
The spectacular sight of Machu Picchu is best visited during the Peruvian dry season from April to October. During this time, days are typically clear, sunny, and dry. As this period falls across the Peruvian winter, temperatures are somewhat cooler, but it’s generally perfect hiking conditions.
This period is Machu Picchu’s peak season, and the months of June, July, and August are very busy. Not only are weather conditions best at this time, but the period also coincides with North American and European summer vacations. We’d recommend trying to visit during the shoulder months of this peak season. A visit during May or September will still benefit from great weather, but trails will be noticeably quieter. There should also be better availability and prices on accommodation.
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