Machu Picchu is an ancient city in Peru about 795 miles southeast of the capital Lima. The Incas began construction in about 1450, and most of the researchers who studied Machu Picchu believe that it was abandoned less than 100 years later. It is located on the top of the mountain with the same name, this citadel composed of approximately 200 buildings succumbed to the excessive growth of the forest, but remained intact with the passing of the years. As of today, a train journey of 70 miles or 110 km connects tourists to Machu Picchu from Cusco, the navel of the world located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes. At 7,546 feet (3399 masl).
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Lima Peru
Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, is a city where history, culture, and modernity converge. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima boasts a rich colonial heritage showcased in its UNESCO-listed Historic Center, magnificent churches, and ancient archaeological sites such as Huaca Pucllana. Beyond its historic charm, Lima is a culinary haven, celebrated as the “Gastronomic Capital of Latin America,” with world-class restaurants and iconic dishes like ceviche. Explore its diverse neighborhoods, from upscale Miraflores to bohemian Barranco, and discover why Lima is a gateway to Peru’s incredible landscapes and traditions.
Lima offers a variety of activities and serves as the starting point for any adventure in Peru. Whether you’re traveling independently or with a travel agency, Lima is the ideal base to begin your journey to iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Kuélap, Nazca, and many others across the country.
Why Lima?
Lima is home to the Jorge Chávez International Airport, the main hub for international and domestic flights in Peru. Every day, flights arrive and depart from here, connecting travelers to all corners of the country. With four major airlines operating domestic flights, Lima is the essential starting point for exploring Peru’s diverse regions, making it the heart of every Peruvian adventure.
Top destinations from Lima: Start your trip in Peru’s capital city
If you want to explore and discover Peru, your next adventure starts in the capital of Peru.
Cusco from Lima
The options to get to Cusco from Lima are by plane or by bus. There are no trains that connect these two cities. Flying is the fastest alternative that lasts (1 hour and 15 minutes) more comfortable and more convenient. There are many flights departing from Lima to Cusco during the whole morning until the afternoon. No late flights in the afternoon or evening. The reason is the location of the airport in Cusco where there are winds that make landing difficult in the afternoon and evening. There are four airlines with daily flights from Lima to Cusco and vice versa. They are Lan, Taca, Star Peru and Peruvian Airlines.
As regards the bus alternative, there are 3 daily buses that connect Lima and Cusco. The bus companies are Cruz del Sur and Tepsa. Buses leave at 2 pm, 5 pm and 5:30 pm. It’s a 22 hour trip including one night on the bus. Therefore this option is longer, less comfortable and not very convenient when compared to flights; but it’s cheaper.
We recommend flying since it is more comfortable and they arrive faster so our tours consider this option instead of the bus. This makes sense, especially if you do not plan to stay for a long period of time and are not on a tight budget.
Machu Picchu tours from Lima
So if you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu from Lima, our Lima Peru Tours to Machu Picchu are the best alternative. We take care of booking your accommodation in Lima and Cusco, also transfers to airports and hotels, and include excursions to visit the main attractions of Cusco, as well as train them to have a unique visit to Machu Picchu or the Ascent of the Inca Trail. Choose one of our Package Tours from Lima to Machu Picchu and live the adventure:
If you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu from Lima, Peru-tours.org offers Lima to Machu Picchu tours, which are the best alternative for a Machu Picchu trip from Lima. We take care of booking your accommodations in Lima and Cusco, arranging transfers to airports and hotels, and including excursions to visit the main attractions of Cusco. We also ensure you have a unique experience visiting Machu Picchu or hiking the Inca Trail. Choose one of our package tours from Lima to Machu Picchu and live the adventure!
If you do not have enough time to visit Machu Picchu, Peru-tours.org offers a 2 day Machu Picchu tour from Lima, which is all-inclusive, including the local flight ticket.
Trip to Machu Picchu Package from Lima
If you plan a trip to Machu Picchu you may have several routes and activity options in mind and want to decide the best one. Machu Picchu, the world-class wonder is visited by thousands of tourists every day, each with a particular interest. In this article we will show you several alternatives to have the best experience according to the type of visitor you are.
- Inca Path
- Lares Highlights
- Inti Raymi Festival Tour
Tour Machu Picchu from Cusco
You can visit the citadel of Machu Picchu in one day on board a comfortable train. The route will cover landscapes of both the Andean zone and the jungle. During the morning you will appreciate all the majesty of Machu Picchu and return at night to your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tour
Make the most of time and energy with a visit to the sacred mountain of Huayna Picchu and the citadel of Machu Picchu on a 1-day tour. This private tour of the Inca wonder in 1 day is the perfect excuse to get out of the routine and have a short adventure.
Machu Picchu Two Day Tour
Take the best photo postcard of Machu Picchu after a hike through Huayna Picchu, the sacred mountain. Explore the trail of the young mountain, Huayna Picchu, and when you reach the top you will have a spectacular front view as a reward.
Hiking tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
Machu Picchu Hiking Tours 4 Days
Four days of adventure on the stone path to Machu Picchu. An outdoor hiking experience with camps and unique Andean landscapes. They will explore several archaeological sites and will appreciate the flora and fauna in their natural state under the guidance of an expert on the route. Try to bring all the necessary items for the Classic Inca Trail to have the best experience.
2 Day Inca Trail Hike
Walk the steps of the ancient Incas to Machu Picchu in just two days. The route from kilometer 105 of the route offers a view of the Inca citadel on the first day. This alternative is less exhausting but offers a challenge for new hiking enthusiasts with a huge reward: the guided tour of Machu Picchu during the second day.
Although the Short Inca Trail admits 250 people a day, we recommend checking the availability of spaces of the Inca Trail for 2 days to plan your trip on time.
Inca Jungle Trail To Machu Picchu
Explore the landscapes of the high Andean mountain and the Peruvian jungle eyebrow in the best adventure of 4 days on two wheels towards Machu Picchu. From Abra Málaga, we will descend the track on an exciting bicycle route. The following days, a walk with views of the jungle, to reach the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
This tour is available all year. You can also check which is the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Hike Salkantay
Explore the route to the citadel of Machu Picchu under the gaze of the snowy Salkantay. Meet the turquoise lagoon of Humantay, the Salkantay Pass and the valleys of the jungle brow.
The Salkantay route offers unique landscapes and an unforgettable walk. Besides nature, you know five reasons to choose the Salkantay route to get to Machu Picchu.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
