Visit Machu Picchu Without Hiking: Easy Step by Step Guide

Visiting Machu Picchu without hiking is very possible! While everyone talks about the famous Inca Trail, there’s absolutely a way to reach Machu Picchu, an incredible Wonder of the World, without multi-day trekking.

Let’s be honest about what you’re getting into:

This is NOT a budget-friendly activity. The cheapest pre-arranged tour was $360/person! So, of course, I DIYed it and bought everything separately, saving us about $120/person.

You need to book everything 2+ months in advance

The train to Machu Picchu is expensive but unavoidable

There are still plenty of stairs and walking once you’re there

The weather is unpredictable (hot, humid, with possible rain)

It’s absolutely worth every penny and every step

*Read: 10 Day Peru Itinerary: Epic First Timers Guide

How to Buy Your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

This is the most important step, and you need to do it at least 2 months in advance. I booked my Machu Picchu tickets in March for a May visit, and I’m glad I did because they sell out.

What You Need to Know:

There are different circuits (routes) through the site
Machu Picchu tickets cost around $40-45 per person
You must choose a specific date and time slot.
Time slot allows 1 hour to enter, then you have however much time to explore. We went at 9 am.

Which Machu Picchu Circuit Should You Choose?

Circuit 2 (Classic): This is what I recommend! It includes the famous postcard views of Machu Picchu from above (those iconic shots you see on Instagram)

Circuit 1 (Panoramic): Focuses on offering panoramic views & exploring less crowded areas. Essentially, ONLY offers the famous viewpoint and nothing else. If you’re short on time, this may be the best option.

Circuit 3 (Royalty): Provided access to more exclusive and restricted areas, offering a glimpse into Machu Picchu’s royal history. Mainly the lower levels and doesn’t include the famous viewpoint.

Where to book Machu Picchu tickets?

Official Machu Picchu website. This is what I did.
Through your train company when booking transport
Reputable tour operators (usually more expensive)

Plan Your Cusco Accommodation Strategy

You’ll need to stay in Cusco before and after your Machu Picchu trip because the train doesn’t allow large luggage.

I chose the Hilton Garden Inn Cusco for its complimentary luggage storage for large suitcases. This was clutch because the train to Machu Picchu has strict luggage restrictions basically just what you can carry in a backpack or small duffle bag.

Visit Machu Picchu Without Hiking (Step by Step)

Step 1: Fly Lima → Cusco

There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Cusco, so you have to fly into Lima first. Take a domestic flight to Cusco. No, it is not possible to get to Machu Picchu from Lima.

Important: Cusco is at an elevation of 11,200 feet. Plan 1-2 days to acclimate before your Machu Picchu trip.

Step 2: Train Cusco → Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)

Here’s where it gets expensive, but there’s literally no way around it. The train is the ONLY way to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) unless you want to hike for multiple days.

Your Train Options (book at least 30 days in advance):

Inca Rail: What I used, reliable with panoramic windows

Peru Rail: Similar quality and pricing

Route Options: Option A: From Cusco (Most Common)

Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours)
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours)
Total journey: 3-3.5 hours

Option B: From Ollantaytambo

Train directly to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours)
Shorter journey but requires extra planning to get to Ollantaytambo

Train Costs: Expect to pay $150-200 per person for round-trip train tickets. Prices vary by time of day, season, and how far in advance you book, with morning departures costing more than afternoon/evening.

I paid around $180 per person round-trip with Inca Rail. We took an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes and an evening train back. The afternoon journey had beautiful views, but the evening return trip was too dark to see anything.

Step 3: Bus Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu

It’s included in your train ticket if you buy through Inca Rail. This is the only transportation available to reach Machu Picchu.

Time: 30 minutes up a winding mountain road

Alternative: 1-hour steep hike (but you’re here to avoid hiking, right?)

That’s it. No multi-day hiking to Machu Picchu required.

To get back to Cusco, you just do the steps in reverse lol.

Day Trip to Machu Picchu vs Overnight Stay in Machu Picchu Town

Day Trip from Cusco (Most Common)

Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours)
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours)
Take an early morning train, visit Machu Picchu, return the same evening
Cheaper (no hotel cost)
Very long day (12+ hours total)

Overnight in Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Town) (What I did)

Shorter journey but requires extra planning

Do a half-day Sacred Valley Tour that ends in Ollantaytambo

Evening train directly to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours)

Spend the night in Aguas Calientes. See Machu Picchu the next morning

Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu in One Day

Short on time? You can do Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco, but it’s a very long day (12+ hours total).

One-Day Timeline:

Catch the earliest train from Cusco. You’re looking at 3 hours of travel just to reach Aguas Calientes.
The second you step off that train, head straight to the bus and join the line. Our bus ticket should be included in your train ticket price. That bus ride up is 30 minutes, but don’t forget you’ll spend another 30 minutes or more just waiting around and getting on the bus.
You’ll have roughly 2 hours to see Machu Picchu, depending on which circuit you pick. Once you start walking that route, there’s no going back. It’s a one-way path, so you better pace yourself.
After soaking in those views, it’s straight back to the bus line for another 30-minute ride down to town. The line for this bus can also be a 30-minute wait.
Head to the train station to catch an evening train to Ollantaytambo. It’ll be another 3 hours to get back to Cusco via train and bus.

My Recommendation: If possible, stay overnight in Aguas Calientes instead. You’ll enjoy the experience much more when you’re not rushed.

Machu Picchu Altitude and What to Expect

Good News: Machu Picchu (7,972 feet) is actually LOWER than Cusco (11,200 feet). You’ll likely feel better here than in Cusco.

Physical Reality: Expect lots of walking and stairs. It’s still a workout even without the Inca Trail hike.

How Long You’ll Need at Machu Picchu: Plan for 3-4 hours total at Machu Picchu, depending on your chosen circuit and how much time you want to spend taking photos and soaking it in.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Eileen Ivette | Afro-Latina Travel Influencer & Speaker (@eileen_ivette)

Should You Hire a Machu Picchu Guide?

This depends on your interests. There are guides available at the entrance, or you can explore on your own. I was so amazed by the views that I didn’t feel like I needed extensive historical commentary, but some people really value the educational aspect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t underestimate the logistics: This isn’t a spontaneous trip. Everything needs to be booked well in advance.

Don’t pack too much: You’ll be carrying everything with you on trains and buses. Pack light and leave large luggage in Cusco.

Don’t skip the bus up: Yes, it’s expensive for a 30-minute ride, but after traveling all day to get there, you’ll want to save your energy for exploring the actual site.

Don’t forget your passport: It’s required for ticket purchases and entry to Machu Picchu. Keep it with you at all times.

Don’t expect it to be easy: This is a physically demanding day even without the Inca Trail. Comfortable shoes and physical fitness will make your experience much more enjoyable.