Getting to Machu Picchu Isn’t Easy – My Peru Travel Story
There’s a reason Machu Picchu feels so special.
It’s not just the views.
It’s not just the history.
It’s the journey to get there.
Because getting to Machu Picchu?
It’s not easy.
It’s scenic. It’s chaotic. It’s exhausting.
And at multiple points, you’ll probably wonder if you should’ve just booked a tour.
I didn’t.
And here’s exactly what it took to get there — step by step.
✈️ Step 1: Getting to Peru (Lima → Cusco)
No matter where you're coming from, your journey almost always starts in Lima.
From there, you’ll fly into Cusco — the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Direct international flights into Cusco are rare, so expect:
A connection through Lima
Or at least a stopover
Once you land in Cusco, you’re already at ~12,000 feet elevation, and trust me… you’ll feel it.
🧳 Step 2: The Luggage Reality (Most People Miss This)
Here’s a mistake people make immediately:
👉 You cannot bring a large suitcase to Machu Picchu.
Both trains and buses have strict luggage limits.
What I did:
Dropped my suitcase at my hotel in Cusco
Traveled with just a backpack
And this was the move.
Carrying a big suitcase through buses, trains, and crowds would’ve been a disaster.
Pro Tip:
Book a Cusco hotel before AND after your Machu Picchu trip — most will store your luggage for free.
🌆 Step 3: Cusco – Quick Stop, Big Value
Even if you’re rushing, don’t skip Cusco completely.
I had just a few hours, but still managed to:
Explore the main square
Grab breakfast
Book a local market + food tour
Cusco isn’t just a stop — it’s part of the experience.
🚌 Step 4: Cusco → Ollantaytambo (The Bus Ride)
Next up: the journey begins.
From Cusco, you’ll head to Ollantaytambo — usually by:
Shuttle van
Bus
The ride:
~1.5 hours
Beautiful Andean views
Dropping in elevation (your ears WILL pop)
Honestly?
This part was smooth… until people started holding up the entire group.
(Yes, there’s always that one group 😅)
🚆 Step 5: The Train Chaos
Once you arrive at Ollantaytambo station…
Welcome to chaos.
Crowds everywhere
Limited space
Everyone trying to board at once
And here’s the catch:
👉 The station is far from town
👉 You don’t have time to explore
So you’re basically stuck waiting.
🚨 Train Tips You NEED to Know
Book early (2–3 weeks minimum)
Sit on the left side going to Aguas Calientes
Arrive early for photos (front/back of train = best views)
The train ride itself?
🔥 One of the most scenic rides you’ll ever take.
🏔 Step 6: Arrival in Aguas Calientes
After all that…
You finally reach Aguas Calientes.
And it feels like:
A mountain town
Built entirely for one purpose
Getting you to Machu Picchu
Expect:
Restaurants everywhere
Hotels stacked above shops
Higher prices (tourist town)
🍽 Reality Check: Dining Here
Food is good… but service is different.
No one checks on you constantly
Want the bill? You ask
Still waiting? You ask again
Or just stand up — that works too 😂
🚌 Step 7: The Final Push (Bus to Machu Picchu)
You’re close… but not there yet.
From Aguas Calientes, you have two options:
Option 1: Hike (3 hours uphill 😳)
Option 2: Shuttle bus (what I did)
~$12 each way
Must line up early
My entry time: 6:00 AM
In line by: 5:00 AM
👉 Yes, it’s that serious.
🧠 Solo vs Tour: Was It Worth It?
A lot of people ask:
“Should I just book a tour?”
For me?
No.
Doing it solo meant:
Full control of my schedule
No last-minute changes
No waiting on a group
And honestly…
The struggle became part of the story.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Why the Journey Matters
By the time you finally reach Machu Picchu…
You’ve:
Taken flights
Navigated taxis
Ridden buses
Survived train chaos
Woken up before sunrise
And that’s exactly why it hits different.
Because you earned it.
🎥 Watch the Full Video
Want to see the full journey — chaos, mistakes, and all?
🎬 Watch:Getting to Machu Picchu Isn’t Easy – My Peru Travel Story
📍 Google Maps Locations
Cusco Hotel (Luggage Storage) - KATARI APART HOTEL - QORIKANCHA