How to Plan Your Trip to Machu Picchu from Abroad: A Complete Guide for International Travelers

For many travelers around the world, visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime dream. This ancient Inca citadel, located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, attracts millions of visitors every year who come to experience its history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural significance.

However, planning a trip to Machu Picchu from another country can feel overwhelming at first. Travelers often ask:

How do I get to Machu Picchu from abroad?
What is the best itinerary?
Where should I stay?
What should I know before visiting?

The good news is that with the right preparation, organizing your trip to Machu Picchu can be a smooth and exciting experience. In this guide, we explain everything international travelers need to know—from flights to Peru to choosing the best place to stay near Machu Picchu.

Flights to Peru: How to Start Your Journey

The first step when you plan a trip to Machu Picchu from abroad is booking your international flight to Peru.

Most travelers arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, the country's main international gateway. From there, you will take a domestic flight to Cusco, the city that serves as the primary starting point for visiting Machu Picchu.

Main international routes to Peru

Direct flights to Lima are available from several major cities:

From North America

Miami
New York
Los Angeles
Toronto
Houston

From Europe

Madrid
Amsterdam
Paris
London (sometimes with a connection)

From South America

Bogotá
Santiago
Buenos Aires
São Paulo

Once you arrive in Lima, a domestic flight to Cusco typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Tips for booking flights

Book flights 3 to 6 months in advance if traveling during high season (May–September).
Choose flights arriving in Lima early to connect easily to Cusco.
Consider spending one night in Lima if your arrival is late.

Planning your flights carefully is one of the most important steps when organizing a trip to Machu Picchu from overseas

How to Organize Your Machu Picchu Itinerary

After arriving in Cusco, the next step is planning your itinerary to explore the region before visiting Machu Picchu.

The Cusco region offers an incredible combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, so most travelers spend several days exploring before heading to the Inca citadel.

Suggested 5-day itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Cusco

Arrive in Cusco and take the day to acclimatize to the altitude. Walk slowly through the historic center and visit landmarks like the Plaza de Armas and the San Pedro Market.

Day 2 – Explore Cusco

Visit historical sites such as:

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Sacsayhuamán fortress
San Blas neighborhood

Day 3 – Sacred Valley of the Incas

Take a tour of the Sacred Valley, where you can explore:

Pisac ruins and market
Moray agricultural terraces
Maras salt mines
Ollantaytambo fortress

Day 4 – Travel to Aguas Calientes

From Ollantaytambo, take the scenic train journey through the Andes to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu.

Spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for your visit.

Day 5 – Visit Machu Picchu

Take one of the first buses up to the archaeological site and explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Where to Stay When Visiting Machu Picchu

One of the most important decisions when planning your trip is where to stay before visiting Machu Picchu.

Travelers generally choose between three locations:

Cusco
Sacred Valley
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Each option offers a different experience.

Staying in Cusco

Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire and an incredible destination in itself.

Staying here allows you to explore museums, colonial architecture, and traditional markets. However, visiting Machu Picchu from Cusco requires several hours of travel.

Staying in the Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley offers stunning landscapes and a quieter atmosphere. Many travelers stay here while exploring archaeological sites before continuing their journey to Machu Picchu.

Staying in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the town located at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu sits.

For many travelers, this is the most convenient place to stay before visiting the citadel.

Advantages include:

Being only 25 minutes by bus from Machu Picchu
Avoiding very early travel from Cusco
Having more time to relax before the visit
Experiencing the unique atmosphere of the town

Many visitors prefer to spend the night in Aguas Calientes so they can reach Machu Picchu early in the morning, when the site is quieter and the lighting is ideal for photography.

For travelers seeking comfort and a memorable experience, staying in a boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes can significantly enhance the journey.

Hotels such as Casa del Sol Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel offer a peaceful riverside setting, spacious rooms, and personalized service that allows guests to relax before and after exploring Machu Picchu.

Tips for Your First Trip to Machu Picchu

If this is your first time visiting Peru, a few practical tips can help make your experience even better.

Book Machu Picchu tickets in advance

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and often sell out weeks or months in advance.

Always reserve:

Machu Picchu entrance tickets
Train tickets
Accommodation

before your trip.

Prepare for the altitude

Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level. Some travelers experience mild altitude symptoms.

To acclimatize:

Drink plenty of water
Avoid heavy meals on your first day
Walk slowly
Rest when needed

Pack appropriately

Weather in the Andes can change quickly.

Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning

The early morning hours are often the best time to explore the citadel.

Benefits include:

Fewer crowds
Cooler temperatures
Beautiful mountain mist and sunlight

Final Thoughts

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu from abroad may seem complex at first, but with the right preparation it becomes an unforgettable journey.

By organizing your flights to Peru, designing a well-paced itinerary, choosing the right place to stay, and preparing for your visit, you can fully enjoy one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world.

Many travelers find that spending the night in Aguas Calientes, just steps from the mountain, allows them to experience Machu Picchu in a more relaxed and meaningful way.

With its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and unique atmosphere, Machu Picchu is more than a destination—it is a travel experience that stays with you forever.

Wonderful stay

The hotel is beautiful, elegant, and decorated very tastefully. The atmosphere very nice. Very comfortable, spacious room with terrace, jacuzzi, and river view !!Spectacular! The shower a delight. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. Congratulations on having such dedicated and cordial staff. The dinners were delicious, very thoughtful, and original dishes. Our stay at the hotel was memorable.

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1/5

Excellent

We stayed one night there and really the service has been exceptional. I have nothing but good words for the establishment. We stayed in a suite which was excellent! It had a jacuzzi. Breakfast very good. The staff is always attentive. And the restaurant is a luxury. We took the 4-step menu and it has been spectacular. I would definitely go back and recommend it.

Lola L

2/5

Beautiful hotel and wonderful breakfast!

We enjoyed our stay here while visiting Machu Picchu. The hotel was very clean, the staff very friendly and polite, and the breakfast was amazing! Seriously, the breakfast was really a beautiful spread of so many options. It is in a nice location and easy to explore from there.

Overall a really nice and would recommend it!

Martin

3/5

Unforgettable

I went to Machupicchu with family and stayed at the Casa Del Sol hotel again. The hotel is just beautiful. There have been renovations since I was last there, the dining room is beautiful and crisp! An absolute delight to dine in. But the best part of the hotel is the people. The staff really goes above and beyond to make sure we have every need attended to! The staff welcomed us back like old friends, and even helped us celebrate my mother's birthday with a bottle of wine! We stayed for 2 nights, but we could have stayed longer just to enjoy the rooms and the spa.

Chrissy

4/5

Beautiful Hotel in Aguascalientes

I loved staying at the hotel so much! As soon as we got off our bus we were greeted by very friendly staff and walked less than 100 meters to the hotel. Their food is amazing and staying in this hotel is so relaxing, especially after a day spent in Machu Picchu. Every single one of the staff is so friendly and makes sure you are as comfortable and happy as you can be. I especially loved how the hotel was just next to the river and the beautiful rooms they provided. I hope I can go back someday!

Mikenzie T

5/5