Machu Picchu: Location & How to Get There

Machu Picchu is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth, a 15th-century Inca citadel perched high in the Andes mountains of Peru that has captivated travelers, historians, and archaeologists for over a century. Today it stands as Peru’s most iconic landmark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Getting there is an adventure in itself: there are no roads to the citadel, no airports nearby, and the journey involves flights, trains, buses, and on the best days, your own two feet through cloud forest. This guide covers everything you need to know, from understanding exactly where Machu Picchu is located to planning every step of the journey from Lima or Cusco, including how to book tickets, choose the right train, and decide between hiking and taking the bus up to the ruins.