Here are all your options for visiting Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu takes up space on many Aussies’ bucket lists, and for good reason.
The awe-inspiring ruin complex is over 600 years old and incredibly preserved, surrounded by the lush mountains of Peru.
The magic of this place simply can’t be overstated – you have to experience it to really believe it.
Whether you arrive on foot or by train, here are the best ways to see Machu Picchu.
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If you’re up for an adventure, the best way to see Machu Picchu is on a multi-day hike. On the last day of the trek, you’ll arrive at the sacred site in time to see the sun rise over the ruins.
The most well-known route is the Inca Trail. It’s a 42-kilometre hike that takes four days to complete, with a lot of steep sections.
However, you’ll need a permit to hike the trail. Tourist numbers are capped at 200 on the trail, so you’ll have to apply early to get your permit.
If you’re keen to hike but didn’t plan well enough ahead, there’s also the Salkantay Trek. It’s also a four-day hike but follows a different route and goes to a higher altitude. It’s a little trickier physically, and more populated – but it’s cheaper to do.
For both treks, you’ll need to go with a guide or a tour group. 
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Maybe a four-day trek isn’t for you but you want to get your boots muddy. You can catch the train most of the way to Machu Picchu, and hike the last 10km of the Inca Trail. It’s typically done in two days, with an overnight hotel stay.
You’ll still need an Inca Trail permit to do this one. 
Trekking isn’t your thing? You can still visit the legendary site, by catching a train to Aguas Calientes. This small town is nestled in a valley below Machu Picchu, with regular buses running to the entrance of the ruins from the train station.
Most travellers opt to stay in Cusco, then catch the three-hour train to Aguas Calientes for a day trip. You could also stay in Ollantaytambo, two hours away.
There are three different trains you can take, but we really recommend the glass-ceilinged Vistadome train for panoramic views along the way.
If you want to be one of the first people into Machu Picchu in the morning to beat the crowds, there are a few accommodation options in the town nearby.
Then you simply need to get a taxi or bus up to the gates in the morning.
There’s a lot less to do in Aguas Calientes than in Cusco, but it’s worth staying overnight if you want to get to Machu Picchu bright and early. 
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Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca ruin located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, which has incredible historical, architectural, and cultural significance.
It is a well-preserved site featuring over 200 structures, including temples, terraces, and palaces. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a common feature on many peoples’ travel bucket lists.
Machu Picchu is in Peru. The closest city is Cusco, which is where many tourists stay before and after visiting the ruins.
There are a few options for visiting Machu Picchu on a day trip. Cusco is a three-hour train trip from the site. Otherwise, you can stay in the small town Aguas Calientes, located in the valley below Machu Picchu. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is a top choice among travellers looking for comfort and luxury.
The classic “postcard” shot of Machu Picchu is taken from the Guardian House, but you’ll be jostling for space next to a lot of people lining up to also snap the iconic image.
You can also hike up to the Sun Gate for amazing views over the whole complex, which takes about an hour to do. 
From Australia, you can fly directly to Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile.
Then you’ll need to fly up to Lima, the capital of Peru, from where you’ll be able to travel over land to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu.