Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is not only a unique masterpiece of Inca engineering, but also a site surrounded by geographical curiosities. Travelers planning their trip to Peru often ask a simple question: Where is Machu Picchu located?
The answer: Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco region, in southern Peru, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of the city of Cusco. Perched high in the Andes, at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) Machu Picchu is surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains: Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down its exact location, altitude, distance from major cities, coordinates, access routes, and maps to help you understand where this extraordinary citadel is located and how you can get there.
Where is Machu Picchu located in Peru?
Machu Picchu is located in the province of Urubamba, district of Machu Picchu, in the Cusco region of Peru. The nearest town is Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo), serving as the main gateway to the citadel.
Although many travelers visiting the country for the first time think that Machu Picchu might be near Lima, the capital of Peru, it is actually located inland in the Andes mountain range. Lima is located on the Pacific coast, while Machu Picchu is located deep in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Region: Cusco.
- Province: Urubamba.
- District: Machu Picchu.
- Nearest city: Cusco.
- Nearest town: Aguas Calientes.
Geographical coordinates
The exact coordinates of Machu Picchu are:
Latitude: 13.1631° S
Longitude: 72.5450° W
These coordinates will allow you to locate yourself accurately on digital maps and GPS, facilitating your trip to this amazing site.
Machu Picchu in SouthAmerica
Machu Picchu in Peru
Where in the World is Machu Picchu?
On a world map, Machu Picchu is located in South America, in the Andes mountain range, which stretches across seven countries. Specifically, it is in southern Peru, not far from the edge of the Amazon rainforest.
Its strategic location between the highlands of the Andes and the lowlands of the jungle gives Machu Picchu its lush landscape: rugged mountains covered in green vegetation, often surrounded by fog.
For travelers coming from abroad:
- From North America, flights to Lima (Peru’s capital) take between 6 and 8 hours nonstop from cities such as Miami, Dallas, or New York.
- From Europe, flights take an average of 12 to 14 hours.
- From Lima, a 1-hour-and-20-minute domestic flight takes you to Cusco, the starting point for most adventures in Machu Picchu.
Distance from Cusco and Lima
How far is Machu Picchu from Cusco?
Machu Picchu is located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Cusco. Although it does not seem very far, the rugged Andean terrain means that the journey requires more than just a simple car ride.
The trip usually includes:
- A train ride (1 hour and 45 minutes to 3.5 hours, depending on the route) from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes.
- A 25-minute bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
- In total, getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco usually takes between 4 and 5 hours each way.
How far is Machu Picchu from Lima?
Machu Picchu is located about 310 miles southeast of Lima. Since there are no direct roads or trains from Lima to Machu Picchu, travelers first fly or take a bus to Cusco and continue from there.
- By plane: Lima → Cusco (1 hr 20 min flight) + Cusco → Machu Picchu (combination of train and bus).
- By bus: Lima → Cusco (20-22 hours by road) + Cusco → Machu Picchu.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get from Lima to Machu Picchu with all the available travel options.
How to get to Machu Picchu
1. From Cusco
Cusco is the main hub for all visits to Machu Picchu. From Cusco, travelers usually take a car or bus to Ollantaytambo (in the Sacred Valley) and then board a train to Aguas Calientes.
By train: The fastest and most comfortable option. Services such as PeruRail and Inca Rail offer different classes, from economy to luxury.
On foot: The famous Inca Trail (4 days) or the Short Inca Trail (2 days) start near Cusco and lead directly to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu.
Note: Once you arrive in Cusco, you can continue your journey to the Inca citadel in several ways. To make your trip easier, we have prepared a comprehensive guide on how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, including the main routes and tips.
2. From Ollantaytambo
Many travelers spend the night in Ollantaytambo before continuing by train. The train ride from here is shorter (approximately 1.5 hours).
3. From Aguas Calientes
No matter which route you take or how you want to get there, you will always arrive at the town of Machu Picchu, from there:
- Shuttle buses (25 minutes) zigzag up to the entrance.
- More adventurous travelers can walk up (1-2 hours).
Conclusion
Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet, and knowing its location and how to get there is key to enjoying a memorable experience when visting it. Whether you take the train or decide to hike the famous Inca Trail, your adventure to this mysterious archaeological site will be unforgettable. Don’t forget to plan your visit ahead of time and book the best Machu Picchu circuit.
If you don’t have much time in Peru but still want to experience the wonder of the Incas, a day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is the most convenient option for seeing the site in just one day
