Travel

Cusco

High Elevation Advisory

The city of Cusco is located at high elevation (11,152’). We highly recommend arriving a few days before the wedding to facilitate acclimatization. Please take precautions to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment while you explore this breathtaking area of Peru.

See this link for additional recommendations for reducing altitude sickness.

Getting to Cusco

Cusco is accessible by a short flight from Lima's Jorge Chávez Airport and other major cities in Peru. Flights from Lima to Cusco are about an hour long and are offered by several airlines, including LATAM and Avianca. If you arrive late at night to Lima, it is convenient to stay at the Wyndham Costa del Sol at the Lima Airport and fly out to Cusco in the morning.

Getting to the Historic Centre / Monasterio Belmond Hotel

The Monasterio Belmond Hotel (the wedding venue) is located in the Historic Centre of Peru, about 20 minutes from the airport. At the baggage collection carousels within the terminal there are two small desks offering airport transfers. The price from Cusco Airport to Plaza de Armas or any of Cusco’s tourist hotels (within the historic centre) is 45/55 Soles (US$15). Outside the door to the building to your left, a vast quantity of taxi drivers congregate (you can´t miss them). The taxi drivers can be a little overbearing and very persistent, but don’t let this put you off. No taxis are metered here so you will need to agree on a price first before getting in.

Sightseeing in Cusco

Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire until the 16th-century Spanish conquest. It is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, offering a diverse range of Inca and Spanish colonial attractions. The Historic District of Cusco where the wedding venue is located is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many hotels can offer guidance for getting around the city or hiring guides. Here are some of the top attractions to explore:

  • Plaza de Armas: The bustling heart of Cusco, this grand square is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, including two cathedrals. It's a perfect spot to go for dinner and admire the architecture.

  • Hatunrumiyoc Street: This famous street is home to the Palacio de la Runa, where you'll find a prime example of Inca stonemasonry—an iconic 12-sided stone known as the "Stone of the Twelve Angles."

  • Cusco Cathedral: Located on the Plaza de Armas, this stunning cathedral features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles, along with colonial artwork and religious relics.

  • Sacsayhuamán: A massive Inca archaeological site located just above the city, famous for its impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco.

  • Museo Inka (Inca Museum): Visit for an in-depth look at Inca culture, showcasing artifacts, textiles, pottery, and mummies from the Inca period.

Example Itinerary

  • Day 1-2: Arrive in Cusco to acclimatize and explore the historic district and nearby sites like Sacsayhuamán and Qorikancha. Attend our wedding! 🙂

  • Day 3: Day trip to the Sacred Valley, visiting sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Moray. Spend the night in Ollantaytambo.

  • Day 4: Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Take an early morning bus or hike to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco.

General Info

To get to Machu Picchu from Cusco, there are several travel options, with the most common and convenient routes involving a combination of train and bus. The archaeological site can be accessed by bus, a 2 hour hike or a 4 day hike on the Inca trail. If you wish to do the 4 day hike on the Inca trail, you must book far in advance with a licensed tour operator.

Train tickets, entrance to Machu Picchu, and bus tickets can sell out. You must book tickets to Machu Picchu in advance (see link to tickets here). The site is divided into hiking circuits or designated routes for visitors to follow that are purchased with your ticket. For more information on circuits see this link.

Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu

Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. In addition, you can make a stop in Ollantaytambo to visit other historic sites in the Sacred Valley.

  • Train Companies:

    • PeruRail (includes the Expedition, Vistadome, and Hiram Bingham trains)

    • IncaRail (offers several classes, including the First Class and The 360° Train)

  • Departure Points: Trains to Aguas Calientes depart from Poroy Station (about 20 minutes from Cusco by taxi) or Ollantaytambo Station (about 1.5 to 2 hours from Cusco). 

  • Travel Time:

    • From Poroy Station to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 3.5 hours.

    • From Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • Cost: Prices vary depending on the class of service and the time of year, ranging from around $50 USD (standard class) to $400 USD (luxury class) for a one-way ticket.

Opt 1: Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The bus ride is about 25-30 minutes uphill, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Bus Company: There is a dedicated Machu Picchu Bus Company that operates these shuttles. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in Aguas Calientes at the bus station.

  • Cost: Around $12 USD for a one-way ticket, or $24 USD for a round-trip ticket.

Opt 2: Hiking to Machu Picchu

If you’re feeling adventurous and enjoy hiking, you can choose to walk to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. This is a more physically demanding option, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to climb up the Inca Trail or along a different path to the entrance.

Hiking Options:

  • The Inca Trail: A multi-day trek, but you’ll need to book this well in advance through a licensed tour operator.

  • The Hiram Bingham Trail: A more gradual hike (2-3 hours), which takes you from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

This is an excellent choice if you want to skip the bus ride and have an active adventure, but it’s much more challenging and can be steep.