Looking for recommendations on how to visit Machu Pichu. We won’t be doing the trail hike, we’ll be going straight there. So either buying everything separately, train from Cusco, bus to Machu, gate passes and I guess a guide at the Gate, or do we just do a tour group for 1 or 2 days? Thanks in advance.

I'd recommend a short tour from Cusco (with a guide). There are so many small details and confusion about the process of going to Machu Pichu. Relax and take a tour.

The train was easy but a bit expensive. I heard about taking a bus to the hydroelectric station and then having to walk on the train tracks for 1-2h...little nerve wracking but I kind of wished I did that

Easy enough to book a tour in Cusco that will include the minibus pickup and train to Aguas Calientes + the accommodation + tickets & the guide & the bus ticket to/from Machu Picchu. On your first night in Aguas Calientes the Guide will meet you and go over logistics (what time to get on the bus - 4/5am - that takes you to Machu Picchu, where to meet your group at the top, colour of his flag, etc). It’s an amazing experience, enjoy!

Thanks! Did you use a tour?

Book a tour that starts in Cusco. G Adventure is excellent.

I booked everything separately.
Inca Rail and Peru Rail both have trains that leave from “San Pedro” station which is located in Cusco, and typically a 5 min taxi ride from your hotel. The train is 4 hrs direct to the town at the bottom of Machu Picchu. A round trip on the train should cost your around $150 - $250.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you walk over to the bus ticket office, purchase a round trip ticket $24 USD and it’s a 30 min bus ride to the entrance of MP.
I would recommend buying your actual ticket for Machu Picchu in advance through the official website.
You do not need a tour guide, however I recommend one.
Also Machu Picchu is a 1 day trip in my opinion. Leave from Cusco at 5am, and be back in Cusco for 9pm. There is not much to do in the town and hotels are minimal.

Harshara we did this too ~ very easy and it was exciting to have the emailed tickets in our hand months before we went!

We were in Machu Picchu yesterday for 2. We also booked everything on our own. I would suggest 2 days as weather unpredictable and also the hike up to Huanya Picchu is well worth it; we bought tickets for 7am

We booked in Cusco- train, accommodation & guide. Worth it. Also climb Wayna Picchu. You need to book ahead but so worth it in the afternoon when clouds have cleared.

Afternoon is a good tip! Thank you! So yes I'm hearing book the tickets for Machu on the gov web site but everything else could be done on site.

I hiked the Salkantay, and after arriving to the hydroelectric, I wished I just bussed to the top to be honest. That area is the least beautiful and it’s much more relaxing to have someone navigate the logistics and give you the tour.

Good tip! Much appreciated

Jaela I agree

You can always ask your hotel I am sure they can help you out. You can also do it on your own:
1. buy your ticket to MachuPichu from the government page:
https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
2. If you are staying in cusco or the Sacred Valley then you will have to purchase your train tickets to Aguas Calientes which is the city closest to Machu Pichu. (Purchase tix beforehand). The companies that offer the service are Peru Rail and Inka Rail and you can buy directly from either from their web pages. The local train is normally reserved for locals and unless you have a Peruvian DNI ID you wont be able to use the local service. On Peru or Inka rail tix go for USD45 each way depending on the class.
3.Once at Aguas Calientes you can purchase a bus ride that will take you uphill to the gate of Machu Pichu. As far as I know this tickets can be purchased on site as the shuttles depart every 20 mins.
Hope you enjoy your trip

If you stay in Aguas Calietes, you can hike from the river up the cliff staircase to the Machu Picchu ticket office. It takes 1-2 hours depending on fitness levels. BUT, you can arrive before the buses do and there is nothing like seeing the site with hardly anyone there!