Whether you hike the Inca Trail for 88km to Inti Punku (the entry point to Machu Picchu), or travel by bus or car to Ollantaytambo, then arrive by train to Aguas Calientes, Cusco is the starting point for visiting Machu Picchu. In the old capital of the largest empire that has ever existed in Latin America, you'll discover dozens of impressive archaeological sites dating back to the early 12th century and catholic churches with amazing architecture.