Machu Picchu Trip Cost: 3 Easy Ways to Visit on a Budget

Planning a visit to Machu Picchu is both an exciting and overwhelming experience. From navigating train schedules to budgeting for transportation and tickets, there are many factors to consider when calculating your Machu Picchu trip cost.

As someone who’s visited this iconic Incan site twice, I’ve experienced firsthand the different ways you can plan and budget for this bucket-list trip. Whether you’re aiming for a budget-friendly visit or opting for more comfort and convenience, your travel style and planning choices will significantly impact the total cost of your trip.

In this guide, I’ll break down all the essential expenses—from train tickets and entrance fees to hidden costs like dining and accommodations—so you can create a budget that works for you.

I’ll also share tips for saving money, pros and cons of hiring a guide, and insights from my own trips. Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, but it’s not without its logistical challenges. With this post, you’ll have a complete breakdown of what to expect and how to make the most of your journey to one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world.

Happy travels to Peru!

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Is Machu Picchu Expensive to Visit?

The short answer? It’s more expensive than you might expect. Visiting Machu Picchu mountain is definitely an investment. From the overpriced train and bus tickets to the admission fees—and not to mention the cost of simply getting to the Sacred Valley—the expenses add up fast.

There are ways to save here and there, but the essential costs can’t be avoided entirely. Unless you’re willing to hike a mountain to skip the bus fare or commit to a 4-day trek (which adds up to its own expenses) to bypass the train, the core expenses of visiting are hard to avoid.

That doesn’t mean Machu Picchu is out of reach for most travelers. It’s absolutely a worthwhile, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t let the Machu Picchu trip cost deter you—just plan for it as part of your overall travel budget.

Average Cost of Machu Picchu Trip

Remember, trip averages are just that—averages. Many factors can impact the total cost of your visit to Machu Picchu, including the time of year, how far in advance you book, and your personal travel preferences.

To help you plan, I’ve outlined a framework for each travel style: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Most travelers will likely fall into the mid-range category, but you can easily adjust these options to suit your travel style and priorities.

Another factor to consider when breaking down your Machu Picchu trip cost is where you begin your day before heading to Machu Picchu. Starting in Cusco not only makes for a longer travel day but also adds to your transportation costs. If you’re already in the Sacred Valley, both travel time and expenses are reduced.

For clarity, all the budget estimates provided assume a starting point in the Sacred Valley—specifically Urubamba—and include transportation costs to and from Machu Picchu.

Budget Traveler

Overall Costs: $70–$100

Budget travelers often take a slower but more cost-effective route to reach Aguas Calientes. This typically involves:

  1. Taking a shared colectivo from Urubamba to Ollantaytambo.
  2. Spending the night in Ollantaytambo.
  3. Catching an early bus to Hidroelectrica and hiking to Aguas Calientes.
  4. Spending the night in Aguas Calientes.
  5. Once in Aguas Calientes, you can either hike or take the shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu welcome center.

Budget Traveler Cost Breakdown

  • Entrance ticket (Machu Picchu only): $45
  • Shared colectivo (Urubamba to Ollantaytambo): $2–$3 each way
  • Bus (Ollantaytambo to Hidroelectrica, round-trip): $20–$30
  • Hike (Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes): Free (2–3 hours)
  • Shuttle bus (to Machu Picchu, round-trip): $24 (optional, or hike ~1.5 hours for free)

Mid-Range Traveler

Overall Costs: $250-300

This is one of the most common options for visiting Machu Picchu, with flexibility to suit your preferences. It typically includes:

  • Traveling to Ollantaytambo via private taxi or driving yourself in a rental car.
  • Taking the PeruRail or IncaRail train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Optionally spending the night in Aguas Calientes.
  • Using the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance.

Mid-Range Traveler Cost Breakdown

  • Entrance ticket (Machu Picchu only): $45
  • Rental Car (~$30–$50 per day ) or Taxi ($60 roundtrip to Urubamba)
  • Parking in Ollantaytambo (with rental car): $5–$10 per day
  • PeruRail or Inca Rail train (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes round-trip): $125–$175
  • Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu: $24 round-trip
  • Optional overnight in Aguas Calientes: $60-100

Luxury Traveler

Overall Costs: $600-$1,500

Luxury travelers can customize their Machu Picchu experience to match their budget and comfort level. Even at the lower end of the luxury spectrum, you’ll enjoy first-class train tickets, a private guide, and private transfers for a seamless experience.

  • Traveling to Ollantaytambo via private transfer.
  • Taking the PeruRail First Class or splurging on the Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Meeting your private guide upon arrival.
  • Using the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance.

Luxury Traveler Cost Breakdown

  • Entrance ticket (Machu Picchu only): $45
  • Private Transfer: $60-100 roundtrip
  • PeruRail First Class or Hiram Bingham train (Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes round-trip): $160-200 / $1000 roundtrip
  • Shuttle Bus to Machu Picchu: $24 round-trip
  • Optional Private Guide: $200–$500

My Machu Picchu Budget Breakdown

I always find it helpful to include a real-world budget. Imaginary numbers are hard to relate to until you see an example from someone who’s actually done it. I’ve been to Machu Picchu twice—once on my own and once while hosting a group trip. On my first visit, I’d place myself firmly in the mid-range traveler category.

A little backstory: My husband and I started our trip at our Airbnb in the Sacred Valley. Since we already had a rental car, we drove ourselves to Ollantaytambo. We opted not to use a guide and planned for a one-day visit to Machu Picchu. For the train, we chose a first-class ticket to Aguas Calientes and the cheapest train back. And we purchased our Machu Picchu tickets about 2 months in advance.

  • Rental Car: $50 per day
  • Parking: $5
  • PeruRail Train Tickets: $140 per person roundtrip
  • Bus Tickets: $24 per person roundtrip
  • Entrance Tickets: $45 per person
  • Food: $10 per person

Trip Total: $274 per person

Keep in mind, these figures only include the direct costs of visiting Machu Picchu. Additional expenses—like getting to Cusco, traveling to the Sacred Valley, or an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes—can significantly impact your total trip budget. If you’re planning to spend the night, don’t forget to factor in accommodation and other daily expenses.

Getting to Machu Picchu

Reaching Machu Picchu is a multi-step process that requires some advance planning. All journeys to Machu Picchu begin in Cusco, which is easiest to reach via a short flight from Lima.

Once in Cusco, you’ll need to travel to the Sacred Valley, specifically to the train station in Ollantaytambo. (This isn’t the only way to get to Machu Picchu but it is the most common.) From there, book a train ticket in advance to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.

From Aguas Calientes, you have two options to reach the entrance:

  • Shuttle Bus: A much more common and convenient option, costing $24 round trip.
  • Hiking: A 2-mile trail with over 2,700 feet of elevation gain.

Inca Trail Trek Option

If you decide to hike to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, your journey will begin at the Kilometer 82 trailhead, just outside Ollantaytambo. This 4-days, 3-nights Inca trail tour is challenging due to the high elevation but incredibly rewarding, as it culminates at the iconic Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu. Keep in mind that hiking the Salkantay Trek requires booking a tour with a licensed operator.

Trip to Machu Picchu Cost

The cost of visiting Machu Picchu can vary widely depending on your travel style, timeline, and comfort preferences. While it’s possible to make the trip budget-friendly, there are unavoidable expenses unless you plan to hike the Inca Trail, which comes with its own specific costs.

Machu Picchu Ticket Price Breakdown

Machu Picchu entrance ticket uses a circuit system, offering visitors a choice of three routes. Circuits 2 and 3 are the most popular, providing some of the best views. General admission tickets cost approximately $45 USD per person regardless of the circuit chosen.

For those seeking additional adventure, you can add on specific mountain hikes, such as Waynapicchu or Huchuypicchu. These tickets cost around $55 USD (200 Peruvian soles) and offer incredible views of the site. Having hiked Waynapicchu (also called Huayna Picchu) myself, I can attest to the intensity of the trail and the spectacular vistas it offers.

Tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked online in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. To secure your spot, make your reservation as soon as your travel dates are finalized.

Transportation Costs Breakdown

Unless you’re strictly following a budget traveler approach, there are several transportation costs you’ll need to account for when visiting Machu Picchu. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

Transfer to Ollyantambo

The first step is getting to Ollantaytambo. If you don’t have a rental car, you’ll need to arrange transportation from your hotel. While public buses or colectivos are budget-friendly options, they require extra time and planning. You’ll likely need to make the trip the day before your scheduled Machu Picchu visit due to the time it takes to get there.

The more convenient and common method is booking a taxi or private transfer. If you’re already in the Sacred Valley, this option is relatively affordable, typically costing around $60–$100 for a round trip.

Taking the Train to Aguas Calientes

The next leg of the journey is the train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. (Sometimes this is referred to as the Machu Picchu train.) Two train operators, PeruRail and Inca Rail, offer similar services and amenities. Choosing between them usually comes down to availability, schedule, and budget.

Train ticket prices vary depending on the time of day. Morning trains to Aguas Calientes (around 8:00–10:00 AM) are typically the most expensive, and later return trains to Ollantaytambo are also priced higher. Finding the right balance between time at Machu Picchu, time to explore Aguas Calientes, and ticket cost can be a bit tricky.

When I visited, we booked the 7:45 AM Vistadome train for $77 per person to Aguas Calientes and the 4:22 PM Expedition train on PeruRail for $62 per person back to Ollantaytambo. This gave us ample time at Machu Picchu and a little extra to explore Aguas Calientes before heading back. But we did pay for that additional time with a more expensive ticket back in the economy cabin. All to say your Machu Picchu trip cost is really affected by what train time you take.

Bus Ticket

Unless you plan on taking the 2-mile, 1,700+ ft. elevation gain hike from Aguas Calientes you’ll then need to purchase a $24 roundtrip bus ticket to Machu Picchu. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Consettur Office in Aguas Calientes or online in advance.

Guided Tours

Guided tours to Machu Picchu offer a convenient way to simplify the often-complicated process of planning your visit. The biggest advantage of booking a guided tour is that you can outsource the logistics to someone else, eliminating the need to arrange transportation, tickets, and other details yourself. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost.

There are different types of Machu Picchu tours to suit varying needs:

Basic Guided Tours
These tours typically start at Aguas Calientes or the bus entrance to Machu Picchu. They usually include a shuttle bus ticket, entrance fee, and a guide for exploring the site. However, you’re responsible for arranging your travel to Aguas Calientes.

All-Inclusive Tours
These start in Cusco and include every step of the journey—transportation to Ollantaytambo, train tickets, shuttle bus tickets, entrance fees, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu. These are ideal for those who want a fully planned experience but come with a premium price tag.

Independent Booking with a Guide
If you prefer more control over your schedule and budget, you can book your transportation and tickets independently and hire a guide at Machu Picchu. This option saves money compared to package tours while still allowing you to benefit from expert insights during your visit.

>> Book a guide for just $20 USD per person

Should you Hire a Tour Guide?

I’ve visited Machu Picchu twice—once with a guide and once without. As someone who enjoys traveling at my own pace, I’ve always valued the flexibility of exploring without a guide and relying on research beforehand. However, after experiencing the site with a guide on my second visit, I also recognized the immense value of having one at such a monumental and historically rich location.

Pros of Hiring a Guide

  • Deeper Insights: Guides provide in-depth historical, cultural, and architectural context. (Which, for me, means actually looking at something other than rocks.)
  • Efficient Navigation: They know the best routes and give you the best locations for photos.
  • Enhanced Experience: A guide’s storytelling can bring the site to life, making it more memorable.

Cons of Hiring a Guide

  • Less Flexibility: You’ll need to stick to their schedule and pace, which may feel restrictive.
  • Added Cost: Hiring a guide is an additional expense that can increase your trip’s overall budget.
  • Potential Overload: If you prefer self-paced exploration, the constant flow of information will likely feel overwhelming.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond travel and ticket expenses, there are several often-overlooked costs when visiting Machu Picchu:

  • Dining: You’ll likely grab a meal in Aguas Calientes before returning to Ollantaytambo. Being a heavily touristy town, food costs range from $8–$15 per person, with limited budget-friendly options.
  • Accommodation: If you opt to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes before your visit, be sure to budget for hotel costs. Prices vary depending on comfort and amenities, typically starting around $40–$100 per night.
  • Transportation from Cusco to the Sacred Valley: Whether or not you plan to explore the Sacred Valley in-depth, you’ll need to arrange transportation to Ollantaytambo. Costs can range from $5–$10 for a shared colectivo to $60–$100 for a private transfer.
  • Souvenirs: Aguas Calientes is packed with souvenir stalls, but prices are often inflated. Similar items can often be found cheaper in the Sacred Valley.
  • Travel Insurance: Anytime your trip involves your passport, travel insurance is a must. It can cover unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or disruptions.

Machu Picchu Costs FAQs

Do you need tickets for Machu Picchu?

Yes. You need to purchase tickets in advance for one of 3 circuits when visiting Machu Picchu. Tickets sell out quickly, especially during high season, so booking your tickets as soon as you know your travel dates is recommended.

How many hours do you need at Machu Picchu?

You need a few hours to get to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu’s entrance. The train ride to Aguas Calientes is about 2 hours long and the bus ride from there to the Machu Picchu entrance is another 30 minutes. Once at Machu Picchu I recommend about 3 hours to walk around, take photos, and enjoy it.

How can I reach Machu Picchu in Peru?

Reaching Machu Picchu is a complicated, multi-step process. Though there are a few ways to do it the most straightforward is taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then from there a bus to the Machu Picchu entrance.

More Peru Tips + Inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the Machu Picchu trip cost! I absolutely fall more in love with Peru every time I visit and I hope you find as much joy there as I do. To help you with your Peru travel plans I’ve included some other helpful guides and resources to make your trip a success.

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