How much it costs to visit Machu Picchu depends a lot on the way you travel, but a visit per person from Cusco usually costs between S/ 650 and S/ 1,900 approximately, which is between USD 173 and USD 507. This range includes entrance ticket, train, bus, guide, local transportation, food, and some extra expenses. The amounts are approximate and may change depending on the type of ticket, train company, bus, guide, season, nationality, schedule, availability, and travel style. A reference exchange rate of S/ 3.75 per USD 1 is used to convert prices.
If you travel on a budget, book in advance, and choose basic services, the cost can be close to the lower range. If you travel on a panoramic train, with a private guide, better schedules, or one night in Aguas Calientes, the budget can easily increase. That is why it is helpful to separate each expense before calculating the total.
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How Much Does It Cost to Visit Machu Picchu: Entrance Ticket, Train, Bus, and Guide
The main costs to visit Machu Picchu are the entrance ticket to the archaeological site, the train to Aguas Calientes, the bus up to the entrance, the guide, and transportation between Cusco and the train station. Food, lodging if you decide to sleep in Aguas Calientes, and small extra expenses should also be added.
The following table shows approximate prices per person. It is a useful reference for creating a realistic budget, but it is always best to check updated availability and rates before purchasing, especially during high season.
| Expense | Approximate price per person | What it includes or when it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu entrance ticket | S/ 64 to S/ 200 (USD 17 to USD 53) | Varies depending on nationality, age, student status, circuit, and chosen route. |
| Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes train, round trip | S/ 225 to S/ 900 (USD 60 to USD 240) | Depends on the company, category, schedule, station, and how far in advance you book. |
| Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu bus, round trip | Approx. S/ 90 (approx. USD 24) | Optional service. You can also hike up and down. |
| Shared guide | S/ 30 to S/ 70 (USD 8 to USD 19) | Shared with other travelers. Usually the most affordable option. |
| Private guide | S/ 150 to S/ 350 (USD 40 to USD 93) | Personalized service for a couple, family, or small group. |
| Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back to Cusco | S/ 40 to S/ 120 (USD 11 to USD 32) | Shared minivan, tourist van, or shared transfer. A private transfer costs more. |
| Food during the trip | S/ 30 to S/ 120 (USD 8 to USD 32) | Depends on whether you bring snacks, eat at a local menu restaurant, or choose a tourist restaurant. |
| Lodging in Aguas Calientes | S/ 80 to S/ 350 (USD 21 to USD 93) | Only if you stay overnight. Varies by category, date, and location. |
| Other expenses | S/ 20 to S/ 100 (USD 5 to USD 27) | Water, snacks, restrooms, tips, luggage storage, or unexpected expenses. |
The train usually makes the biggest difference in the budget. Two people may pay the same entrance fee to Machu Picchu, but spend very different amounts if one books a basic train in advance and the other chooses a panoramic service during a high demand schedule.
It also matters whether you visit in one day from Cusco or spend one night in Aguas Calientes. Sleeping near Machu Picchu can increase the cost, but it helps you travel with less rush and allows you to choose more comfortable entry times to the archaeological site.
Summary of Costs to Visit Machu Picchu
To calculate how much it costs to visit Machu Picchu, it is helpful to look at the total expense by travel style. A minimum budget reduces optional services, while a standard budget includes the bus, a shared guide, and a regular tourist train. A more comfortable budget includes better schedules, a private guide, or lodging.
| Type of budget | Approximate total per person | Travel style |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | S/ 520 to S/ 750 (USD 139 to USD 200) | Basic entrance ticket, budget train booked in advance, shared guide, simple food, and possible hike up instead of taking the bus. |
| Standard | S/ 800 to S/ 1,200 (USD 213 to USD 320) | Entrance ticket, regular tourist train, round trip bus, shared guide, transportation from Cusco, and regular meals. |
| Comfortable | S/ 1,300 to S/ 1,900 (USD 347 to USD 507) | Train with a better category or schedule, private guide, more comfortable transfers, restaurant meals, and possible overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. |
These amounts are approximate and may change depending on the season, availability, ticket type, and nationality. During high demand months, such as June, July, August, and holidays, trains and lodging usually become more expensive when booked late.
If you travel on fixed dates, it is best to secure your Machu Picchu entrance ticket first and then coordinate trains, bus, and guide. When the available entrance ticket has a specific time, the entire itinerary must be organized around that entry time.
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket Price
| Type of visitor | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitor | ||
| Adult | $ 12.00 | $ 24.00 |
| Child | $ 7.00 | $ 12.00 |
| National visitor | ||
| Adult | $ 8.00 | $ 15.00 |
| Student | $ 6.00 | $ 10.00 |
| Child | $ 5.00 | $ 8.00 |
| Guide | S/ 6.00 | S/ 12.00 |
| Resident | ||
| Cusco resident | S/ 9.50 | S/ 19.00 |
| Machu Picchu Pueblo resident | S/ 4.00 | S/ 8.00 |
| Guide | S/ 4.00 | S/ 8.00 |
Circuit 2: Most Requested Classic Route
| Route | Foreign visitor | Peruvian / CAN | Student / Minor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2A Designed Route, available year round | S/ 152, approx. USD 40 | S/ 64 | S/ 32 |
| 2B Lower Terrace, available year round | S/ 152, approx. USD 40 | S/ 64 | S/ 32 |
Circuit 3: Royalty Circuit, Includes Huayna Picchu
| Route | Foreign visitor | Peruvian / CAN | Student / Minor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3A Huayna Picchu Mountain, available year round, 400 spots per day | S/ 200, approx. USD 53 | S/ 112 | S/ 80 |
| 3B Designed Route, available year round | S/ 152, approx. USD 40 | S/ 64 | S/ 32 |
| 3C Great Cavern, high season only | S/ 200, approx. USD 53 | S/ 112 | S/ 80 |
| 3D Huchuy Picchu, high season only | S/ 152, approx. USD 40 | S/ 64 | S/ 32 |
Machu Picchu Train Price
The train is usually one of the highest expenses of a trip to Machu Picchu. From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the round trip price varies depending on the company and service category. Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two authorized operators on this route, and each one offers different service levels with different prices.
Peru Rail operates trains from the Expedition category, the most affordable option, to the Hiram Bingham, a luxury service that includes meals and onboard entertainment. Inca Rail has its own service levels, from the 360° train to premium options such as The First Class. In general terms, round trip prices for foreign tourists can range from approximately USD 60 in the most accessible categories to USD 240 or more in high end services or during high demand dates.
The final cost depends on the company, departure station, schedule, chosen category, and how far in advance you book. The most affordable trains usually sell out first, especially during high season from May to September. Train schedules that match Machu Picchu entry times also have higher demand.
The most common route departs from Ollantaytambo because it allows travelers to combine land transportation from Cusco with the train to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours. Both companies also operate departures from Poroy, near Cusco, although with lower frequency and variable availability depending on the season.
If your priority is to keep the budget lower, it is best to book in advance, compare categories between both companies, and be flexible with schedules. If you are looking for comfort, panoramic views, or a more relaxed experience, consider a higher category from the start, since premium seats also sell out quickly.
Bus Price from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
| Type of visitor | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign visitor | ||
| Adult | $ 12.00 | $ 24.00 |
| Child | $ 7.00 | $ 12.00 |
| National visitor | ||
| Adult | $ 8.00 | $ 15.00 |
| Student | $ 6.00 | $ 10.00 |
| Child | $ 5.00 | $ 8.00 |
| Guide | S/ 6.00 | S/ 12.00 |
| Resident | ||
| Cusco resident | S/ 9.50 | S/ 19.00 |
| Machu Picchu Pueblo resident | S/ 4.00 | S/ 8.00 |
| Guide | S/ 4.00 | S/ 8.00 |
Price of a Guide at Machu Picchu
A guide at Machu Picchu can cost approximately between S/ 30 and S/ 70 per person in a shared service, which is between USD 8 and USD 19. A private guide usually costs between S/ 150 and S/ 350 per group or service, around USD 40 to USD 93, depending on the language, duration, group size, and availability.
The guide is not always included in the entrance ticket. If you only buy the entry ticket, you will usually need to hire the guide separately or enter with a service that is already organized. In some tours, the guide is included in the package, but it is best to confirm this before paying.
A shared guide is useful if you want to reduce costs and do not mind visiting with other travelers. It is usually enough to understand the history, the main sectors, and the importance of the archaeological site. The disadvantage is that the pace depends on the group.
A private guide is recommended if you travel with family, want to ask questions calmly, or need to adapt the visit to your train schedule, physical condition, or chosen circuit. It is also a good option if you are looking for a more personalized and less rushed explanation.
Other Costs to Visit Machu Picchu
In addition to the entrance ticket, train, bus, and guide, there are expenses that many travelers do not calculate at the beginning. They are not always high, but they can change the final budget, especially if you make the trip in two days or prefer more comfortable services.
Transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo costs approximately between S/ 40 and S/ 120 per person round trip, equivalent to USD 11 to USD 32. The cheapest option is usually a shared minivan or colectivo. A private transfer can cost much more, but it is practical if you travel with luggage, in a group, or with complicated schedules.
Meals can range from S/ 30 to S/ 120 per day, about USD 8 to USD 32. If you buy snacks and choose simple menu meals, you will spend less. If you eat at tourist restaurants in Aguas Calientes, the expense can increase quickly.
Lodging in Aguas Calientes is not mandatory, but it can be convenient if you want to enter early or avoid a very long one day trip from Cusco. One night can cost approximately between S/ 80 and S/ 350 per person, from USD 21 to USD 93, depending on the category, season, and location.
You should also consider extra expenses such as water, snacks, restrooms, tips, luggage storage, or small purchases. A reasonable amount for these unexpected expenses can be between S/ 20 and S/ 100, equivalent to USD 5 to USD 27.
If you do not want to check each availability separately, a local agency such as Peru Sites Adventure can help you organize entrance tickets, trains, buses, guide, and schedules. Even so, it is always recommended to request a detailed list of what the price includes so you can compare correctly.
Total Budget to Visit Machu Picchu
The total budget to visit Machu Picchu should be calculated by adding the entrance ticket, train, bus, guide, transportation from Cusco, food, and extras. If you sleep in Aguas Calientes, add lodging. The following table shows three approximate scenarios per person.
| Budget | What it includes | Approximate total per person |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Lowest available entrance ticket, budget train, shared transportation, shared guide, simple food, and optional bus or hike. | S/ 520 to S/ 750 (USD 139 to USD 200) |
| Standard | Regular entrance ticket, round trip tourist train, Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu bus, shared guide, Cusco to Ollantaytambo transportation, and regular meals. | S/ 800 to S/ 1,200 (USD 213 to USD 320) |
| Comfortable | Train with a better category or schedule, round trip bus, private guide, more comfortable transfers, better meals, and possible overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. | S/ 1,300 to S/ 1,900 (USD 347 to USD 507) |
If your trip is one day from Cusco, the expense can stay within the standard range as long as you book the train and entrance ticket in advance. If you decide to sleep in Aguas Calientes, you will have more time flexibility, but lodging and meals will increase the total.
To save money without affecting the experience too much, the best decisions are usually to book early, choose less demanded train schedules, use shared transportation between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, and hire a shared guide. Reducing the cost by hiking from Aguas Calientes is also possible, but it is only recommended if you are in good physical condition and have enough time.
Machu Picchu prices can change depending on the season, availability, nationality, type of circuit, and operating conditions. Before finalizing your budget, check the available entrance ticket, confirm the train schedule, and calculate realistic travel times between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and the entry gate.