One of the most common questions before planning the trip is how much money you actually need to get to Machu Picchu and explore it. The entrance ticket is only one part of the total cost. The train, the shuttle bus up, accommodations, transportation from Cusco, and day-of extras add up to an amount that is worth knowing in advance so you do not run into surprises.
Contents
- Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
- The train: the most variable expense of the trip
- The shuttle bus up from Aguas Calientes
- The entrance ticket to the archaeological site
- Accommodations in Aguas Calientes
- The official guide inside the site
- Food and daily expenses in Aguas Calientes
- Summary of the estimated total cost per person
- What makes the biggest difference in the budget
- Peru Sites organizes your trip with a clear budget from the start
Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
The departure point for the train to Machu Picchu is Ollantaytambo Station, located in the Sacred Valley about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Cusco by road. That transfer is done by bus, private minivan, or shared vehicle. Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the station costs between 30 and 60 soles per person depending on the number of travelers and the type of vehicle. Shared transportation is cheaper but less predictable in terms of timing, which can be risky when you have a train to catch.
The train: the most variable expense of the trip
The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is the most expensive part of the journey and the one that varies the most depending on the category you choose. There are two clearly differentiated price ranges.
Budget category
The most affordable classes start at 50 dollars per segment in low season and can exceed 80 dollars in high season depending on availability and how far in advance you buy. These are comfortable cars with panoramic windows and a snack service included. For a round-trip journey in this category, the train cost can range from 100 to 160 dollars per person.
Mid-range category
The cars with glass ceilings and more spacious seating range from 70 to 110 dollars per segment. Round trip, the total cost can be between 140 and 220 dollars per person depending on the season and the train company.
Luxury category
Premium services with onboard dining, private cabins, and personalized service exceed 400 dollars per segment and are geared toward travelers looking for a complete experience within the train itself.
The shuttle bus up from Aguas Calientes
From the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance gate of the citadel, the only authorized transportation is the bus that goes up the Hiram Bingham Road. The ride takes between 25 and 30 minutes along a winding road that climbs through high jungle vegetation. Buses leave every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and return service operates until 5:30 p.m.
The price of the bus ticket is subject to change depending on the authorized operator’s policies. For that reason, we are not listing a fixed fare at this time, since the cost may have changed since the last update of this page. To find the current price at the time of your visit, we recommend checking directly at the official ticket office located on Avenida Hermanos Ayar in Aguas Calientes, where tickets can also be purchased the same day without prior reservation. You can also buy them in advance through the operator’s official website using a credit card.
If you prefer to hike up using the stair route from town, the walk takes about 2 hours and is a valid option for those with good physical condition. Many travelers combine both options: they go up by bus to save energy at the start of the day and walk down after finishing the visit.
The entrance ticket to the archaeological site
The ticket price varies depending on nationality, age, and the circuit selected. For adult foreign tourists, standard circuits cost 152 soles, equivalent to about 40 dollars. Starting on May 1, 2026, an additional conservation fee of 11 soles will be added, bringing the total to 163 soles, about 48 dollars. Circuits that include access to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain cost 200 soles before the May adjustment, about 53 dollars.
For Peruvian citizens, the entrance ticket costs 64 soles, which will increase to 69 soles starting in May 2026. Citizens of Andean Community countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador qualify for an intermediate rate. Children under 3 do not pay. Between ages 3 and 17, a reduced rate applies for both nationals and foreigners.
Accommodations in Aguas Calientes
If you decide to stay one night in town to enter Machu Picchu on the first morning time slot, accommodations are an additional expense that depends on the type of lodging you choose. The most affordable options, hostels and basic rooms, start at 30 dollars per night. Mid-range hotels cost between 60 and 120 dollars. Higher-end properties can exceed 200 dollars per night. During high season, prices rise considerably and availability drops, so booking in advance is essential.
The official guide inside the site
Hiring an accredited official guide is not mandatory, but it is recommended, especially for those visiting the site for the first time. A bilingual guide for a tour inside the citadel costs between 80 and 150 soles per group depending on the language and the length of the tour. The cost is divided among all members of the group, which makes it more affordable when traveling with others.
Food and daily expenses in Aguas Calientes
Inside the archaeological site, there are no food stands or shops. Bringing water and a snack from Aguas Calientes is the most practical option so you do not run out of energy halfway through the visit. In town, the dining options are broad and range from budget restaurants with set menus between 15 and 25 soles to more elaborate riverside options that can exceed 50 soles per person. A reasonable budget for meals during the day in Aguas Calientes ranges from 30 to 60 soles per person.
Summary of the estimated total cost per person
Calculating with standard categories and without including the flight to Cusco, the approximate cost of a trip to Machu Picchu per person breaks down as follows. Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs between 15 and 30 dollars. A round-trip train in the budget category costs between 100 and 160 dollars. The shuttle bus up and down costs 35 dollars. The entrance ticket for foreign tourists is around 40 to 53 dollars depending on the circuit. One night of accommodations in Aguas Calientes adds between 30 and 120 dollars. Meals for the day cost between 15 and 30 dollars. The estimated total for a foreign tourist traveling in standard categories ranges between 235 and 428 dollars per person, not including the domestic flight to Cusco or additional expenses such as souvenirs or extra activities.
What makes the biggest difference in the budget
There are three decisions that affect the total trip cost more than any others. The first is the train category, which can double or triple your transportation expenses. The second is whether or not you stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, which adds between 30 and 200 dollars depending on the lodging. The third is the season in which you travel: train and hotel prices are significantly higher between June and August than during the low-season months.
Peru Sites organizes your trip with a clear budget from the start
At Peru Sites, we create packages that include every part of the trip in one price: transportation from Cusco, train, bus, entrance ticket to the circuit, and accommodations if you need them. Before confirming any reservation, we show you the full cost breakdown so you know exactly where every sol is going.
