planning
How Much Does a Trip to Machu Picchu Cost?
What Machu Picchu costs in 2026: tickets, train, bus, guide and hotels, a do-it-yourself budget compared with a tour, and tour prices from US$ 349.
A one-day visit to Machu Picchu from Cusco costs about US$ 250–300 per person if you book every part yourself, and from US$ 349 per person as a private day tour with everything included. The main costs are the train (often the biggest item), the entry ticket (S/ 152, about US$ 40), the bus up to the citadel (about US$ 24) and a guide.
What each part costs
| Item | Approximate cost per person |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu ticket (foreign adult) | S/ 152 (about US$ 40); S/ 200 with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain |
| Bus Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu, round trip | About US$ 24 |
| Train Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes, each way | About US$ 55–85 standard; US$ 85–120 panoramic (Vistadome, 360°); luxury trains cost several hundred dollars |
| Transfer Cusco–Ollantaytambo | From a few dollars in a shared van to about US$ 50 for a private car |
| Guide at Machu Picchu | From US$ 30 per person (shared) or US$ 110 per group (private) |
| Hotel in Aguas Calientes | From about US$ 50 a night for a basic double room; 5★ hotels cost several hundred |
Train fares change with the date, the time and demand, so check them when you book. See our Machu Picchu tickets guide for every ticket category.
Three sample budgets for a 2-day visit
Per person, for two people sharing, from Cusco, with one night in Aguas Calientes:
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Standard class | Panoramic one way | Panoramic both ways |
| Hotel | Basic | 3★ | 4★–5★ |
| Guide | Shared | Private | Private |
| Approximate total | US$ 300–350 | US$ 400–500 | US$ 600+ |
Totals include the ticket, bus, train, transfers, hotel and guide, but not meals or tips.
Treks and packages
| Trip | From, per person |
|---|---|
| Short Inca Trail (2 days) | US$ 559 |
| Salkantay Trek (5 days) | US$ 579 |
| Classic Inca Trail (4 days) | US$ 789 |
| Cusco & Machu Picchu (4 days, hotels included) | US$ 799 |
| Cusco, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain (6 days) | US$ 989 |
Inca Trail prices include the permit, the Machu Picchu entry, porters, a cook, meals and camping gear, which is why they cost more than a train visit.
Hidden costs to plan for
- Meals in Aguas Calientes, which cost more than in Cusco.
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks on treks.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (S/ 200 instead of S/ 152 per ticket).
- Luggage storage, rental gear and card fees.
- Travel insurance.
Do it yourself vs. a tour
| On your own (1 day) | Our private day tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate cost | US$ 250–300 per person | From US$ 349 per person (2 travelers) |
| Tickets, train, bus | You book and match the timings | Booked and confirmed in your name |
| Transport in Cusco | Shared van or taxi | Private car, hotel pickup |
| Guide | You find one | Private licensed guide |
| If something changes | You rebook | We rebook and support you 24/7 |
Our tour prices
- Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco: from US$ 349 per person, private.
- Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour: from US$ 449 per person, private, with a hotel night.
- A 3-day Machu Picchu plan is reserved for phase 2. For now, compare it with the Cusco & Machu Picchu 4 Days package, which adds a more comfortable first day.
- Classic Inca Trail 4 Days: from US$ 789 per person.
- Salkantay Trek: from US$ 489 per person.
Prices are per person and referential; your quote confirms the final price.
How to save
- Travel in April, May, September or October, when demand is lower than mid-year.
- Book early: the best train times and prices sell out first.
- Choose a basic hotel in Aguas Calientes: you only sleep there one night.
Tours to link
Plan this with a local team
Private train tour
Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco
See Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco with private transport and guide, train, shuttle bus and entrance ticket included. Ask our local team for a quote.
Machu Picchu journey
Cusco & Machu Picchu 4 Days
Cusco city tour, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in 4 days. Hotels, trains, guides, transfers and every entrance ticket included.
Inca Trail · permit required
Classic Inca Trail
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a local Cusco operator. Permit, Machu Picchu entry, porters, meals and an Expedition return train are included.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
What is the cheapest way to visit Machu Picchu?
The road to Hidroeléctrica and the walk along the railway avoid the train, but take a full day each way. For most travelers, the time saved by the train is worth the cost.
Is it cheaper to book Machu Picchu on my own?
Booking each part yourself can cost a little less, but you handle the tickets, trains, timing and guide on your own. A tour adds private transport, coordination and support if anything changes.
Why does the train cost so much?
The railway is the only practical way into the Machu Picchu valley, and fares rise with demand and train class. Booking early gets the best times and prices.