How Much To Travel To Machu Picchu? The cost of your Machu Picchu journey in 2025 depends greatly on your travel style, from budget backpacking to luxurious all-inclusive tours, TRAVELS.EDU.VN is here to help you design the perfect trip. Let’s explore the expenses, including Machu Picchu entrance fees, train tickets, and accommodations, ensuring you have a memorable experience in this wonder. Discover incredible deals on Machu Picchu tours and plan your budget effectively.
1. Understanding the Journey to Machu Picchu: Routes and Costs
Machu Picchu, nestled about 100 kilometers from Cusco, Peru, doesn’t have a direct road connection. The popular, safest, and fastest route for most tourists involves a train journey. First, you’ll travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station, roughly 61 kilometers away, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes by road. If you opt for public transport minivans from Pavitos Street, this leg costs approximately 12 soles.
Direct train services from Cusco are available but less frequent. The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Train ticket prices vary significantly, from 12 soles for the local train (for Peruvians) to as much as $450 for the luxurious Hiram Bingham train. Booking train tickets online is highly recommended, except for the local train which must be purchased in person.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, Consettur buses depart frequently, taking you to the entrance of Machu Picchu in about 30 minutes. A bus ticket costs around $12 for foreign tourists and $7 for Peruvians.
Map showing the route to Machu Picchu from Cusco, highlighting Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
2. Is a Trip to Machu Picchu Expensive? Factors Influencing the Cost
The cost of visiting Machu Picchu is subjective and depends on the experiences you seek. While luxury hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes can charge $800 or more per night, a visit to Machu Picchu doesn’t have to break the bank. According to Forbes, Cusco is one of the most affordable destinations in the Americas.
Your travel style significantly impacts the overall cost. Options range from budget-friendly backpacker routes to all-inclusive luxury experiences.
Tourist enjoying the view of Machu Picchu, showcasing the different travel styles
3. Breaking Down the Costs: Traveling to Machu Picchu Independently
Traveling to Machu Picchu independently requires careful planning and purchasing individual components:
- Flights to Lima and Cusco: Airfare varies based on your origin.
- Machu Picchu Tickets: Essential for entry.
- Train Tickets: From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Bus Tickets: From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Within Cusco, taxi services typically range from 5 to 10 soles (about $3) per ride, and minivan transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs about 10 soles.
3.1. Airfare from Lima to Cusco: Approximate Costs
Flights to Peru usually land at Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima, where you’ll need to catch a connecting flight to Cusco. Here’s an estimate of flight costs from Lima to Cusco:
| Airlines (Lima-Cusco-Lima) | Round Trip Price (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Peruvian Airlines | 299 S/. (93 USD) |
| LATAM | 291 S/. (90 USD) |
| Avianca | 389 S/. (121 USD) |
| Star Peru | 480 S/. (150 USD) |
| LC Perú | 487 S/. (152 USD) |
These prices are approximate and subject to change.
3.2. Official Machu Picchu Ticket Prices: 2025 Rates
Due to limited availability, Machu Picchu tickets must be booked online in advance. Tickets for university students must be purchased through a tourism agency.
Here are the official prices:
3.2.1. Entrance Price Machu Picchu Only
| Category | Foreign (S/.) | Foreign (USD – Approx) | National (S/.) | National (USD – Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 | 40 | 64 | 17 |
| Student | 77 | 20 | 32 | 8 |
| Child (8 to 17 years old) | 70 | 18 | 32 | 8 |
3.2.2. Entrance Price Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
| Category | Foreign (S/.) | Foreign (USD – Approx) | National (S/.) | National (USD – Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 200 | 53 | 112 | 30 |
| Student | 125 | 33 | 80 | 21 |
| Child (8 to 17 years old) | 118 | 31 | 80 | 21 |
3.2.3. Entrance Price Machu Picchu + Mountain
| Category | Foreign (S/.) | Foreign (USD – Approx) | National (S/.) | National (USD – Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 200 | 53 | 112 | 30 |
| Student | 125 | 33 | 80 | 21 |
| Child (8 to 17 years old) | 118 | 31 | 80 | 21 |
3.2.4. Entrance Price Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu
| Category | Foreign (S/.) | Foreign (USD – Approx) | National (S/.) | National (USD – Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 | 40 | 64 | 17 |
| Student | 77 | 20 | 32 | 8 |
| Child (3 to 17 years old) | 70 | 18 | 32 | 8 |
3.2.5. Entrance Price Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge
| Category | Foreign (S/.) | Foreign (USD – Approx) | National (S/.) | National (USD – Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 | 40 | 64 | 17 |
| Student | 77 | 20 | 32 | 8 |
| Child (8 to 17 years old) | 70 | 18 | 32 | 8 |
3.3. Buying Machu Picchu Tickets: Important Considerations
The authorized ticket purchase offices are located in Cusco:
- Garcilaso House: Garcilaso Street s/n (2 blocks from the Main Square).
- Decentralized Address of Culture Cusco: Street Maruri 324.
When buying in person, bring your identity document or passport. Queues can take about 30 minutes on average. University student tickets are only available in person or through tourism agencies. A valid, updated university student card is required for the student discount. Buying online is recommended to avoid queues and ensure availability.
3.4. Train Prices to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail
Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two main train companies. Online booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues in Cusco and ensure ticket availability.
3.4.1. Peru Rail: Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu (Round Trip)
| Train Service | Price in Dollars (Approximate) | Price in Soles (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Train ‘Expedition’ | $140 | S/. 459 |
| Train ‘Vistadome’ | $190 | S/. 623 |
| Luxury train ‘Hiram Bingham’ * | $950 | S/. 3115 |
| Local train (only for Peruvians) | $6 | S/. 20 |
*The Hiram Bingham luxury train departs directly from Cusco.
3.4.2. Inca Rail: Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu (Round Trip)
| Train Service | Price in Dollars (Approximate) | Price in Soles (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy class | $140 | S/. 459 |
| Executive class | $150 | S/. 491 |
| First class | $398 | S/. 1305 |
3.5. Purchasing Train Tickets: Where and How
Train tickets can be purchased in person at the following locations:
Peru Rail:
- Portal de Carnes 214, Main Square of Cusco.
- Square Regocijo 202, Cusco.
- Av. Ferrocarril s / n, Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley of Cusco.
Inca Rail:
- Street Portal de Panes 105, Main Square Cusco.
- Av. El Sol 843, Cusco.
- Train station Ollantaytambo: Av. Ferrocarril s / n, Sacred Valley of Cusco.
When buying in person, bring your identity document or passport. Train tickets are subject to availability, especially last-minute. Expect to spend around 1 hour at the sales offices, which is why online purchase is recommended. Children under 11 often receive a 50% discount.
3.6. Bus Prices to Machu Picchu: Aguas Calientes Route
Bus tickets can be purchased online or in Cusco. Queues are common when boarding, especially in the mornings. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. Walking up to Machu Picchu is an alternative, taking about 2 hours.
Here are the official bus ticket prices:
3.6.1. Buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Round Trip)
| Category | Price in Dollars (Approximate) | Price in Soles (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | $24 | S/. 78 |
| Peruvian adult | $15 | S/. 49 |
| Foreign child (5 to 11 years old) | $12 | S/. 39 |
| Peruvian child (5 to 11 years old) | $8 | S/. 26 |
3.7. Buying Bus Tickets: Locations and Considerations
Bus tickets can be purchased in person at:
- Av. Infancia 433, Wanchaq – Cusco.
- Av. Hermanos Ayar, District of Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
Bring your passport or identity document. Expect a queue of about 15 minutes at the Aguas Calientes office.
4. Comparing Prices: Foreigners vs. Peruvians
| Services | Price for Foreigners (Approximate) | Price for Peruvians (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo | 12 soles | 12 soles |
| Ticket ‘Machupicchu Only’ | 152 soles | 64 soles |
| Ticket ‘Machupicchu with Huaynapicchu’ | 200 soles | 112 soles |
| Train ticket | $70 (Expedition service) | 12 soles (local train) |
| Bus ticket (round trip) | $24 | $15 |
| Tour guide service (shared service) | $10 | $10 |
| 1 hotel night in Aguas Calientes (2-star standard) | $50 | $50 |
| 1 lunch in Aguas Calientes (standard restaurant) | $7 | $7 |
| Tour to Machu Picchu 1 day | $280 with everything included | $250 with everything included |
5. Calculating Total Expenses: An Average Budget
Here’s an approximate budget for independent travelers seeking standard services:
| Average Budget for a Foreign Adult | Price in Dollars (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Lima-Cusco plane ticket | $125 |
| Travel by minivan Cusco – Ollantaytambo | $3 |
| Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (round trip) | $140 |
| Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip) | $24 |
| Entrance to Machu Picchu | $47 (152 S/.) |
| Total Cost: | $339 |
This budget doesn’t include hotels, meals, additional tours, or international flights to Lima.
5.1. Accommodation Costs in Aguas Calientes
A 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes averages around 200 soles ($63) per night. Peruvian cuisine restaurants typically cost around 100 soles ($31) per person.
6. The Alternative Santa Teresa Route: A Budget-Friendly Option
Besides the train, the Santa Teresa route offers an alternative way to reach Machu Picchu. This route combines bus travel and hiking through Santa María, also known as the Hidroeléctrica route.
Here’s a budget breakdown:
- Transportation to Santa Teresa: Approximately $30.
- Minivan from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica: $1.5 to $3 (note the return price).
- Walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes: Bring water ($0.65).
- One night in Aguas Calientes (basic service): Around $25.
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip): $24 (or walk).
| Average Budget for a Foreign Adult (Santa Teresa Route) | Price in Dollars (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Lima-Cusco-Lima plane ticket | $125 |
| Trip to Machu Picchu on the route of Santa Teresa | $30 |
| Walk to Machu Picchu | $0 |
| Entrance to Machu Picchu | $47 (152 S/.) |
| Total Cost: | $202 |
6.1. The Inca Trail: An Alternative for Trekking Enthusiasts
The 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail trek costs about $800 per person.
7. Useful Data to Optimize Your Travel Budget
Purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket before arriving in Aguas Calientes. Have small change available (in soles and dollars). Peru is a top culinary destination, so consider your food budget.
- Hotels in Cusco: Affordable options range from $15 to $60. Transportation to the center is inexpensive (around $1.5 to $2 by taxi).
- Food: Enjoy market meals for $2 to $4 or dine at recommended restaurants for $20+.
- Transport:
- Taxis within the city: $1.5.
- Taxis from the airport to the city center: $3 to $5.
- From Cusco to Ollantaytambo by minivan: $4 per person (one way).
- Tickets to Other Cusco Attractions: The Cusco Tourist Ticket, including 16 sites, costs around $45 (students pay 50% less).
- Guides in Machu Picchu: Mandatory guided service costs about $10 (hire at the entrance or book online).
Tourists taking photos in Machu Picchu, demonstrating the memorable experience
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Traveling to Machu Picchu in 2025
8.1. Is Machu Picchu Open Despite the Pandemic?
Yes, Machu Picchu is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM in 2025.
8.2. Do I Need a Vaccination Card to Enter Machu Picchu?
A vaccination card is not necessary to enter Machu Picchu, but it is required to board the train.
8.3. How Much Does a Cheap Meal Cost in Machu Picchu?
Affordable meals in Aguas Calientes start from 10 soles at the local food market.
8.4. Are Masks Required in Machu Picchu?
Masks are not mandatory inside Machu Picchu in 2025.
8.5. Is the Hidroeléctrica Route Open?
Yes, the Hidroeléctrica route is open, best visited from April to December.
8.6. What is the Bus Price to Machu Picchu in 2025?
The bus ticket costs $24 (round trip) for foreigners and $15 (round trip) for Peruvians.
8.7. What Does the New Huchuy Picchu Entrance Include?
The Huchuy Picchu ticket includes a visit to Machu Picchu and a short 1-kilometer hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu mountain.
8.8. Can I Get the Classic Machu Picchu Photo?
Only the ‘Machupicchu Solo’ and ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’ tickets allow the classic postcard photo.
8.9. How Long Can I Stay in Machu Picchu?
The ‘Machupicchu Only’ ticket allows up to 4 hours, while mountain tickets allow up to 7 hours.
8.10. Is the Inca Trail Open? How Much Does It Cost?
The Inca Trail is open year-round, except in February. It costs around $700 on average and requires booking 6 months in advance.
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