Complete guide to go to Machu Picchu cheap
Do you want to visit Machu Picchu but don’t want to spend too much? You should know that the Wonder of the World is one of the most affordable destinations on the planet. To travel cheaply, you must do it on your own, reach it via the Hydroelectric route, and most importantly, buy your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu online. Discover the complete guide to visiting Machu Picchu on a budget!
- How much does the trip to Machu Picchu cost?
- How much does the entrance ticket cost?
- How to get to Machu Picchu economically?
- Bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Other expenses in Machu Picchu
- What is the total price of the trip to Machu Picchu?
- Recommendations for a budget trip to Machu Picchu
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Photo Gallery
How much does the trip to Machu Picchu cost?
The historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and especially the city of Cusco, is a very affordable tourist destination. However, depending on the type of experience you wish to have, some costs may increase or decrease.
The necessary expenses for a regular trip to Machu Picchu are as follows:
- Entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Train tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Bus tickets.
In addition, there are other minor expenses you’ll need if you want a complete experience:
- Tour guide service.
- Hotel (Aguas Calientes or Cusco).
- Food.
- Extra expenses.
Machu Picchu
How much does the entrance ticket cost?
- The price of the Machu Picchu ticket depends on the type of ticket, as well as the visitor’s age and nationality.
- When booking on the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru, visitors can find the official prices.
- However, you can also get one of the 10 tickets and tours through the 3 Machu Picchu circuits via Boletomachupicchu.
How much is the Machu Picchu ticket?
- All Machu Picchu tours include the entrance (also guide, transportation, meals). However, to get the best prices, it’s recommended to purchase the ticket directly online.
- These are the official Machu Picchu ticket prices:.
| Machu Picchu Tickets | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tickets | Foreign Adults | Foreign Students | Foreign Minors | CAN Adults | CAN Students | CAN Minors |
| Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
| Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Route (1B) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Inti Punku Gate Route (1C) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Inca Bridge Route (1D) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Classic Designed Route (2A) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
| Designed Royalty Route or Lower Temple Area (3B) | 152 S/. | 77 S/. | 70 S/. | 64 S/. | 32 S/. | 32 S/. |
| Great Cave or Temple of the Moon Route (3C) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) | 200 S/. | 125 S/. | 118 S/. | 112 S/. | 80 S/. | 80 S/. |
The best plan for traveling to Machu Picchu via Hydroelectric
Since the trip takes an average of 9 hours to reach Machu Picchu through the hydroelectric route from Cusco, it is highly recommended to do it over two days. The first day should be focused on traveling to Santa Teresa, where you can visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs. On the second day, calmly and without rushing, you can take the two-hour walk to Aguas Calientes and then visit the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
How to pay less when buying the ticket?
To access the best prices for the Machu Picchu ticket, you must book it with a discount. These are the discounts offered for the Machu Picchu entrance:
- Discount for university students: Undergraduate students under 25 years old can access a special discount by booking with a valid university student ID card.
- Discount for minors: Children (between 3 and 17 years old) can access a special discount by booking with a passport or ID that verifies their age.
- Discount for citizens of the Andean Community: Citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia receive a special discount by booking with a passport or ID that certifies their nationality.
- Free entries: Children under 3 years old enter the citadel of Machu Picchu for free.
How to get to Machu Picchu economically?
- There are 3 ways to reach Machu Picchu. The most common and fastest is the train trip from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
- The most immersive, adventurous, and impressive way, though also the most expensive, is the Inca Trail (4 days and 3 nights of hiking). In this experience, you arrive at Machu Picchu on the last day through the Inti Punku gate.
- The cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu is by hiking through the Hydroelectric route, although it involves a long car ride (5 hours) and 2 hours of walking.
Train Prices
- The train ride is the most common way to reach Machu Picchu from the town of Ollantaytambo, which is two hours away by car from the city of Cusco.
- The final station is the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Currently, there are two companies operating this route, PeruRail and Inca Rail, where prices depend on the type of service required:
PeruRail Train Prices:
| Train Service | Average Price in USD | Average Price in Soles |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Expedition’ Train | $70 | S/. 245 |
| ‘Vistadome’ Train | $95 | S/. 332 |
| ‘Vistadome Observatory’ Train | $130 | S/. 454 |
| Luxury Train ‘Hiram Bingham’ | $570 | S/. 2000 |
*Children under 12 years old receive a 25% discount.
Inca Rail Train Prices:
| Train Service | Average Price in USD | Average Price in Soles |
|---|---|---|
| ‘The Voyager’ Train | $65 | S/. 227 |
| ‘The 360°’ Train | $100 | S/. 350 |
| ‘The Prime’ Train | $110 | S/. 385 |
| ‘The First Class’ Train | $325 | S/. 1135 |
*Children under 12 years old receive a 25% discount.
Hydroelectric Route
- The cheapest way to reach Machu Picchu is through the Hydroelectric route. It’s a somewhat long adventure that includes both a car ride and a walk, but it immerses you in a highly engaging and budget-friendly journey.
- To get to Machu Picchu via the Hydroelectric route, you should follow these steps:
| Route to Machu Picchu via Hydroelectric | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cusco – Santa María | 5 hours by bus | 25 soles ($8) |
| Santa María – Santa Teresa | 1 hour by car | 10 soles ($3) |
| Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric | 30 minutes by car | 5 soles ($2) |
| Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes | 2 hours on foot | Free |
| Total cost and time | 8 hours and 30 minutes | S/. 40 ($13) |
Bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- The final stretch before reaching the Wonder of the World is the bus trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- This journey can be done by bus or on foot. It’s generally recommended to go up by bus and walk down, since the path includes many stairs.
How much does the bus ticket cost?
- Bus tickets can be purchased directly in the town of Aguas Calientes. Buses depart every 5 minutes. The trip takes around 30 minutes on average. The price of this service varies depending on the visitor’s nationality and age:
| Bus service (one way) | Price in USD | Price in Soles |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adult | $12 | S/. 42 |
| Peruvian adult | $8 | S/. 28 |
| Foreign child (5 to 11 years old) | $7 | S/. 25 |
| Peruvian child (5 to 11 years old) | $6 | S/. 21 |
How to walk up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
- Walking (or descending) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is free. You just have to follow the Hiram Bingham road and take some well-marked shortcuts along the way. The hike takes around 2 hours on average. The way back is the same, though less demanding.
- The trail includes many stairways, keeping you in constant contact with nature and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- The ascent takes about 2 hours on average, so it can be tiring. Returning along this path is highly recommended — it takes half the time and lets you experience another angle of the biodiversity surrounding Machu Picchu.
Other expenses in Machu Picchu
Tour guides
- The cost of tour guides depends on the number of tourists in a group. If you book a bilingual and specialized private guide online, you can pay up to 50 S/. ($15 USD) per person.
- At the entrance gate of Machu Picchu, tour guides offer their services. The price varies depending on the group size. Currently, a maximum of 15 tourists per group is allowed. The cost is 15 S/. ($5 USD) per person.
Hotels
- Five-star hotels in Machu Picchu cost more than a thousand dollars per night. However, for an average trip, this service can cost around 100 soles ($30 USD) per night in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- There are also lodgings in Aguas Calientes that cost around 40 S/. ($13 USD) per night. However, the most affordable way to spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu is camping at the Machu Picchu municipal campsite.
Restaurants
- In Machu Picchu, there are five-fork restaurants offering high-quality dishes. There are also other restaurants serving traditional meals at reasonable prices. On average, visitors can spend about 100 S/. ($30 USD).
- There’s a wide variety of restaurants in the town of Aguas Calientes. The cheapest place to eat is the local market (Mercado de Abastos). A lunch there costs around 8 soles ($2.50). Restaurants are open most of the day, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The essential expenses for a regular trip to Machu Picchu are: entrance tickets, train tickets, and bus fares. Another necessary expense at the Wonder of the World is hiring a tour guide, as guided service is mandatory at Machu Picchu. Other important costs include accommodation and meals.
What is the total cost of a trip to Machu Picchu?
- The cost of traveling to Machu Picchu depends on the type of services the visitor chooses to experience. The biggest expense for foreign visitors is the train trip. The most economical way to avoid this cost is by taking the Hydroelectric route.
Budget for an average trip
The average cost for a 2-day, 1-night trip to Machu Picchu per person is $313 USD. This price includes entrance tickets, train and bus trips, guide service, meals for 2 days, hotel, and other minor expenses.
| Expenses in Machu Picchu (2 days / 1 night) | Price in Soles | Price in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Machu Picchu entrance ticket | S/. 152 | $44 USD |
| Train trip (round trip) | S/. 490 | $140 USD |
| Bus trip (round trip) | S/. 84 | $24 USD |
| Tour guide in Machu Picchu | S/. 50 | $15 USD |
| Hotel (for a 1-night trip) | S/. 100 | $30 USD |
| Meals | S/. 175 | $50 USD |
| Other expenses | S/. 35 | $10 USD |
| TOTAL COST | S/. 1086 | $313 USD |
*The price represents the average cost of a 2-day, 1-night self-guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Budget for a low-cost trip
- The cheapest way to reach Machu Picchu is via the alternative Hydroelectric route, departing very early in the morning.
- The ascent to the Wonder of the World can be done on foot to minimize costs, and you can also stay overnight in Santa María and start the hike early the next day.
- The average cost for a 2-day, 1-night visit via the Hydroelectric route is $107 USD, with the following breakdown:
| Expenses in Machu Picchu (2 days/1 night) | Price in PEN | Price in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu | 152 PEN | 24 USD |
| Trip via Hydroelectric route (round trip) | 50 PEN | 15 USD |
| Walking route to Machu Picchu | 0 PEN | 0 USD |
| Tour guide in Machu Picchu | 18 PEN | 5 USD |
| Hotel (Santa María) | 50 PEN | 15 USD |
| Meals | 35 PEN | 10 USD |
| Other expenses | 35 PEN | 10 USD |
| TOTAL COST | 370 PEN | 107 USD |
*The price represents an average cost for a self-guided 2-day, 1-night visit to Machu Picchu.
Recommendations for a Budget Trip to Machu Picchu
- Prices for all products in Aguas Calientes tend to be higher compared to those in the city of Cusco. It is recommended to bring water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, and other essentials for your visit to Machu Picchu.
- When you arrive at the Hydroelectric station, you can choose to walk to Aguas Calientes or take the train. The most economical option, of course, is to walk.
- Children under 3 years old do not pay for admission to Machu Picchu.
- Depending on the time of year you travel, you’ll find two different climates in Machu Picchu: from April to October the sky is clearer but temperatures are cooler, while from November to March there’s a higher chance of rain but a warmer climate.
- The most recommended option for an affordable trip is to spend the first night in the town of Santa María and start your hike to Machu Picchu very early the next day.
- Book your Machu Picchu tickets at least one month in advance. However, if you want one of the most popular tickets (classic circuit or Huayna Picchu mountain), you should book three months ahead.
- The Inca archaeological sanctuary is open every day of the year, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Remember that you can book your Machu Picchu trip via the Hydroelectric route with Boletomachupicchu. Consult our advisors to explore all the options available to make your trip affordable and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How much should I budget to travel to Machu Picchu?
If you want to take an average two-day, one-night trip, you should estimate around 313 USD (1086 PEN). This includes the entrance ticket, train and bus transportation, tour guide, hotel, meals, and some extra expenses. However, if you want to save as much as possible by choosing the Hydroelectric route, it may cost around 107 USD (370 PEN).
2) How can I buy the Machu Picchu ticket at a lower price?
The best way to get the ticket is to purchase it online, either on the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru or through reliable platforms like Boletomachupicchu. Remember to book your tickets at least one month in advance.
3) What discounts are available for the entrance ticket?
You can access various discounts depending on your situation. There are discounts for university students under 25, children under 17, and citizens of the Andean Community. For children under 3 years old, admission is free.
4) What is the cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu?
The most affordable way to get there is via the Hydroelectric route. This adventure combines approximately six hours of car travel and a two-hour walk to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
5) How much does the train to Machu Picchu cost?
The price depends on the company and the type of service you choose. Basic tickets cost around 70 USD (245 PEN). The more comfortable and luxurious services can exceed 300 USD. In addition, children under 12 receive a 25% discount.
6) Is it better to take the train to Machu Picchu or the Hydroelectric route?
It depends on your priorities. If you prefer comfort, speed, and less physical effort, the train is the best choice. However, if you’re looking to save money and enjoy a more adventurous experience, the Hydroelectric route is ideal. The latter requires more time and energy but lets you experience beautiful landscapes during the hike while cutting costs.
7) Do I need to take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Yes, although it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for the ascent since the route has many stairs and can be quite exhausting. The ideal option is to go up by bus and walk down, saving money on the return while enjoying the scenery at your own pace.
8) Can I walk up to Machu Picchu?
Yes, you can, and it’s completely free. The hike takes around two hours uphill and requires good physical condition since it’s a steep path with many stairs. Walking down is much easier and faster, taking about half the time.
9) Where is it better to stay, in Aguas Calientes or Santa María?
If you stay in Aguas Calientes, you’ll be much closer to Machu Picchu and can enter the Inca citadel early, but prices are usually higher. In contrast, Santa María is perfect if you travel via the Hydroelectric route, as accommodation costs are lower.
10) When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
From April to October is the dry season, offering better conditions to explore the citadel, although prices are higher and there are more tourists. From November to March is the rainy season, but it’s also cheaper and less crowded—ideal if you’re looking for tranquility and to save money.
Machu Picchu Photos
Advice from people who have been there
By: David R.“Amazing Experience“
“It was my first time visiting Machu Picchu. I bought my ticket online and the visit was truly impressive; I never imagined what the Incas were able to build on enormous stones.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 15, 2025