How much it costs the trip to Machu Picchu in 2025, tickets, trains, etc.
How much does a trip to Machu Picchu cost in 2025? Your trip to the Wonder of the World in Cusco, Peru, begins with booking your tickets. Then you need to purchase train and bus tickets, as well as hotels, guides, and additional tours. Discover all the prices and plan the trip of a lifetime.
- The trip to Machu Picchu: route and costs
- Is the trip to Machu Picchu expensive?
- How much does the trip to Machu Picchu cost?
- Comparison of foreign and Peruvian prices
- How much is spent in total?
- Budget for the alternative route of Santa Teresa
- Useful information to calculate your travel budget
- Photo Gallery
- Frequently Asked Questions
Happy tourist at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
In 2025, a trip to Machu Picchu can be done with an all-inclusive tour or on your own. For the first option, you’ll need to choose a travel agency that meets your travel needs. For the other option, you’ll have to purchase the entrance fee, train ticket, bus ticket, and professional tour guide services on your own. Which is the best option? It depends on the individual visitor. Going on your own may be a little cheaper, but requires more planning.
The trip to Machu Picchu: route and costs
Machu Picchu is located approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, the capital of the region of the same name in Peru. However, there is no direct highway connecting Cusco and Machu Picchu. The fastest and safest route, and the one most preferred by tourists, is by train. To do so, you must depart from Cusco and head to the Ollantaytambo train station, 61 kilometers away by road (an average trip of 1 hour and 45 minutes). This route, if traveled independently, costs 12 soles (public transport minivans depart from Pavitos Street).
There are also train services that depart directly from Cusco. However, most trains depart from Ollantaytambo Station. In Ollantaytambo, you must take the various train services (they vary in price and experience) to reach the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu). It is recommended to purchase train tickets online (only the local train for Peruvians cannot be purchased online). The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Prices range from 12 soles (local train for Peruvians) to $450 on the luxury Hiram Bingham train.
Once in Aguas Calientes, all you have to do is take the Consettur bus. Buses depart every 10 minutes. It will take you 30 minutes to reach the entrance to Machu Picchu. The bus ticket costs approximately $12 for foreign tourists and $7 for Peruvians.
Map – routes to get to Machu Picchu
Is the trip to Machu Picchu expensive?
The cost of a trip to Machu Picchu depends on the experience the visitor is looking for. It’s true that there are hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes that will cost you upwards of $800 or more for a night, although there are also very affordable options that will allow you to have a cheap trip to Machu Picchu.
A trip to the Wonder of the World doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. In fact, Cusco, Peru, is known to be one of the most affordable destinations in the Americas. Plus, one of the best prices is the entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
The price of your trip will depend on your desired travel style. There are many options to choose from, from backpacking to total luxury.
How much does the trip to Machu Picchu cost?
One of the safest ways to travel to Machu Picchu is on an organized tour. However, the most affordable and free option is to do it on your own.
For a trip to Machu Picchu on your own it is essential:
- Plane tickets to Lima (Peru) and then to Cusco.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Train tickets from Ollantaytambo (Cusco) to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
- Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
How much does transportation cost in Cusco?
In Cusco, taxis cost between 5 and 10 soles (approximately US$3) per ride. Minivan transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs 10 Peruvian soles.
Approximate flight prices from Lima to Cusco
Flight prices to Peru depend on the country of origin. In all cases, the destination is Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima. From there, you must take another flight to Cusco.
These are the costs:
Approximate flight prices from Lima (Peru) to Cusco
| Airlines (Lima-Cusco-Lima) | Price (round trip) |
|---|---|
| Peruvian Airlines | 299 S/. (93 USD) |
| LATAM | 291 S/. (90 USD) |
| Avianca | 389 S/. (121 USD) |
| Star Peru | 480 S/. (150 USD) |
| LC Peru | 487 S/. (152 USD) |
*Reference prices.
Official Machu Picchu ticket prices
Tickets to Machu Picchu must be reserved online and in advance due to limited availability. There is an official website that sells tickets. However, university student tickets must be purchased through a travel agency like ours.
These are the official prices:
Entrance fee for Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 200 S/. | Adult | 112 S/. |
| Student | 125 S/. | Student | 80 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 118 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 80 S/. |
Entry price Machu Picchu classic photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 S/. | Adult | 64 S/. |
| Student | 77 S/. | Student | 32 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 70 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 32 S/. |
Entrance price Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 S/. | Adult | 64 S/. |
| Student | 77 S/. | Student | 32 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 70 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 32 S/. |
Entrance fee for Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 S/. | Adult | 64 S/. |
| Student | 77 S/. | Student | 32 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 70 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 32 S/. |
Entrance fee for Machu Picchu Classic Designed (Route 2A)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 S/. | Adult | 64 S/. |
| Student | 77 S/. | Student | 32 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 70 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 32 S/. |
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Classic Upper Terrace (Route 2B)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 S/. | Adult | 64 S/. |
| Student | 77 S/. | Student | 32 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 70 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 32 S/. |
Entrance price Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 200 S/. | Adult | 112 S/. |
| Student | 125 S/. | Student | 80 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 118 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 80 S/. |
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Designed Royalty or Lower Temples (Route 3B)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 152 S/. | Adult | 64 S/. |
| Student | 77 S/. | Student | 32 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 70 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 32 S/. |
Entrance price Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon (Route 3C)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 200 S/. | Adult | 112 S/. |
| Student | 125 S/. | Student | 80 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 118 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 80 S/. |
Entrance price Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)
| Foreign | Price | National (Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 200 S/. | Adult | 112 S/. |
| Student | 125 S/. | Student | 80 S/. |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | 118 S/. | Child (3 to 17 years) | 80 S/. |
Remember that…
The authorized office for purchasing Machu Picchu tickets in Cusco is at the following address:
- Casa Garcilaso – Calle Garcilaso s/n Cusco – Peru (2 blocks from the Plaza de Armas).
- Decentralized Directorate of Culture Cusco: Maruri Street 324.
- To purchase tickets to Machu Picchu, tourists must go to these offices with their ID or passport.
- The offices are located in the Historic Center of Cusco. Getting there takes approximately 15 minutes.
- Lines to purchase Machu Picchu tickets in Cusco can take an average of 30 minutes.
- Tickets for university students are only available in person or online through travel agencies.
- A current university student ID is the only valid document for purchasing a discounted student ticket.
Where to buy a ticket to Machu Picchu in Cusco
Why buy online?
To purchase Machu Picchu tickets in Cusco, you have to wait in long lines at authorized ticket offices. Furthermore, you may not find any availability. The best option is to do it online.
Price of trains to Machu Picchu
There are two train companies: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. In both cases, it’s recommended to purchase tickets online and in advance. Otherwise, tourists will have to wait in long lines in Cusco to get their tickets. On top of that, they may not find any available tickets.
These are the reference prices for Peru Rail and Inca Rail:
Peru Rail train prices from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (round trip)
| Train service | Price in dollars | Price in soles |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition Train | $140 | S/. 459 |
| Vistadome train | $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.
Inca Rail train prices from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (round trip)
| Train service | Price in dollars | Price in soles |
|---|---|---|
| Economy class | $140 | S/. 459 |
| Business Class | $150 | S/. 491 |
| First class | $398 | S/. 1,305 |
Remember that…
Train tickets can be purchased in person at the following Cusco offices:
Peru Rail
- Meat Portal 214, Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
- Plaza Regocijo 202, Cusco.
- Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley of Cusco.
Inca Rail
- Portal de Panes Street 105, Plaza de Armas Cusco.
- Av. El Sol 843, Cusco.
- Ollantaytambo Train Station: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Sacred Valley of Cusco.
- To purchase train tickets in person, tourists must go to the ticket offices with their ID or passport.
- Train tickets are subject to availability. Last-minute bookings run the risk of not finding tickets available.
- Getting to the train ticket offices, waiting in line, and purchasing tickets can take an average of one hour. That’s why it’s recommended to buy tickets online.
- Children under 11 receive a discount of almost 50% off the train ticket price.
PeruRail ticket office in Ollantaytambo
How long does it take to buy tickets, train tickets, and bus tickets to Machu Picchu?
Ticket offices, train tickets, and bus tickets are located in different locations. Therefore, purchasing these tickets in person in Cusco can take half a day.
Bus prices to Machu Picchu
Bus tickets can be purchased easily online or in Cusco. However, there are often long lines when boarding the bus (especially in the mornings). The bus ride takes an average of 30 minutes. Another option is to hike up to Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours).
These are the official bus ticket prices:
Bus prices from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip)
| Bus service (round trip) | Price in dollars | Price in soles |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Remember that…
Bus tickets can be purchased in person at the following offices in Cusco:
- Av. Infancia 433, Wanchaq – Cusco.
- Hermanos Ayar Avenue, Aguas Calientes District – Cusco.
- To purchase bus tickets in person, visitors must go to the offices with their passport or ID.
- To make a purchase at the Aguas Calientes office, visitors must wait in line for approximately 15 minutes.
Consetur Bus in Machu Picchu Pueblo
Why take the bus to Machu Picchu?
Most tourists choose to take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to save energy and explore the Inca city more easily. However, young tourists in good physical condition can hike up to the Wonder of the World.
Comparison of foreign and Peruvian prices
| Services | Price for foreigners | Price for Peruvians |
|---|---|---|
| Public transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo | 12 soles | 12 soles |
| Classic Designed Machu Picchu Entrance | 152 soles | 64 soles |
| Machu Picchu Entrance with Huayna Picchu | 200 soles | 112 soles |
| Train ticket | $70 (Expedition service) | 12 soles (local train for Peruvians) |
| Bus ticket | $24 (round trip) | $15 (round trip) |
| Tour guide service | $10 (shared service) | $10 (shared service) |
| 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes | $50 (2-star standard service) | $50 (2-star standard service) |
| 1 lunch at standard restaurants in Aguas Calientes | $7 (traditional tourist menu) | $7 (traditional tourist menu) |
| Tour to Machu Picchu 1 day | $280 all-inclusive | $250 all-inclusive |
How much is spent in total?
Below is an approximate budget for people who wish to travel without a tour and considering standard services.
Average budget for a trip to Machu Picchu
| Average budget for a foreign adult | Price in dollars |
|---|---|
| Lima-Cusco plane ticket | $125 |
| Minivan trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo | $3 |
| Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (round trip) | $140 |
| Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip) | $24 |
| Entrance to Machu Picchu | 152 S/. ($ 47) |
| Total cost | $339 |
*The quote does not include hotel services, meals, additional tours, and flights from abroad to Lima (Peru).
How much does a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes cost?
Three-star hotels in Aguas Calientes cost an average of 200 soles ($63) per night. Peruvian restaurants cost 100 soles per person ($31).
Budget for the alternative route of Santa Teresa
The train isn’t the only way to reach the Wonder of the World. There are also other alternative routes, such as the Inca Trail or the Santa Teresa route to Machu Picchu.
The route combines bus travel and hiking along the Santa Teresa Trail, through Santa María, also known as the Hidroeléctrica Trail. This is the budget:
- Getting to Santa Teresa will cost you around $30.
- The minivan ride from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica will cost between $1.5 and $3. Keep in mind the return fare (if you take the same route).
- From here, you may have to walk along the train tracks to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. We recommend bringing water for $0.65.
- A night in Aguas Calientes with basic service can cost you around $25.
- The next day, you can hike up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, but if you don’t, remember: the round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will cost $24.
- Average budget for a trip to Machu Picchu via the Santa Teresa route.
| Average budget for a foreign adult | Price in dollars |
|---|---|
| Lima-Cusco-Lima plane ticket | $125 |
| Travel to Machu Picchu along the Santa Teresa route | $30 |
| Going up and down to Machu Picchu on foot | $0 |
| Entrance to Machu Picchu | 152 S/. ($ 47) |
| Total cost | $202 |
Reaching Machu Picchu via the 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail trek costs approximately $1,000 per person.
Useful information to calculate your travel budget
You should have your Machu Picchu ticket purchased before arriving in Aguas Calientes. We also recommend having change available (in soles and dollars). No one will exchange a $100 bill for a bottle of water and some snacks. When it comes to food, we recommend you spare no expense; remember that Peru is the best culinary destination in the world.
This data has been collected from people who recently traveled with us.
Hotels in Cusco
In Cusco, there are hotels for all budgets. You can find budget hotels (between $15 and $60). Transportation in Cusco is affordable. Getting to the city center will only take a few minutes by taxi and is very cheap (between $1.50 and $2).
Feeding
There are highly recommended restaurants in Cusco and Machu Picchu (starting at $20 a plate). However, you can also enjoy Peruvian food at the markets. In Cusco, there’s the San Pedro market (just a few blocks from the city center). Lunch there will cost between $2 and $4.
Transport
- Taxis within the city: $1.5.
- Taxis from the airport to the city center: between $5 and $3.
- From Cusco to Ollantaytambo by minivan: from $4 per person (one way)
- Tickets to other tourist attractions in Cusco
Tickets to other tourist attractions in Cusco
The Cusco Tourist Ticket covers 16 sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas (including Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, Pisac, Qenko, Puca Pucará, Tipón, Moray, and Pikillacta). The total price will be around $45. Students receive a 50% discount.
Guides in Machu Picchu
Guided service at Machu Picchu is mandatory. You can book one in advance online. You can also hire a guide at the entrance gate. It will cost around $10.
Photos in Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is Machu Picchu open due to pandemic?
Yes, Machu Picchu will remain open until 2025. The Inca citadel is open every day of the year from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2) Is it necessary to have a vaccination card to enter Machu Picchu?
No, this document is not required. However, it is required to board the train to Machu Picchu.
3) How much does a budget menu cost in Machu Picchu?
Budget-friendly menus for the trip can be found in the town of Aguas Calientes and range in price from 10 soles or more. A good idea is to go to the town’s food market.
4) Is the use of masks or face shields mandatory in Machu Picchu?
Inside Machu Picchu in 2025, the use of masks or face shields is not mandatory.
5) Is the route through Hidroeléctrica still open in 2025?
Yes, the affordable route through Hidroeléctrica remains open. It’s recommended to do it from April to December, when the rains aren’t as intense.
6) How much does a bus trip to Machu Picchu cost in 2025?
The price of the bus ticket to Machu Picchu is the same: $24 (round trip) for foreigners and $15 (round trip) for Peruvians.
7) What is the new Huchuy Picchu ticket? What does it include?
This new ticket offers a visit to the Machu Picchu archaeological site as well as a very short hiking route (only 1 kilometer) to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain.
8) Do all Machu Picchu tickets allow me to take the classic postcard photo?
No, there are currently strict routes for each type of ticket to Machu Picchu. Therefore, only tickets to Machu Picchu Circuit 1 allow you to take the classic postcard photo.
9) How long can I stay in Machu Picchu in 2025?
Most tickets allow an average stay of 2 hours and 30 minutes, although if your ticket includes an extra hike, it can extend up to 6 hours, depending on the length of the route.
10) Is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu open in 2025? How much does it cost?
Yes, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is open year-round, except for February (due to heavy rains). The average cost is $700 (varies depending on the travel agency you choose). Remember to book online approximately six months in advance.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Darci F.“The tour was economical for me...“
“We were a group of friends without an agency... we saved a lot, but many things were not well coordinated... I suggest hiring an agency.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 14, 2025