Many people think that visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is very expensive, although in reality this depends on the type of experience you choose and the services you hire. Compared to other destinations in the world with similar attractions, Peru is quite affordable. If you are planning to visit this wonder of the world, here you will find the best tips to save money and fully enjoy an unforgettable adventure without overspending.

• Buy tickets with discounts
• Take the alternative route via Hidroeléctrica
• Eat at the Aguas Calientes market
• Stay in an affordable hotel
• Walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Buy utensils and snacks in Cusco
• Hire a shared tour guide service
• Are you Peruvian? Take the local train
• Photo Gallery
• Frequently Asked Questions

Follow these tips to save money during your visit to Machu Picchu

Buy tickets with discounts

• All types of tickets to Machu Picchu offer the following discounts:
  • Discount for undergraduate university students under 25 years old.
  • Discount for people under 18 years old.
  • Discount for citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
• Children under 3 years old enter for free by showing an ID that verifies their age.
• How much does a Machu Picchu ticket cost in 2025? Check the updated prices and discounts.

Advance ticket purchase
When buying tickets to Machu Picchu, remember to do it in advance; it is recommended to buy them at least a month beforehand, although if you want one of the most requested tickets (classic route or Huayna Picchu mountain), you should do it 3 months in advance. If you didn’t get a ticket to the Inca citadel, you can still opt for one of the 1,000 tickets available daily in Aguas Calientes, just remember to use this as a last resort and one day before your visit.

Take the alternative route via Hidroeléctrica

• Most tourists reach Machu Picchu by train from Ollantaytambo station.
• However, few visitors know that there is a much cheaper alternative route. This is the route via Hidroeléctrica, which takes approximately 7 hours from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The route is as follows:
  • The journey starts in the city of Cusco heading to the town of Santa María, which is in the La Convención province (public bus fare costs 20 soles).
  • Next, you travel to the town of Santa Teresa (shared taxi fare costs 10 soles).
  • Finally, there is a short stretch from Santa Teresa to the Hidroeléctrica station (shared taxi fare costs 5 soles).
  • The walk starts at the Hidroeléctrica station until reaching Aguas Calientes town (free walking route takes approximately 2 hours).
• The classic train route for foreign tourists costs approximately $160 (round trip). The alternative route via Hidroeléctrica costs approximately $30 (round trip).
• Keep in mind that the train route can be completed in 1 day. The route via Hidroeléctrica, being much longer, requires spending the night in Aguas Calientes town (or in Santa Teresa).

Tourists following the route from Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu

Eat at the Aguas Calientes Market

• The town of Aguas Calientes, just 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu, is where all the tourist services you may need during your trip are concentrated.
• In this town, there are dozens of tourist restaurants, ranging from gourmet cuisine to homemade food places.
• The most affordable option for breakfast or lunch is the town’s market. There, menus cost between 8 to 10 soles, offering typical dishes and a wide variety of flavors.
• Peruvian cuisine is a must during your Machu Picchu trip—remember to try dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, causa rellena, fried trout, and many more.

In Aguas Calientes, you will find all the necessary services for your stay

Stay at an Affordable Hotel

• In Aguas Calientes, there are hotels of all categories, from 5-star luxury services to shared hostels for backpackers.
• There are two 5-star hotels: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (the only one located next to Machu Picchu) and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. The price per night ranges between $470 and $1,200.
• The most famous backpacker hotels in Aguas Calientes are: Supertramp Hostel, Illary Inn, Machu Picchu Packer Hotel, Machu Picchu Guest House, Hotel Machu Picchu Land B&B, and Casa Machu Picchu Hostel. Room prices per night range from $10 to $30.

Walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

• Aguas Calientes is only 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu.
• Most tourists take the bus, which reaches the entrance gate to Machu Picchu in 30 minutes. The bus ride costs $24 for foreign tourists (round trip) and $15 for Peruvians (round trip).
• Walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is free. The route is physically demanding, as it crosses hundreds of stone steps. It takes approximately 2 hours or more, depending on the visitor’s fitness level.
• Young tourists in good physical condition are ideal for walking up to Machu Picchu. An excellent way to save money is to walk down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Since it is downhill, this walk is easier. It takes approximately 1 hour, depending on the stops you make.

Buy Supplies and Snacks in Cusco

• Because Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are located in areas accessible only by train, basic travel items such as snacks, drinks, rain ponchos, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent are more expensive there.
• Therefore, it is highly recommended to buy basic travel supplies for Machu Picchu in the city of Cusco, where prices are lower compared to Aguas Calientes.
• For example, a bottle of water costs approximately 1 sol in Cusco. In Aguas Calientes, it costs 2 soles. A rain poncho costs 2 soles in Cusco and 5 soles at the entrance of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu local train

Hire a Shared Tour Guide Service

• A tour guide at Machu Picchu is not mandatory. However, to have a complete experience at the Inca city, it is recommended to hire one.
• Tour guides can be hired online or at the entrance of Machu Picchu. There are two types of services: shared and private.
• The private service is exclusive for a group of friends, family, couple, etc. The cost can reach 100 soles per group.
• The shared service, on the other hand, gathers people from different groups to share the guided tour. The cost is approximately 15 soles per person.
• The shared service is usually available in Spanish or English. The duration is 2 hours or more. The guide helps tourists follow the correct route without issues. It is highly recommended.

Are You Peruvian? Take the Local Train

• Peruvian tourists have several benefits when visiting Machu Picchu, such as discounts on entrance tickets or bus fares.
• However, the greatest benefit for Peruvians is the possibility of taking the Peru Rail local train.
• The local train is a non-touristic service that departs from Ollantaytambo and arrives in Aguas Calientes in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The cost of this service is only 12 soles (24 soles for round trip).
• The local train is offered for people who travel daily between towns near Machu Picchu. Peruvians can also purchase this ticket in person using their national ID. Availability is limited, so tickets should be bought about 1 week in advance.
• Touristic train tickets cost between $120 and $900 (round trip) depending on the type of service chosen.

Photos of Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How much does the entrance to Machu Picchu cost?

  There are different prices depending on your nationality, age, and student status. Peruvians, Colombians, Ecuadorians, and Bolivians have reduced rates, as do university students under 25 and children under 18. Children under 3 enter for free.

• 2) How far in advance should I buy my ticket?

  Ideally, one month before your visit. However, for the most popular routes, like the classic route, book three months in advance. If you cannot get a ticket online, you can still try purchasing tickets daily in Aguas Calientes, though this option is recommended only as a last resort.

• 3) What is the cheapest route to Machu Picchu?

  The Hidroeléctrica route is the budget-friendly option. It involves a car trip from Cusco to Santa María, then to Santa Teresa, followed by a short journey to Hidroeléctrica, from where you walk about two hours to Aguas Calientes.

• 4) How long does the Hidroeléctrica route take?

  The total trip from Cusco takes just over 7 hours to reach Aguas Calientes. It is recommended to stay overnight at a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu. Although longer than the train, the route offers beautiful landscapes and allows you to save a significant amount of money.

• 5) Where can I eat cheaply in Aguas Calientes?

  The best option is the town’s main market. You can find full menus for 8–10 soles, including delicious typical dishes like fried trout, lomo saltado, or stews. It’s an affordable and very authentic way to enjoy the local cuisine.

• 6) Is it expensive to stay in Aguas Calientes?

  Not necessarily; there are many accommodations for all budgets. To save money, consider staying in hostels or small hotels that offer budget-friendly rooms. Staying overnight in Santa Teresa is also a good option if you are traveling via the Hidroeléctrica route.

• 7) Is it worth walking to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, if you are in good physical condition. The walk from Aguas Calientes takes about two hours, is free, and can save you money. It is recommended to do it when descending, as the route is easier and quicker without major physical demands.

• 8) Do Peruvians have any benefits for visiting Machu Picchu?

  Yes, in addition to discounts on entrance tickets and bus fares, Peruvians can take the PeruRail local train. This service costs only 12 soles per trip (24 soles round trip), but tickets must be purchased in person with a national ID. It’s an excellent option to save money if you are a resident.

• 9) Is it safe to travel the alternative route or walk to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, as long as you take basic precautions. The Hidroeléctrica route is well-traveled by locals and travelers, and the path to Machu Picchu is well-marked. Wear proper footwear, bring enough water, and avoid walking at night.

• 10) What is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu if I want to save money?

  We recommend traveling in the low season, between November and March. During these months, you’ll find better prices for accommodation, transportation, and tours. Keep in mind that it is the rainy season, so bring waterproof clothing or a poncho in case of rain.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Peter B.

“The Incas!“

“First of all, tickets sell out quickly, so you should buy them well in advance. I enjoyed the view from Huayna Picchu. Highly recommended!“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 13, 2025