The dazzling Inca citadel is a jewel of the modern world and one of the best tourist attractions of recent times. The Machu Picchu location is in Cusco, but there is no direct road to get there. Although this journey is often magical and enchanting, it can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time. Furthermore, one of the most frequently asked questions is about the cost of traveling to Machu Picchu.
Consequently, the Machu Travel Peru team has crafted a short article detailing the costs you should consider. Of course, there are expenses we can’t ignore, but it will also depend on your interests. Here, you will find a detailed description of what to consider when planning your next adventure. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry, the Machu Picchu tour is within everyone’s reach.
Complete budget for visiting the Peruvian Inca citadel
- Ticket prices and reservations
- Transportation
- Tour guides
- Hotels
- Food
- Additional activities
- Final budget
- Frequently asked questions
Ticket prices and reservations
Starting your planning and estimating how much you’ll spend can be a bit complicated. However, the first and most important decision is when you want to travel. Prices will vary depending on the month you decide to embark on your adventure. Likewise, there are two main seasons: the dry season (high tourist season) and the rainy season (low tourist season).
The best time to visit Machu Picchu will depend on what you want to see and the conditions in which you want to do so. Prices during the dry season are slightly higher and require booking, especially for the tickets to Machu Picchu. Entrances are limited, and their price depends on the circuit you choose. Additionally, they only allow entry to a specific route; below is an approximate overview of prices:
| Foreign | Peruvian | Countries CAN | ||||
| Prices in USD | Adult | Child | Adult | Child | Adult | Child |
| Circuit 1 Panoramic | $44 – $58 | $20 – $34 | $19 – $32 | $10 – $23 | $19 – $32 | $10 – $23 |
| Circuit 2 Classic circuit | $44 | $20 | $10 – $19 | $5 – $10 | $10 – $19 | $5 – $10 |
| Circuit 3 Machu Picchu royalty | $44 – $57 | $20 – $34 | $19 – $32 | $10 – $23 | $19 – $32 | $10 – $23 |
Transportation
Once you’ve secured your ticket to Machu Picchu and have a clear idea of when you’ll be traveling, the next step is to arrange transportation. As mentioned above, getting to Machu Picchu isn’t as simple as there’s no direct flight there. Additionally, your choice of transport will impact costs. However, many tourists opt for the traditional route, as outlined below:
International Flight to Lima
International flights to Lima, Peru’s capital, vary greatly in price depending on the departure point and season. However, we recommend booking at least three months in advance. Moreover, capitalizing on early-week discounts and price changes will be crucial. For example, if you’re coming from the United States and considering these suggestions, you can find round-trip flights starting at $450.
Lima to Cusco
The next step is to take a flight to the imperial city of Cusco. This is the closest airport to Machu Picchu mountain and is the gateway to thousands of tourists. The advantage is that there are several flights in that direction, and with equally wide prices. However, here are some estimates to consider:
| Flight price with hand luggage | Lima to Cusco | Cusco to Lima | Total price |
| LATAM Airline | >$105 | >$120 | >$225 |
| SKY Airline | >$90 | >$150 | >$240 |
| Jetsmart | >$110 | >$130 | >$240 |
Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Once in Cusco, you’ll find several options to get to Aguas Calientes, the closest destination to the Inca citadel. The most popular option is to take a train to Machu Picchu, but some people opt for adventurous alternatives. We recommend the first option if it’s your first time, as it will allow you to enjoy the Andes from a different perspective. Below are some reference train ticket prices:
| From Cusco | From Ollantaytambo | |||
| Round-trip services | Economy | Luxury | Economy | Luxury |
| Inca Rail | $154 | $620 | $142 | $610 |
| PeruRail | $150 | $1140 | $136 | $1140 |
Remember, if you choose to take the train from Ollantaytambo, you’ll need to take private transportation to get to this train station. Getting from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is easy and takes no more than two hours. During the journey, you’ll be able to enjoy the Sacred Valley and reduce your travel costs to Machu Picchu. The price of the transfer ranges from $6 to more.
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes is ideal for resting and recharging before your journey to this world wonder. Once here, you’ll find yourself practically at the foot of the historical complex. Likewise, it’s not long before you reach the Inca citadel, but we’re still a few kilometers from the entrance to Machu Picchu. Here are the options for reaching the archaeological site:
- Hike from Aguas Calientes: For those on a budget, this is the best option. Hiking toward the entrance to Machu Picchu is free. However, you’ll need to consider the time of day, as after 11 a.m., it can be a challenging hike.
- Bus to Machu Picchu: The 6-kilometer uphill trail from the town can be challenging. For those who want to avoid it, it’s best to take a bus to avoid fatigue and save energy. You must book round-trip tickets for $24 in advance.
Tour guide
Once you arrive at the Inca citadel, having your Machu Picchu tickets won’t be enough; you’ll need a licensed guide. The entrance price does not include the guide. However, you can hire a private one at the entrance for $40. Nevertheless, you can make a group tour for a lower price; the maximum one in the group would be 6.
Hotels
Well, we’ve reached one of the most complicated aspects, and that’s lodgings. While it’s true that you can reach Machu Picchu in a single day, it’s not the most advisable option. Altitude sickness is a problem for many tourists, preventing them from completing their journey in just one day. Furthermore, Cusco and Machu Picchu, and Peru in general, have a lot to offer.
The best suggestion if you only want to visit Machu Picchu is to take at least a day to acclimatize. Therefore, finding accommodation will be essential to rest and recharge. You can find hotels from Lima to Machu Picchu with a wide variety of prices and facilities. From luxury hotels and resorts to budget hotels, we present some of the estimated prices below:
| Accommodation type | |
| Luxury hotels | From $450 per night |
| Mid-range | From $105 per night |
| Budget hostels | From $35 per night |
Food
Another aspect to consider is food, especially in Peru, a country emblematic of South American gastronomy. People know this place for its delicious and varied cuisine, and you will find a multitude of culinary options. From restaurants with signature dishes to street food, you should encourage yourself to try the local cuisine. With so many options, it can be a bit confusing, but below are some approximate prices (per meal):
- Appetizers: From $6
- Main Dishes: From $15
- Fast Food: From $10
- Desserts: From $8
- Drinks: From $4
- Street Food: From $4
Additional activities
As we’ve seen, there are several aspects to consider before arriving at Machu Picchu, from transportation to meals. However, many people will be willing to complement their adventure with other moments. From connecting further with its rich culture to visiting other natural sites, Peru has a lot to offer. Needless to say, this will increase your cost of Machu Picchu, but we’re sure it will be completely worth it.
- The Sacred Valley is often a must-see for its beautiful green landscapes and rich Inca history. You can find tours starting at $40 per person that help you discover some of its main tourist attractions. The most popular are the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray archaeological site.
- Many historical sites, such as churches and museums, are must-sees on the plans of hundreds of tourists. During your tour, you’ll find a wide variety of options. Admission to these sites typically ranges between $4 and $9. However, you can purchase a Tourist Ticket for $43, which allows you to visit many places and is valid for 10 days.
- Nightlife is also another expense you may not have seen coming. Those who love festivities and special days will enjoy Cusco, especially in June. For example, clubbing tickets start at $10, and cocktails are around $8. Your budget will depend on how many times you plan to enjoy these activities.
- Some adventurous travelers choose to hike the Inca Trail, one of the most famous trekking routes in South America. Visitors must secure prior authorization to access this trek. Costs vary since agencies set their own fees.
Final budget
As we’ve been saying, the budget varies greatly because it depends on how and what you want to experience at Machu Picchu. While there are fixed costs, such as the train to Aguas Calientes, with good planning, you can achieve a budget-friendly friendly. However, below is an estimated Machu Picchu cost for one person:
- Low budget: Backpackers usually spend $80 per day. This includes hostels, local food, public transport, and basic tours. That adds to around $350 for travel, not including flights.
- Mid-range budget: With a moderate budget, you’ll need about $150 per day. This would cover private rooms, better meals, nightlife, drinks, and more complete tours. The total cost for a week would be about $500.
- High budget: With a higher budget, you can enjoy the best Peru has to offer. These include top restaurants, private tours, luxury hotels, and more. Expect to spend over $250 per day, which is around $1,050 for the experience.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Machu Picchu so expensive?
Some believe that getting to Machu Picchu is expensive because it requires several reservations. The reality is that it isn’t; the Inca Citadel is the cheapest compared to other destinations. You can find an option that fits your budget, of course, if you book well in advance. Last-minute visits are usually the most expensive because of hotel reservations, expensive flights, or other conditions.
Is it necessary to be in good physical condition to go to Machu Picchu?
No, there are accessible routes that don’t require much physical effort. Machu Picchu provides trails that cater to various fitness levels. However, acclimatization is an important factor to consider because it can be somewhat demanding, especially on the first day. We also recommend visiting a doctor before your trip to assess the effort you will be using.
How many days are needed for Machu Picchu?
As we mentioned before, avoiding altitude sickness is essential for visiting the Inca citadel. We recommend a 2- to 3-day trip to Machu Picchu, including transportation time to meals, among other things.
But how much does a 7-day trip to Peru cost?
Depending on your travel style and season, the cost of going to Machu Picchu can vary. It can range from $600 to $2,000 per person. Likewise, the budget is also to take into account the hotel type, transportation, and activities.
“SEEING SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME WILL SHOW YOU ITS TRUE BEAUTY”
Machu Picchu is a fairly accessible attraction for visitors from all over the world. Taking its exciting trails and seeing its enchanting ruins are worth every penny. Therefore, the Machu Travel Peru team hopes to have given you a small insight into your next trip’s cost. For more details, you can consult with our advisors; they will be happy to assist you.
Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one! Contact us today to plan your dream adventure!
