Budget for the visit to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the cheapest destinations in the world. It can be visited with a budget of 60 dollars or even less. There are many alternatives during the trip: the classic route by train, the economical route with hydropower, or even the famous 4-day Inca Trail. In short, anyone who wants to go on a luxurious trip needs a high budget. Anyone who wants to go on a cheap trip needs a small budget.

How much does a trip to Machu Picchu cost in 2023?

Trips to Machupicchu are cheaper in 2023 than in previous years. The tours and the various services have seen their costs drop due to the economic reactivation in Peru following the Covid-19 pandemic. At the end of 2020, access to the Inca wonder was even free for everyone.

This is the approximate budget if you are traveling alone:

If you are traveling with a tour operator, try to choose a travel agency with good recommendations on Internet forums. If you are traveling alone, you must purchase admission, train, and bus tickets online. You can also get a travel guide at the front door. Traveling on your own may be more advantageous than a guided tour.

In 2023, Machu Picchu authorities took some protective measures to prevent the spread of Covid 19. For example, the number of daily visitors was reduced to almost half its maximum capacity.

A guide must accompany all tourists. Finally, all the necessary protocols must be followed during the visit: Disinfection of hands and shoes, social distancing, temperature taking, and use of masks.

Previously, more than 1.5 million visitors came to Machu Picchu every year. Due to the pandemic caused by the Covid 19, the number of tourists has dropped drastically. Prices for admission, trains, buses, and tours have been drastically reduced to revive the economy and attract more visitors. In addition, Peru has received the quality seal of the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) as a “safe destination.”

One-day tour Price

The whole-day tour to Machu Picchu costs between $250 and $300 per tourist (depending on the travel agency). Most services include Hotel pick-up, transportation to Ollantaytambo, a train ride to Aguas Calientes, a final bus ride to Machu Picchu, a guide, entrance to the Inca citadel, and a return to Cusco.

Prices for multi-day excursions

The 2-day excursion to Machu Picchu is a recommended service since the visit to the Inca wonder is done more leisurely and allows the visitor to enjoy all the attractions without rushing. The two-day excursion costs between 300 and 350 US dollars per person. Included in this price: Pick up, transport by minivan, train or bus, overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, dinner, breakfast, entrance fees, guide, and return to Cusco (lunch is optional).

The 4-day Inca Trail tour is perhaps the best adventure in Machu Picchu. It includes 39 kilometers in 4 days (and three nights of rest at the camp) toward the Inca wonders. Access is through the Intipunku (the Sun Gate), which the Incas already used. This route can only be done with a tour, the cost of which varies between 550 and 650 dollars per person. Included in this price: Transport, guide, kitchen team, a team of porters, camping, entry, and return to Cusco.

Train ticket cost

Train tickets allow travel from Ollantaytambo station to the terminus of Aguas Calientes, a town located just 10 km from Machu Picchu. The journey takes almost 2 hours and crosses the magnificent landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Two companies offer this service: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both provide different types of tourist services at comparable prices. Visitors can choose the service they prefer for the round trip.

In 2023, train ticket prices will be more advantageous due to the economic reactivation in Peru. You can buy tickets online on Peru Rail’s or Inca Rail’s websites.

Here are the (approximate) ticket prices for one-way or round trip

Bus ticket cost

Bus tickets allow you to travel from the famous town of Aguas Calientes to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. This journey is about 10 kilometers long and takes about 30 minutes. All buses are eco-friendly and spacious.

In 2023, buses to Machupicchu will follow safety protocols, such as sanitizing hands and shoes before boarding the bus.

Here are the prices of the bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machupicchu

Entrance fee for Machupicchu

In 2023, the entrance price to Machu Picchu for foreign tourists will be 152 Peruvian soles (about 41 US dollars). The cost is 64 Peruvian soles per person (about 17 US dollars) for Peruvian, Colombian, Ecuadorian, or Bolivian tourists. Admission is free for children under three years old. Don’t forget that until December 31, 2023, access was free for all.

To buy your ticket, you must go to the official website of Machupicchu and choose the time that suits you. Tourist agencies also offer ticket sales for an additional commission. Remember that in the Inca city, you must respect all the sanitary protocols, such as Disinfecting hands and shoes, using a mask, and taking the temperature before entering.

As an option, visitors can visit the three mountains surrounding the Inca Citadel: Huayna Picchu (ticket price 200 Peruvian soles), Machupicchu (ticket price 200 Peruvian soles), or the new Huchuy Picchu (ticket price 152 Peruvian soles).

Here are the official prices for entry to Machu Picchu in 2023

*Peruvians or foreigners from any country.

Tour guide service

In 2023, the service of a tourist guide will be mandatory in Machu Picchu. Indeed, the focus is the one who not only gives information to visitors but also ensures that all protective measures are respected inside the archaeological site. In addition, the maximum number of visitors per group is now seven people.

All tours already include the service of a guide. If you decide to go there on your own, you can get a guide at the entrance to the archaeological site. The price varies between 5 and 15 US dollars per tourist (depending on the number of people in the group). Don’t forget that you can choose between collective and private services.

Lunch in Machupicchu

Some tours include lunch in the town of Aguas Calientes (where most of the restaurants are), while others do not. If you travel alone, you can find several restaurants in this city, which vary between 3 and 30 dollars per person. You can taste Mediterranean, French, Italian, Mexican, and Peruvian dishes (considered one of the best cuisines in the world).

Other possible expenses

During your visit to Machu Picchu, you must plan for other minor expenses, such as) public transport from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo station. The price for this service is 20 Peruvian soles ($6) one way and an additional 10 Peruvian soles for the return. You can use this service in ‘Pavitos’ street, not far from the city center.

Another additional expense to plan for is the purchase of snacks and drinks. You can buy these products in the city of Cusco (before departure) since the prices are often twice as high in Aguas Calientes. It is also advisable to bring a rain poncho, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.