cheapest way to visit machu picchu
BUDGET TRIPS TO MACHU PICCHU
This article is your ticket to Machu Picchu! It’s for all those travelers, both male and female, planning a trip to this beautiful destination but don’t have a lot of money to spend.
Entrance Fees to Machu Picchu
It’s crucial to know the entrance fees to access the Machu Picchu sanctuary. Regardless of the season, ticket prices for Machu Picchu remain constant. No discounts or deals are available. Prices are as follows:
Tickets for Foreigners:
| Ticket Type | Price (S/) | Price (Approx. $) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Foreigner Ticket | 152.00 | 42.00 |
| Foreign Student Ticket | 77.00 | 22.00 |
| Foreign Minor Ticket | 70.00 | 20.00 |
Tickets for Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and Peruvians:
| Ticket Type | Price (S/) | Price (Approx. $) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Ticket for Andean Community and Peruvians | 64.00 | 18.00 |
| Student & Minor Ticket for Andean Community and Peruvians | 32.00 | 9.00 |
Note: The Andean Community tariff applies to visitors from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The minor fare applies to all visitors aged between 3 and 17 years. Children under 2 years old enter Machu Picchu for free.
Economical Train Tickets to Machu Picchu
The train is the primary means to access Machu Picchu from Cusco. Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail offer services and regularly have promotions on their social media and websites. Thus, you can get a good deal if you stay informed.
Trains to Machu Picchu, ranked from cheapest to most expensive by Peru Rail:
| Train Type | Price Range | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Local Train | Cheapest | Peru Rail |
| Expedition Train | Moderate | Peru Rail |
| Vistadome Train | Expensive | Peru Rail |
| Hiram Bingham Train | Very Expensive | Peru Rail |
Trains to Machu Picchu, ranked from cheapest to most expensive by IncaRail:
| Train Type | Price Range | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| THE VOYAGER | Cheapest | IncaRail |
| THE 360° | Economical | IncaRail |
| THE PREMIUM & LOUNGE | Moderate | IncaRail |
| THE FIRST CLASS | Expensive | IncaRail |
| THE PRIVATE | Very Expensive | IncaRail |
Look out for special sales events like Cyberwow or Black Friday, as both Peru Rail and Inka Rail often release limited-time offers during these periods.
For local Peruvian travelers, the local train is an excellent choice, costing only 12 soles one way. However, securing a local train ticket can be challenging and stressful.
Affordable Bus Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
There are two essential bus routes you should consider on your journey. The first is from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. There are two main ways to get here:
Taking intercity transportation from Pavitos Street in Cusco to Ollantaytambo station costs approximately S/12.00 per trip.
If you’ve booked a Sacred Valley tour, you can conclude your tour in Ollantaytambo instead of Cusco. From there, you can head to the Ollantaytambo train station and catch your train to Machu Picchu town.
Bus Prices from Machu Picchu Town to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Entrance
This bus journey from Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu Town) to the entrance of the Machu Picchu sanctuary takes about 25 minutes.
Bus fares from Machu Picchu Town to the Machu Picchu entrance for PERUVIAN travelers are:
| Passenger Type | One Way Price ($) | Round Trip Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Peruvian Adults | 8.00 | 15.00 |
| Peruvian Students | 6.00 | 10.00 |
| Peruvian Children | 5.00 | 8.00 |
| Peruvian Guides | S/6.00 | S/12.00 |
Bus fares for FOREIGN travelers are:
| Passenger Type | One Way Price ($) | Round Trip Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Adults | 12.00 | 24.00 |
| Foreign Children | 7.00 | 12.00 |
Bus fares for CUSCO RESIDENTS, MACHU PICCHU RESIDENTS, and LOCAL GUIDES are:
| Passenger Type | One Way Price (S/) | Round Trip Price (S/) |
|---|---|---|
| Cusqueño | S/9.50 | S/19.00 |
| Machupiccheño & Local Guides | S/4.00 | S/8.00 |
These bus fares, operated by CONSETUR, are fixed with no discounts available.
To save some dollars, many travelers choose to walk part of the route. One recommended option is to walk at least one way, preferably the return leg. The reason is that the journey to the sanctuary can be challenging. Machu Picchu Town lies at 2040 meters above sea level (masl), while the sanctuary is at 2403 masl. The ascent features many steps and staircases that run alongside the road used by the buses.
Budget Accommodation for your Machupicchu Travel
We recommend staying overnight in Machu Picchu Town the day before your visit. This strategy can help you save on transportation costs if you choose to hike to Machu Picchu at dawn, eliminating the need for the CONSETUR bus fare.
Accommodations in Machu Picchu start at S/50 for two people. However, at this price, the quality of service may be basic.
Affordable Dining
Undoubtedly, in Machu Picchu Town, you can find budget-friendly dining options. In the local market, breakfast, lunch, or dinner typically costs between 7 to 10 soles per person.
Traveling to Machu Picchu on a tight budget is feasible with proper planning. By taking advantage of train deals and reasonably-priced accommodations and food, you can experience the magnificence of this world wonder without breaking the bank. Safe travels!