Few places offer the magic and deep connection to nature that Peru does. From the moment you set foot in Machu Picchu, you'll understand why it’s considered a wonder of wonders—yet another testament to the Inca Empire's architectural prowess. Here, nature and history come together to dazzle us.
Due to its remote location, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the Spanish conquerors, remaining an untouched wonder until Hiram Bingham revealed its existence to the world. Paradise was found here, in Cusco.
When planning your trip, the first thing to check is the availability of tickets to enter the citadel. The maximum daily visitor capacity is 4,500 during the low season and 5,500 during the high season. Additionally, 1,000 last-minute tickets are available in Aguas Calientes. You can purchase these tickets through the Ministry of Culture’s authorized agencies or through Inca Trail Machu, an official tour operator.
We offer the best Machu Picchu tours for 2026, including options that involve the classic Inca Trail.
Today, Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s most important tourist attractions, receiving thousands of visitors every day. However, the entrance to Machu Picchu has a limited capacity, and during the high season, many tourists are unable to visit the Inca citadel due to sold-out tickets.
In 2026, Machu Picchu is expected to be the top tourist destination in Peru. According to MINCETUR (Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism), over four million tourists are expected to visit. However, the site's capacity will not be able to accommodate such high demand. That’s why we recommend reserving your ticket well in advance.
Note: Peru has built a new international airport with the capacity to receive thousands of tourists. This new infrastructure will help increase the number of visitors to Machu Picchu.
There are several ways to travel to Machu Picchu. The most popular and comfortable option is by train. For a more adventurous experience, you can trek or hike to reach Machu Picchu, or you can take the Amazon Route. This route is long and usually involves heavy travel. Here are the details:
If you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu by train in 2026, please note that train companies typically raise their prices annually. For a one-way trip of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, prices can rise to over S/555 soles or U$ 200 round trip. For a luxury experience on the Hiram Bingham train, expect to pay over US$600 or S/2,250 one way or back.
Currently, a round trip on the most affordable schedule (departing at 5:00 a.m. and returning at 6:00 p.m.) on the Expedition train costs around US$ 190 or S/ 712.50. . Additional costs include: S/ 180 for transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back, S/ 45 for the bus to Machu Picchu, S/ 153 for the entry ticket to Machu Picchu, and S/ 20 for the SERNANP fee. Bank transaction fees are not included.
Travelers from Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia are eligible for a discount, paying only S/ 60 for the Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
| Machu Picchu Train 2026 | Price |
| Luxury Hiram Bingham | US$ 1200 |
| Observatory Vistadome | US$ 290 |
| Vistadome | US$ 220 |
| Expedition | US$ 190 |
| Machu Picchu Train 2026 | Price |
| First Class | US$ 850 |
| 360° Train Machu Picchu | US$ 250 |
| Voyager train | US$185 |
There are several reasons why a visit to Machu Picchu has become more expensive, one of which is the train service. PeruRail and Inca Rail are the two companies that operate the railway to Machu Picchu and have contracts with the Peruvian state. However, these contracts do not include any regulations to control or cap ticket prices. As a result, these companies raise their prices every year, often significantly, hurting travelers, local travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism businesses.
Many consider these companies to be acting unfairly, especially during the high tourist season when prices can increase by more than 100%. Unfortunately, the Peruvian government has not taken action to regulate these price hikes. The government seems more focused on its own interests, leaving travel agencies and visitors to bear the burden of visiting one of the world’s wonders. These are some of the most expensive train tickets in South America.
The second major factor is the entry ticket to Machu Picchu itself. Knowing that Machu Picchu is Peru’s most visited attraction, the Peruvian government has added new charges to the ticket price, in addition to the base cost and taxes. One such fee is the landscape use charge, administered by SERNANP (the National Service of Natural Protected Areas), which is now included in the total ticket price and further increases the cost of visiting the site.
Despite the high revenues generated, the government appears to focus primarily on financial gain, with little investment in preserving or improving the Inca citadel. Additionally, there are ongoing labor issues at the archaeological site. Workers frequently go on strike due to low wages or breaches of labor agreements, which disrupts visits and highlights deeper problems in the management of this cultural treasure.
The maximum savings and good food are found in the market: breakfasts from 4 to 6 soles (1.5 to 2 dollars), lunch from 8 to 10 soles (2.5 to 3.5 dollars). The fruit juices are very good and they serve you in jars, from 3 to 6 soles ($ 1 to $ 2). The further you move away from the main square, you will see several trolleys selling emollient, juices, and bread. On my last trip, I saved at breakfast because I had super nutritious quinoa with an apple that costs 1 to 1.5 soles and my bread with avocado or sweet potato (1 sun each). It is the breakfast that many Peruvians take, not only in Cusco but throughout Peru.
Restaurants near the main square with menus from 10 to 25 soles (3.5 to 7 dollars).
Taxis airport - city: within the 60 soles apt, outside you can get 20 soles
Taxis within the city: 6 soles (1.8 dollars)
Cusco to Ollantaytambo: in van 40 soles ($ 11.00) per person
Cusco to Pisac: 10 soles by bus
There are several types and prices of tickets to Machu Picchu.
Macchu Picchu Circuits
Route: Circuit 1 - B, Circuits 2 - A and 2 - B, Circuits 3 -B.
Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu and Great Carven
Route: Circuit 3 - A and 3 - C
Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunko and Inca Bridge
Route: Circuit 1 - A, 1 - C and 1 - D.
Book Machu Picchu hike at www.machupicchu.gob.pe
Prices for foreigners and tourists on the train vary from $85 to over $150 for one way. Prices vary according to the schedule and services.
No, train tickets from Ollantaytambo with PeruRail and Inca Rail are the same price—and sometimes more expensive. Prices for the 2026 Machu Picchu train tickets are expected to increase by around 20% from both the Ollantaytambo and Poroy stations.
If you are in a savings plan you can go on foot. The road is well marked and steep. The final time will depend on your pace of walking.
Round trip ticket: US $ 24 dollars
One Way ticket: US $ 12 dollars
A private tour guide costs approximately S/ 259 for a Machu Picchu guided tour. You can also hire a guide at the entrance of Machu Picchu and wait to join a group, which costs around S/92.50 per person.
By bus plus walk 344 soles which is the sum of 80 soles in public transport along the Santa Teresa route round trip, plus 152 soles of entry, plus 77 soles of the bus to Machu Picchu (round trip), more than 35 soles of accommodation for 1 night in Aguas Calientes (approximate price in bed in a shared room). If they go up and down on foot it is reduced to 267 soles. If they are from Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia their budget is reduced to 256 soles
Cusco is the mecca of tourism in Peru. It offers a wide range of activities that you can enjoy with a tour operator or on your own. If you plan to visit Inca sites or explore Cusco, we recommend going with a tour guide. A knowledgeable guide will provide valuable information about the culture and traditions and ensure that you don't miss anything in the ancient capital of the Incas.
Some of the most popular tours begin in Cusco. The top two are Rainbow Mountain and the Sacred Valley, both of which are known for their stunning natural beauty. Other great options include the Cusco City Tour, the South Valley Tour, and the Maras Salt Mines Tour. All of these tours can be booked through a tour operator.
Flights from Lima to Cusco or other cities in Peru can be expensive if booked at the last minute. However, if you book in advance, you may find cheaper prices. There are only three airlines currently operating flights to Cusco. The most well-known are LATAM and Sky Airline. Avianca also offers flights, but only from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia.
If you choose to travel by bus, the journey from Lima to Cusco takes around 20 to 21 hours. Prices vary depending on the type of service. For a more comfortable trip, we recommend Cruz del Sur and Oltursa, which offer some of the best long-distance services in Peru.
Inca trail Machu Offers a large number of guided tours to Machu Picchu.
You can take a 1-day tour or if you have more time to explore, a multi-day trip to see the best places. Prices start at $320.00 USD, however we have discounts for groups, students and children
Trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco, you can appreciate the land spaces of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Sub-tropical flora and fauna as well as lovely sceneries closer to Machu Picchu! Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes (a small town just below Machu Picchu), you get on a tourist shuttle bus taking you just in front of the entrance of this unique Incan citadel!
In addition, you can pick your train option, as well as choose to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.
Choose one of our multi-day tours to Machu Picchu, this package has several activities to do, such as visiting chincheros, walking through the rainbow mountain and discovering the best attractions of Cusco
The highlight of these tours is reaching the majestic view of Machu Picchu
Highlights: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour
Price: USD$ 450.00
Day 01: After a free time we will continue our trip to the village of Urubamba, where we will have a delicious Buffet of varied dishes.
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour continues with a visit to the last living Inca city Ollantaytambo. tour to Machu Picchu
Day 02: Finally the expected moment of the Machu Picchu two day tour arrived: You will visit the inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Highlights: City Tour Cuzco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Price: USD$ 640.00
Day 01:The rest of the morning is free so you can relax, have some coca tea (a natural tea of coca leaves and the best tool against altitude sickness) or just walk around the city´s centre and visit some Colonial churches and ancient streets.
Day 02:Today the guide picks you up from the hotel in the morning to visit Sacred Valley Peru that was an important source of food to the Incas.
Day 03:Machu Picchu is both, the best and the least known site of the Incas as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador´s chronicle so that contemporary archaeologists can not do anything more than just speculate on its functions
Highlights: City Tour Cuzco, Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Price: USD$ 570.00
Day 01:When you arrive in Cusco, one of our representatives will wait for you to take you to your hotel. Arriving at the hotel, after check-in, you will have the morning free to rest a little after the flight and drink a coca tea to prevent altitude sickness.
Day 02:The tour starts picking you up from your hotel at 7:30 a.m. approximately to tour the Sacred Valley. First, we will visit Pisac town famous for its crafts, where we will also visit its archaeological center.
Day 03:The highlight of every Cusco Peru trip awaits you very early in the morning: Off to Machu Picchu!
Day 04:Fantastic landscapes await hikers on Rainbow Mountain. But beware, trekking in Peru is not easy. The high altitudes can often make walking very difficult.
+51 84 217 551
+51 997 434 941
Av Tupac Amaru PP-10B, Santiago, Cusco, Peru
info@incatrailmachu.com
www.incatrailmachu.com
