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How Much Does a Trip to Machu Picchu Cost in 2026?

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How Much Does a Trip to Machu Picchu Cost in 2026?

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.

 

Machu Picchu 2026: Ticket Prices, Tour Costs & Travel Expenses

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.

 

Machu Picchu Trip Costs in 2026

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:

 

trip to Machu Picchu cost

Machu Picchu by train

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.

 

Peru Rail Ticket 2026: Round-Trip: Route Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Train 2026 Price
Luxury Hiram Bingham US$ 1200
Observatory Vistadome US$ 290
Vistadome US$ 220
Expedition US$ 190

 

Inca Rail Ticket 2026: Round-Trip: Route Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Train 2026 Price
First Class US$ 850
360° Train Machu Picchu US$ 250
Voyager train US$185

 

Why is visiting Machu Picchu so expensive?

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.

 

 

 

See Machu Picchu Trips Cost

 

 

Places to Eat in Machu Picchu 

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). 

 

cost to visit machu picchu

 

Transport

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 

 

Machu Picchu 2026: Ticket prices

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.

  • Adult: USD 70
  • Student: 41 USD 

Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu and Great Carven

Route: Circuit 3 - A and 3 - C

  • Adult: 86 USD 
  • Student: 57 USD 

Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunko and Inca Bridge 

Route: Circuit 1 - A, 1 - C and 1 - D.

  • Adult: 86 USD 
  • Student: 57 USD 

Book Machu Picchu hike at www.machupicchu.gob.pe 

 

Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes train 

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.

 

Are train tickets cheaper from Ollantaytambo?

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.

 

Buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

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

 

Machu Picchu tour guide cost 

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.

 

Machu Picchu tour guide cost

 

Travel From Cusco To Machu Picchu

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 Guides

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.

 

Air or land flights to Cusco 

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: Cusco and Machu Picchu Trips

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

 

Machu Picchu Full day Trips

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!

The Machu Picchu day tour includes:

  • Pre-briefing (our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing)
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
  • Professional bilingual Tour Guide;
  • Transportation by a tourist bus Cusco-Ollantaytambo-Cusco;
  • A Machu Picchu train tour round trip (to choose your class, please check the Prices section); 
  • A shuttle bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - a round trip.

In addition, you can pick your train option, as well as choose to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain.

 

Machu Picchu Mountain

 

Machu Picchu Multi-Day Tour

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

2-Days Machu Picchu Trips

 

2 days Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Trips

 

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 02Finally the expected moment of the Machu Picchu two day tour arrived: You will visit the inca citadel of Machu Picchu

 

3-Days Machu Picchu Trips

Machu Picchu Trips 4 Days

 

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

 

4-Day Machu Picchu Trips

4 days Machu Picchu Trips

 

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.

 

 

Machu Picchu travel packages

Guided trips to Machu Picchu

 

 

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The Responsible People foundation is registered under the Peruvian Non-Profit Organization Act. With an annual contribution from Inca Trail Machu, we support our operating costs as well as a significant portion of project development costs.
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