What is the Cost of Visiting Machu Picchu? An Ultimate Guide for 2025
Machu Picchu, the famous Incan fortress perched high in Peru’s Andes Mountains, is one of the globe’s most frequented and breathtaking archaeological destinations. Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it attracts adventurers from around the world. However, what will it truly set you back to visit Machu Picchu in 2025? The cost is multifaceted, incorporating various elements: admission fees, travel expenses, guides, accommodation, and more.
This guide details all expenses and arrangements involved to help you confidently plan your journey to Machu Picchu.
1. Admission Ticket Costs and Routes
In 2025, Machu Picchu has multiple ticket selections based on your chosen route. Here are the prices:
- Citadel Only (Route 1): 152 soles (~$40 USD)
- Citadel + Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: 200 soles (~$55 USD)
- Student Prices: 77–125 soles (~$21–$35 USD)
Tickets should be booked in advance via the official government site (available in Spanish only) or through authorized sellers. You will need to select a specific entry time and route, with a maximum duration of four hours permitted on-site.
Key Considerations:
- Daily visitor capacity has risen to 5,600 in 2025.
- Waynapicchu tickets are often sold out several months ahead—plan accordingly!
- Every visitor must be accompanied by a certified guide.
2. Guide Accompaniment Necessity
Since 2019, it’s mandatory for all visitors to be with a guide. This cost is not part of the ticket price. Independent travelers have the option to hire a guide upon arrival or reserve one in advance.
- Private guide: $25–$60 per group
- Group excursions: Generally included in package deals
If you’re traveling alone, this can significantly elevate your expense unless you join a group.
3. The Shuttle to the Entrance
To access the Machu Picchu entrance from Aguas Calientes (the nearby town), you will need to take a shuttle bus:
- Round-trip bus fare: $24–$34 USD
- One-way fare: $12–$17 USD
Though hiking up or down is technically an option, the path is steep, dusty, and poorly marked. Most travelers prefer the bus.
4. Arriving in Aguas Calientes
There are no roads leading to Aguas Calientes, so you can only get there by train or on foot.
Train Alternatives:
- Peru Rail or Inca Rail (Cusco to Aguas Calientes): $55–$100 one way
- Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: $38–$70 one way
- Luxury Hiram Bingham Train: ~$1,000 round trip
Budget Option:
You can take a bus from Cusco to the hydroelectric facility, followed by a 2–3 hour hike to Aguas Calientes. This method costs about $50 total but is less comfortable and takes more time.
5. Accommodation Expenses
Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo provide a variety of lodging options:
- Economical hostels: $10–$20 per night
- Mid-range accommodations: $30–$70 per night
- Luxury lodgings: $200–$1,000+ per night
Staying overnight grants you the chance to explore the ruins early or late in the day, helping you dodge the largest crowds.
6. Overall Expense for a Machu Picchu Trip
Here’s an approximate summary of what you might expect to pay:
Budget Traveler (Self-Planned):
- Admission