Machu Picchu on a budget: 9 ways to save
Machu Picchu has a reputation for being expensive, and some costs are fixed. But with smart choices — above all how you get there and when you go — you can see it for much less without spoiling the experience. Here is our honest, local guide to saving money.
Where the money goes
| Item | Approximate cost | Can you save? |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance (foreign adult) | About S/163 (≈US $45) | Only with a student discount |
| Train, round trip | Roughly US $120–250 | Yes — the biggest saving |
| Bus to the citadel, round trip | Around US $24 | Yes, by walking |
| Guide, transfers and hotel | Varies | Yes, in a group |
9 ways to save
- Go by car via Hidroeléctrica. A long drive and an 11 km flat walk along the railway replace the train. Our 2-day tour by car costs from US $209, with entrance, guide and hotel. Details in Machu Picchu by car.
- If you take the train, choose the basic class and less popular times; prices vary a lot by schedule.
- Walk up from Aguas Calientes instead of taking the bus: about an hour and a half of steep stone steps. Take the bus down if your legs are tired.
- Travel in the shoulder or rainy season. Trains and hotels are often cheaper outside June to August.
- Bring your student card. Students with a valid card get a reduced entrance price.
- Join a group tour rather than a private one: the guide and transport are shared.
- Sleep and eat simply in Aguas Calientes. Lunch menus away from the main square are much cheaper.
- Carry water and snacks from Cusco; prices rise near the citadel.
- Do not save on the wrong things. Book the right circuit, check the name on your ticket and allow time for connections — tickets are non-refundable, and mistakes are the most expensive thing of all.
Machu Picchu on a budget, all arranged
By car via Hidroeléctrica, with entrance, guide and hotel — from US $209.
Train or car: which suits you?
The route by car saves money but takes most of a day each way, with a walk of about two and a half hours. The train is faster and more comfortable. If your time is short, our Machu Picchu day tour by train (from US $375) is the most efficient option; if you have three or four days and a tighter budget, the car route is excellent value. Compare all options in how to get to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
The route by car via Hidroeléctrica, followed by an 11 km walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes.
Yes. A stone stairway climbs to the entrance in about an hour and a half; it is steep but saves the bus fare.
Yes, students with a valid card pay a reduced entrance price. Bring the card on the day.
Outside the June to August peak, when trains and hotels are often cheaper.
With the car route, a 2-day trip with entrance, guide and hotel starts from US $209 with us.
