Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site at 2,430 metres above sea level. Here’s where the money actually goes when you plan a visit.
1. Entry fees:
Adult tickets range from roughly $50 for the main Llaqta ticket (Circuits 1-3) up to $70-75 with Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Children, students and Andean Community residents get lower rates. The official source is the Ministry of Culture; Peruways resells with the chain bundled.
2. Train:
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is 1h40. Expedition (budget) starts around $70 one-way; Vistadome and Inca Rail 360 run $90-120; Belmond Hiram Bingham, which includes lunch and entry, is $500-700. Round-trip from Poroy outside Cusco adds roughly $20-30 each way.
3. Inca Trail permits:
The classic 4-day trek runs about $700-1,000 per person all-in, including permit, porters, meals, camping and guides. Permits are capped at 500 trekkers per day (about 200 are tourists; the rest are porters and staff) and sell out 2-6 months ahead.
4. Guides:
Licensed guides at the citadel are $25-40 per person for a shared two-hour group, or $120-180 for a private guide.
5. Hotels in Aguas Calientes:
Budget rooms from $40, mid-range $80-150, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge next to the citadel gate from $800+.
6. Consettur bus:
Aguas Calientes to the citadel gate is $24 round trip. Prebook — the morning queue in dry season adds 30-45 minutes if you don’t.
7. Plan ahead:
Entry slots, trains and Inca Trail permits sell out 2-3 months out in high season (June-September). Prebooking is standard, not an upgrade.
