How to visit Machu Picchu on a budget!
Last updated on October 24th, 2026 at 05:50 am
Pretty much everyone that goes to Peru wants to visit Machu Picchu – but its not really cheap!
However, even though the standard routes using luxury trains and all-inclusive packages have fairly hefty price tags, you can be a bit smart about how you get to experience this ancient wonder – and get to still see it for much, much less by swapping trains for the Hidroeléctrica route, staying in affordable local guesthouses, and planning ahead.
Read on to find out about the exact money-saving tips, transport hacks, and budget breakdowns to get to see Machu Picchu without it breaking the bank!
PS – There is a lot of useful info for everyone in this post so even if money is not an issue – read on.
Contents
(Use this to skip ahead if you’d like to)
The basic steps to take to get to Machu Picchu
Getting to Cusco – the Machu Picchu base – on a budget
Where to stay in Cusco on a budget
Where to eat in Cusco on a budget
The cheap way to get to Machu Picchu town – or Aguas Calientes
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes on a budget
Where to eat in Aguas Calientes on a budget
How to buy your entry ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel
Which circuit should I buy for the Machu Picchu citadel
How to get to the Machu Picchu citadel on a budget
In the Machu Picchu citadel on a budget
What to do in Aguas Calientes before or after your visit to Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions about Machu Picchu
Trip Planning Checklist
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The basic steps to take to get to Machu Picchu
I found it all a bit confusing when I decided to go to Machu Picchu – different names and places and how to get there and all that. So to make it easy for you this is the what you need to do to visit Machu Picchu in easy steps:
Step 1: Travel to Peru and then on to Cusco.
Step 2: Travel to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) from Cusco. You can do this in many ways (more details below ) but in brief:
- Take a day tour – very pricey
- Go for one or two nights independently – take either the train, or, the bus and walking route (if you take the train you can make it a day trip)
- Take a guided hike – a few hundred dollars minimum
- Hike independently – a lot less dollars!
Step 3: From Aguas Calientes go to the actual Machu Picchu site. See below about buying tickets.
Step 4: Travel back to Cusco, or if you are taking the train you can stop in Ollaytatambo for a night or two and explore the area before heading back to Cusco! You can also go there a day or two before you take the train to Machu Picchu if that is the way you decide to travel there.
Getting to Cusco – the Machu Picchu base – on a budget
To get to Peru, usually you will come overland or get a flight to Lima from your country as your starting point. Check on Skyscanner here for the best flight options.
From Lima it is easy to either fly or get a bus to Cusco. There are many flights daily.
A bus will take around 22 hours direct. But the good news is that there are places to stop on the way to break up your journey!
You can do this journey as a tour – you can check out options like this or take one of these tours but then ask to stay in Huacachina and not go back to Lima – its still a great deal:
- Tour to Paracas and Huacachina in one day
- Day Tour From Lima: Paracas, Huacachina, Pisco Vineyard & Sunset
- Premium Paracas & Huacachina Day Trip from Lima with Sunset Toast
The bus from Ica (15 mins and a few dollars in a tuk-tuk from Huacachina) to Cusco takes about 15 hours which you can do overnight. Your other option is the Peru Hop bus which you can read about here.
But, personally if your main goal is to go to Cusco, I would aim to book ahead and fly as it costs about the same as the bus if you book early (I did)! And then do a day trip to Paracas and Huacachina from Lima separately with one of the tours above! Even if you don’t book early, the cost is generally not much higher or the same!
Where to stay in Cusco on a budget
There are plenty of hostels and homestays in Cusco. Check out your options here on booking.com and here on Hostelworld. But these are the ones I think you should start your search with:
- Black Llama is popular (with great communal spaces and good showers) but on the higher end of the hostel price range.
- Backpacker La Bo’M is definitely the hostel to stay in as a couple (good prices) and great for solos (smaller dorms) if you go you will see why it is so popular with its nice patio and delicious crepes for breakfast!!
- Wild Rover is the night time party hostel, has great views (although you have to walk uphill to get there) and is much better on the wallet than Black Llama.
- Also look at private homes like Liam and Max’s house – which is a fantastic price for a private room and has great reviews! Its my pick of the bunch if you don’t need the social aspect of a hostel!!
Where to eat in Cusco on a budget
The problem with Cusco is the food is great!!! Even dining at great spots like Jills Café (or brother Jack’s Café) the prices are very good compared to back home for most of us – and the food has people queueing out the door! But, if you want to keep it cheap then the best places are away from the central central tourist area – a fantastic option is to go to Mercado San Blas which is set up for cheap excellent meals and drinks.
Otherwise walk a few blocks away from any tourist site and you will find much cheaper food and of course the “menu del dia” which is often the best way to go – usually consisting of a drink, starter and main Peruvian style meal for a low price.
The cheap way to get to Machu Picchu town – or Aguas Calientes
There are two options to get to Machu Picchu town – known as Aguas Calientes. (Its the same place but gets called both – just to confuse you!) There is a train and there is another, much much cheaper, bus and walking route. There is also the option to hike to Machu Picchu of course – key hikes being the Inca Trail or the Salkantay trek!
Taking the train
If you want to take the train the best way to get cheaper fares is to book well ahead and take the standard class. (Day tours and other organised (non-hiking) tours will always take the train, so it gets booked out early at the best times of day.)
So, if you are planning ahead and booking your Machu Picchu entry ticket, then book the train as soon as you have your date and time. You can book the train with either PeruRail or Inca Rail. A standard return ticket from Cusco usually costs from around $130 to $280 per person. If you wait and book the day before, for example, there will be fewer departure times and carriage type options and you can easily end up paying $100-$150 for just one way to Ollaytatambo (half way to Cusco) and then still need to get to Cusco. Definitely not cheap!
The other thing you need to know is that the train from Cusco, is more often than not a bus to Ollaytatambo and then the train to Aguas Calientes. The bus takes about 2 hours and the train about 1 hour 45.
Note: Check early morning and latere evening departure times as they are often cheaper!
Taking the bus and walking
But the real budget way to get to Agua Calientes is the Hidroeléctrica route! However this does involve walking – nice easy walking!
This budget route involves taking a collectivo bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (which is not a town but the start of the railway line – although there are a number of little shops lining the railway line there)! Then you get out and walk 10km along the railway line to Agua Calientes which takes about 2.5 – 3 hours. I would allow more time so you can stop at one of the nice cafes along the railway tracks and take your time. Its a very enjoyable scenic walk – assuming its not pouring rain! The collectivo bus will leave Cusco early – around 6am or earlier and you will get there about 2pm to start walking. The bus costs about $15 each way.
Obviously bring your basics only – you don’t want to do this with a large heavy backpack if you don’t have to!
The cheap way to hike to Machu Picchu town – or Aguas Calientes
There are two key options to hike to Aguas Calientes. Go independently or go on a group tour. Obviously if you are on a budget you will want to go independently, and the best way to do this is on the Salkantay trek! (You can only walk the famous Inca Trail with a guide which means hiking as part of a group tour, or, hiring a private guide.)
Do not worry – it is easy peasy to follow the Salkantay trail, and because there are hospedajes on the way you don’t need to carry much at all. Of course if you have the gear and are happy to carry your tent etc then it makes it even cheaper by camping!
You can download the AllTrails maps here. (Don’t use Maps.me as its not good for this trail as someone I ended up walking with found out the hard way!)
Where to stay on the Salkantay trail
In the height of the season you probably want to book hospedajes ahead, but the rest of the year you can pretty much turn up and find somewhere to sleep. The typical places to sleep and break up the trek are Soraypampa or Soyrococha on day 1, Chaullay or Collpapampa on day 2, and Lucamabamba on day 3 before the last day to Agua Calientes.
I recommend staying at the following:
Soraypampa – Soraypampa Hostel
Collpapampa – Hanging Nests Salkantay – Collpapampa
Lucmabamba – stay at Refugio de Mery Lucmabamba – you will get the best food on the trek, hot showers, and a lovely family! There are also a couple of other great options with hot showers – Etrita Inkas Hostel and Lia B&B Lucmabamba. To be honest almost anywhere in Lucmabamba is good – for some reason they all just seem to ‘get it right’ here – the best village for sure!
Note: I absolutely do not recommend staying at the expensive and basically really bad Llactapata Lodge – despite its view. Just stop there and take in the view for a while on your way down to the railway line.
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes on a budget
There are so many options in Agua Calientes – check them out here on Hostelworld or booking.com, but I stayed at the Nativus Hostel and thought it was pretty good!
Where to eat in Aguas Calientes on a budget
Its expensive here as soon as you try and buy food – except one place! Go to the market and go upstairs to the food hall. you can get good cheap food there. That’s pretty much it – unless you go to the area near the football stadium which has restaurants with lower prices than in the main tourist streets.
How to buy your entry ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel
You have three options. Either:
- Book online way ahead of time (months) at the official site tuboleto.cultura.pe. Note you need to register with your passport details first. This is great if you are booking a holiday with set dates and times – well ahead!
- Buy a tour through Get Your Guide or Viator. I think this is one of the better value ones as it covers the Sacred Valley sites as well. You don’t have to book so far ahead!
- Line up in Agua Calientes at the Cultural Centre and buy a ticket for the next day or if they are all gone possibly two days later. You must have your physical passport with you – no photocopies or images on your phone – they will not accept them. This is what I did as I could no way plan that far ahead to buy a ticket on line! I had to wait an extra day but it was perfect as I had just done the Salkantay trek and spent a lot f the day in the hot pools!
Machu Picchu has three key ‘circuits’ and you have to choose your exact circuit when you purchase your ticket. See the next section.
Which circuit should I buy for the Machu Picchu citadel
Machu Picchu has three key ‘circuits’ – Circuit 1, 2 and 3 – which are then broken down into routes. You choose your exact circuit and route when you purchase your ticket. You also have to choose your time slot e.g. 9am.
9am is considered a good time as morning mist should have lifted, but some like to go early for sunrise too. Really it probably doesn’t matter too much.
Note that if you buy a ticket for 9am you need to have entered before 9.30am or they will most likely turn you away – you have a half hour grace period!
The circuits are:
Circuit 2
Two routes – Route A or B:
It doesn’t matter which of these 2A or 2B you buy – you go in the exact same route (so its a bit weird they even have an A or B). People always seem to want this option because you can go through the main site as well as get the picture postcard view. If you are heavily into the history of the place then, yes you should go for a Circuit 2A or B circuit. This is known as the ‘classic route.’
Circuit 1
Four routes – Routes A, B, C and D:
Route 1-A (Machu Picchu Mountain Route): Includes the upper terrace and a demanding, high-altitude mountain climb (approx. 4 hours total)
Route 1-B (Upper Terrace Route): A standard, shorter path focusing strictly on walking to the classic postcard overlook at the Guardian’s House. If you just want to see Machu Picchu and get the photo then this is a great option.
Route 1-C (Intipunku / Sun Gate Route): Walks up to the final section of the classic Inca Trail viewpoint. Only during high season (June 1–October 15). If you just want to see Machu Picchu and get a taste of what the Inca Trail hikers experience when they arrive at Machu Picchu, then this is also a great option.
Route 1-D (Inca Bridge Route): Extends out to view the historic cliffside wooden bridge. Only during high season (June 1–October 15).
Circuit 3
Four routes – Routes A, B, C and D:
You do not get the famous picture postcard view on this circuit. But if you choose 3A you will still get pretty cool views (more distant though) plus a wild hike!
Route 3-A (Waynapicchu / Huayna Picchu Mountain Route): Covers the lower ruins and guides you up the famous, steep, jagged peak directly behind the main citadel. (See this in the pic below.) As I am not a history buff – and if I knew what I know now, this would have been my first option along with Route 1A or 1C as a self-made combo. You just have to make sure you leave time for exiting from one option and re-entering on the other as the tickets are timed!
Route 3-B (Designed Royalty Route): A shorter, flatter loop tracing the imperial highlights. This is the easiest walking route and is good for visitors with limited mobility.
Route 3-C (Great Cavern Route): A strenuous trek to the Temple of the Moon on the far side of the mountain. Only during high season (June 1–October 15).
Route 3-D (Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route): Includes the lower ruins loop and a short hike up the small peak next to Huayna Picchu. Only during high season (June 1–October 15)
How to get to the Machu Picchu citadel on a budget
Most people take the quite pricey bus from Aguas Calientes up to the site entrance ($25-ish return). Buy your ticket online here, or in person in Agua Calientes here.
There is only one way to avoid this cost if you are on a budget – and that is to walk. Although its uphill a lot of the way its not hard and quite a nice little walk. It takes about 1.5-2 hours and you can find the map on AllTrails here.
The other option that saves money is to take the bus one way – up obviously – and walk back down to town, which will save half the fare making it more like $12-13.
In the Machu Picchu citadel on a budget
If you want to save more money but still be in the know, then google and AI and get all the background information about the site before you leave. Plus find out the key locations you want to see. You can of course also just stand and listen to the guides explaining things to groups or private tours – what can they do? Alternatively, if you really would like a guide, you can join with other people to share the cost – the guides are good at grouping people together at the site entrance and even better in the queue for the bus in the morning.
What to do in Aguas Calientes before or after your visit to Machu Picchu
There are three key things to do in Aguas Calientes other than shop and eat!
1. Visit the Mariposario of Machu Picchu (Butterfly farm)
Visiting the Mariposario is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours learning about and seeing so many beautiful butterflies – and enjoying the cafe. Its all very chill and just a short walk from town along the river!
2. Soak in the Thermal pools or visit the waterfall
The town is called hot water so it stands to reason there is some around. These are not rave review thermal pools but they are a reasonable price and perfectly good to while away a few hours in – I definitely did. You will find them here and at the same place you can walk up to view the Cataratas de Aguas Calientes (waterfall) – for a fee! (I didn’t as I really did not need to pay to see another waterfall.)
3. Explore the little town
The streets and markets are colorful and the trainline through the town is fun. There is a cute church – of course – and a small museum explaining much of the Machu Picchu citadel – the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum. Entry is free if you show your ticket to the citadel. There are a few murals and sculptures around the town too – including in the main square. And for a bit of fun, a “Paddington Bear photo spot” – its here if you want a photo of yourself and Paddington in deepest darkest Peru!!
Travel tips for visiting Machu Picchu!
- Get all the cash you will need in Cusco before you come. You can take out 400 a day for free at the Banco de la Nación ATMS. There are ATMs in Aguas Calientes but they charge a high fee and quite often are empty.
- Make sure you have a sunhat and a raincoat / poncho for your visit – you can have any kind of weather at the citadel.
- Keep your entry ticket to the Machu Picchu citadel and use it for free entry to the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum.
- Read the list of banned items in the FAQs below – and leave them behind when you visit the citadel.
- Bring a water filter to save on bottled water. Bring sunblock from home – its pricey here!
- Eat upstairs at the market in Agua Calientes for good budget food.
Frequently asked questions!
Qn: What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu citadel?
A: The best months are probably May and September – shoulder season from the crowds. June to August has the clearest, driest weather but means booking months in advance unless you line up for a ticket in Aguas Calientes. January to March has heavy rain so chances of a fine day are low.
Qn: What items are banned under the updated 2026 regulations?
A: Disposable plastic water bottles (reusable bottles are allowed) / backpacks larger than 20 liters / umbrellas, selfie sticks, drones, and camera tripods / trekking poles unless they have protective rubber tips / vapes or cigarettes!
Qn: What is the rule regarding entry time slots and grace periods?
A: Tickets are sold for specific hourly slots between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM. There is a strict 30-45 minute grace period at the main gate. If you miss your window due to logistics or delays, you lose your ticket!
Qn: Can I exit and re-enter the citadel to use the bathroom?
A: No – once you leave you have left for good. Make sure you ‘go’ before you enter – there are no toilets in the citadel.
Qn: Does my Inca Trail permit include entry to the Machu Picchu citadel?
A: No – Inca Trail permits do not automatically include admission to the actual Machu Picchu ruins. You must buy a completely separate entry ticket for the exact date you finish the trail. Also, trail arrivals are strictly tied to Circuit 3-B (the lower ruins), meaning if you want the classic panoramic postcard photo, you have to buy a second ticket for Circuit 1 or 2.
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