Budget — Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of Peru's most expensive sites per visitor day — count minimum €120/day/person all-inclusive for the visit (entry + train + Aguas Calientes night + shuttle bus + meals + guide). Total budget for 2 dedicated days Machu Picchu (including Cusco-Ollantaytambo return) is around €250-400/person in economical-medium formula, up to €800-1,500/person in luxury (Sanctuary Lodge + Hiram Bingham train).

Main items: Machu Picchu entry ticket PEN 152 (~€38) Circuit 1 or 2, PEN 200 (~€50) Circuit + Huayna Picchu or Mountain. PeruRail/IncaRail Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes return train: Expedition class €75 one-way/€100 return, Vistadome class €130/€200 return, luxury Hiram Bingham class €500/€800 return. Consettur shuttle bus Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu entry: USD 12 return. Aguas Calientes hotel: economical €30-60/night, mid-range €80-150, charm €150-300, ultra-luxury Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo €350-550. Sanctuary Lodge (only hotel at site entrance): €1,500-2,500/night. Mandatory local guide: €35-50 for 2-5 people (to organize on site or via Cusco agency).

Ancillary items: Cusco-Ollantaytambo taxi/bus return €60-80, meals at Aguas Calientes €20-40/person (expensive and average quality), breakfast included at hotel, guide tips USD 5-10/person.

For 4-day Inca Trail: all-inclusive package USD 600-900/person (permit + guide + porters + tents + meals + return train + Machu Picchu entry) depending on agency. Recommended agencies: SAS Travel, Llama Path, Alpaca Expeditions, Andean Treks. Guide and porter tips USD 80-120/person at end of trek.

For absolute luxury: Hiram Bingham train (Belmond, €500 one-way, €800 return, gastronomic meals + champagne + live music on board) + Sanctuary Lodge night €1,800 + gastronomic dinner at Tampu restaurant + private morning visit = iconic experience at €4,000-6,000/person for 2 days.

Practical tips: pay in USD dollars for trek agencies and high-end hotels (better accepted), in PEN soles for restaurants and local purchases. Visa/Mastercard cards work everywhere at Aguas Calientes. Bring cash for guide tips and bus.