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Calculate your trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Plan the train, bus, and entry ticket in one place, and see the total in your currency before you buy.

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  1. The Cusco Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas.

    Cusco

    3,399 mCar, shared taxi, or bus · 1 h 30 – 2 h

    You start here. The road first climbs to Chinchero, at 3,762 m, the highest point of the trip. Then it drops into the Sacred Valley.

    Wildlife in the area: llamas, alpacas, and Andean condors

    Tip 1: stay one or two days in Cusco to get used to the altitude.
  2. The Inca terraces of Ollantaytambo.

    Ollantaytambo

    2,792 mThe road ends here

    An Inca town with stone terraces and the main station. If you buy a bimodal ticket in Cusco, the bus and train come together.

    Wildlife in the area: Andean fox

    Tip 2: arrive at least 30 minutes before the train leaves.
  3. A PeruRail train over the Urubamba River.

    The Urubamba Canyon

    Drop down to 2,040 mTrain · 1 h 30

    The train runs along the river while the scenery shifts from dry mountain to jungle. PeruRail and Inca Rail operate here.

    PeruRailInca Rail

    Wildlife in the area: hummingbirds

    Tip 3: bring only a small bag, about 8 kg per person.
  4. The river and houses of Aguas Calientes.

    Aguas Calientes

    2,040 mThe lowest point

    A town with no road access, tucked between the jungle and the tracks. This is where you take the bus or start walking. Staying one night lets you leave early.

    Wildlife in the area: spectacled bear and Andean cock-of-the-rock

    Tip 4: in high season, the bus line can be long. Factor that in.
  5. Buses on the zigzag road toward Machu Picchu.

    The final climb

    +390 mBus 25 – 30 min or on foot 1 h 30 – 2 h

    Two ways up: the bus on the zigzag road, or the stone steps through the jungle. Walking is free, but it’s about 3.4 km uphill.

    Wildlife in the area: hummingbirds and cloud-forest birds

    Tip 5: if you walk, set off with water and a buffer before your entry time.
  6. The citadel of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu behind it.

    Machu Picchu

    2,430 mEntry with day, time, and circuit

    You made it. Entry is the first thing that sells out, so buy it before the train. Now calculate how much getting here costs.

    Wildlife in the area: llamas and mountain viscachas

    Calculate my trip

Calculator

Build your trip in 5 steps

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Who’s traveling?

Your nationality sets the entry price and currency.

Adults18 or older
2
Studentsuniversity students with ID
0
Children3 to 17 years old
0
Babiesunder 3, no entry fee
0

Train to Aguas Calientes

FromUS$ 60

This is the only practical way to get there. Price per person and per one-way leg.

PeruRailInca Rail

Climb to the citadel

FromFree

From Aguas Calientes, you need to go up about 400 meters.

Machu Picchu entry

FromS/ 163

It has a day, time, and circuit. Buy it before the train.

Recommended extras

They are not added to the total because they depend on what you choose. We show you where to compare.

Your day

This is what your day at Machu Picchu looks like

Approximate timings based on what you chose in the calculator.

    Comparison table

    PeruRail and Inca Rail side by side

    Reference "from" prices per person and per one-way leg. See the day’s price on 12Go, which sells both lines.

    CategoryFromBest for
    BudgetExpeditionThe VoyagerUS$ 60Tight budget
    ScenicVistadomeThe 360°US$ 100Enjoying the scenery
    PremiumVistadome Observatory—US$ 160Couples, special trips
    LuxuryHiram BinghamFirst ClassCheckCelebrations

    See today’s schedules and prices on 12Go →

    Luggage Storage Cusco-15%
    Our service in CuscoHeading to Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail?

    Travel light and leave your bags in Cusco. Open 24 hours, every day, at Av. Huáscar 238, Wánchaq. Regular-size suitcase: S/ 20 per day or night.

    Save 15% when you pay with this code:

    Book at Luggage Storage Cusco

    Guides to plan your trip

    Before you go

    Frequently asked questions

    Is it safe to use this page?

    Yes. We don’t ask for personal data or payment, and the calculator runs in your browser. When you’re ready to buy, we send you to each service’s website.

    Can you reach Machu Picchu by car?

    No. There’s no road to Aguas Calientes. You get there by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, or by walking multi-day routes like the Inca Trail. Another option is to go by road to Hidroeléctrica and walk about 10 km along the tracks: it’s cheaper, but it takes longer and depends on the weather.

    What should I buy first?

    The entry ticket. It has limited spots by day and time and sells out in high season. Once you have it, choose a train that gets you to Aguas Calientes with time to climb up.

    Why do some South Americans pay less?

    There’s a reduced rate for Peruvians, residents, and citizens of the Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador). The calculator applies it based on your nationality.

    How much luggage can I take on the train?

    A small bag of about 8 kg per person. Large suitcases are left in storage in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

    Do you sell the tickets?

    No. We’re an independent guide. We explain the trip, calculate the cost, and send you to buy each part on its own site.

    Are the prices exact?

    They’re reference prices with a date. Train fares change by day and time, and exchange rates vary. The final price is the one you see when you buy.

    Estimated total—
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