Machu Picchu is one of the most visited destinations on the planet. People from all over the world come here to see it. The services you will need during your stay have diversified and today it is possible to make a luxury or economical trip. People looking for an expensive and unforgettable experience can hire luxury trains such as the Hiram Bingham service and stay in spectacular hotels such as the Sanctuary Lodge, the only one located next to Machu Picchu.

• How much does the trip to Machu Picchu cost?
• What is a luxury trip like?
• Trains
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Other services
• Budget for a luxury trip to Machu Picchu
• More information about prices

The Hiram Bingham is one of the most luxurious and exclusive trains that can take you to Machu Picchu

The budget for visiting Machu Picchu can vary depending on the visitor’s expectations. It is possible to make a 1 or 2 day visit with a budget starting at less than 100 dollars. This article explains in general terms what a luxury visit is like and what the costs are. Prices are indicative and may vary by a few dollars from the actual costs.

How much does the trip to Machu Picchu cost?

• The 2-day trip to Machu Picchu costs an average of $350 for an all-inclusive tour . This same trip costs $300 if you go on your own.
• The trip involves the following expenses: transportation by train, bus, hotel in Aguas Calientes, entrance to Machu Picchu, tour guide service and food.
• If you choose the cheapest services, a two-day trip to Machu Picchu can cost you at least $130.
• In any case, it is the tourist who chooses the type of service he wants to enjoy in Machu Picchu. Whether with a tour or on his own, the trip to the wonder of the world is an incredible and unforgettable experience.

What is a luxury trip like?

• A true luxury trip to Machu Picchu includes the most expensive train services as well as the most glamorous hotels and restaurants.

The route is like this:

Trains

• There are several train services to Machu Picchu. Of these, there are two VIP trains: the Hiram Bingham service (from the Peru Rail company) and the The Private service (from the Inca Rail company).
• The Hiram Bingham train costs approximately US$950 (round trip). The train is inspired by the 1920s and includes: welcome cocktail, gourmet lunch, live music on board, open bar, entrance to Machu Picchu, tour guide service as well as spaces such as the dining car, bar car and observation car.
• The Private train costs approximately US$950 (round trip). The train has a striking design and includes a dining car, bar car, lounge and outside balcony. Services offered include welcome champagne, open bar, gourmet menu, cooking classes, live music on board and bus to Machu Picchu.
• VIP trains are booked online through the Peru Rail or Inca Rail websites.

In Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu you will find some of the best hotels in Peru and South America, so if you are looking for a comfortable vacation with first-class services, you will undoubtedly find them. Peruvian cuisine is among the best in the world. On your trip you will find renowned restaurants where you can delight your palate with the best of Peruvian, New Andean and international food.

Hotels

• In the town of Aguas Calientes (a town located just 10 kilometers from Machu Picchu) there are 5-star hotels that offer A-1 service for the trip of your dreams.

These are some of the luxury hotels on the trip to Machu Picchu:

• Sumaq – Tall and imposing hotel located in front of the Vilcanota River, from where you have a spectacular view of the town. It offers rooms with a private balcony, air conditioning, heating, mini bar, jacuzzi, cable TV, closet, safe, coffee maker, telephone calls, internet, bathroom with fine finishes and more. Prices per room start at 347 dollars.
• Inkaterra – Hotel located on the outskirts of the town of Aguas Calientes in a 5-hectare complex with streams, terraces, stone paths and forests. The rooms are air-conditioned and have satellite internet, cable TV, mini bar, safe, cordless telephone, internet, private entrance to the garden, fireplace, marble bathrooms and constant service. Prices per room start at $537.
• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – Hotel, the only one located next to the Mach Picchu archaeological site (10 kilometers from the town of Aguas Calientes). It includes rooms with luxury finishes, marble bathroom, mini bar, cable TV, clock radio, internet and a private furnished terrace with incredible views. Prices per room start at $368.

Restaurants

• There are many restaurants and food stalls in the town of Aguas Calientes. There are glamorous services as well as cheap services (from 3 dollars).

Get to know some of the most luxurious restaurants on the trip to Machu Picchu:

• Full House & Peruvian Cuisine – Large and cozy restaurant with views of the Vilcanota River. It offers Peruvian food, pizzas, fusions and a bar with craft beers. Prices start at $20.
• Julian Restaurant – Small but cozy restaurant famous for its delicious dishes, including: ceviche, grilled trout, ají de gallina, lomo saltado, lamb ribs, grilled guinea pig, as well as a variety of pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and desserts. Prices start at $15.
• Indio Feliz Restaurant – A colorful restaurant with a bold decor where you can sample French, Latin, and of course, Peruvian food. Highlights include salads, soups, the famous ceviche, chicken with pineapple, trout with cream, sirloin steak, legume omelette, and more. Prices start at $25.

The Inkaterra and Sanctuary Lodge hotels also have their own restaurants available to their guests and, in some cases, to the general public. These services cost approximately 24 dollars. In both cases, they are high-quality buffet lunches made with Peruvian products.

Other services

• During the luxury trip to Machu Picchu you can hire other additional services such as: tour guide, entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain or include the purchase of handicrafts.
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain costs an additional 20 dollars. The shared tour guide service costs 10 dollars per person while a private service can be arranged from 25 dollars.
• At the Aguas Calientes craft market there are various products to take home. Some of the favorites among tourists are: ponchos made of baby alpaca (100 dollars on average), jewelry made of 950 silver (bracelets and charms from 20 to 100 dollars or more).

Budget for a luxury trip to Machu Picchu

• The budget for the luxury trip to Machu Picchu includes: train transportation, entrance fees, food, tour guide service and 1 night in a hotel.

This is the estimated budget for a luxury trip to Machu Picchu:

*The Hiram Bingham luxury train includes entrance, bus and tour guide service.

More information about prices

• The luxury train services to Machu Picchu are one of the best on the planet. There are other cheaper services that still maintain some amenities such as gourmet lunch, bar car, observation car and more. These services are: the Sacred Valley train (Peru Rail service) which costs $350 for a round trip. Also notable is the First Class train (Inca Rail service) which costs $350 on average.
• In the town of Aguas Calientes there are also 4-star hotels that offer high-quality services. Some of the most notable are: the Taypikala Boutique Hotel (rooms from 120 dollars), the Boutique Casa del Sol hotel (from 232 dollars) or the Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu (from 113 dollars).

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Estefanía H.

“Una gran aventura que no olvidare“

“Fui a Machu Picchu en enero y gracias a un amigo mío viaje hasta Machu Picchu en un tren de lujo, por una oferta imperdible que hubo, el viaje simplemente único. Ya en Machu Picchu subí hasta la montaña que lleva su mismo nombre, todo fue espectacular aunque un poco agotador, te todas formas no vale ceder ante el cansancio, ya que en Machu Picchu hay tantas cosas maravillosa por conocer. Esta fue mi más grande aventura y recomiendo a todo el mundo ir a visitarla.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 4, 2025