Peru, Lima, and Cusco: Budget for Visiting Machu Picchu from the U.S.
Updated: 2026-09-26 · 7 min read
Quick answer
A 7- to 8-night trip to Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu from the U.S. costs $1,600 to $3,000 USD per person, including international flights, a domestic flight to Cusco, train tickets, admission, and hotels. Nonstop flights to Lima (LIM) depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. Machu Picchu admission has daily capacity limits, so tickets should be purchased weeks or months in advance.
Quick facts
| Best time to visit | May to September (dry season in the Andes) |
|---|---|
| Cheapest season | November to March (rainy season; the Inca Trail closes in February) |
| Estimated budget | $1,600 – $3,000 USD per person, 7–8 nights |
| Flight time | ≈ 5 h 45 min Miami–Lima; 1 h 20 min Lima–Cusco |
| Documents | Valid passport (6 months of validity recommended) |
| Currency | Peruvian sol (PEN) |
Budget Breakdown
Round-trip international flights: $500 to $1,000 USD. Round-trip Lima–Cusco flights: $120 to $250 USD. Round-trip train to Aguas Calientes: $120 to $300 USD, depending on service class. Machu Picchu admission and the uphill shuttle bus: ≈ $90 to $110 USD.
3★ to 4★ hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: $70 to $180 USD per night. An official guide is required inside the citadel and typically costs $50 to $80 USD per group.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Cusco sits at about 3,400 meters above sea level. Rest on your first day, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and consider spending your first nights in the lower-elevation Sacred Valley. Consult your doctor if you have health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Prices and requirements are estimates and may change. Always confirm with the airline and official authorities before traveling.