Machu Picchu Budget Tours

How many world travelers have dreamed of climbing among the towering stones of Machu Picchu? This Wonder of the World consistently tops travelers' must-see bucket lists but many are discouraged by tales of the expense and difficulty. The truth is that travelers on a budget can still experience the trip of a lifetime with a little smart planning.

When you get to Peru, it's impossible not to think that Machu Picchu has to be seen and this is represented in the vast amount of tourist services and itineraries that have become a mainstay of the route. Nestled on towering hills in the secluded cloud forest, it is easy to see why the Inca chose this spot to build a grand fortress getaway and why it remains so appealing. Better discounts and fewer crowds can be found in the off-season which runs from November to March.

Getting There. Machu Picchu is located several hours over land from Cusco, Peru. All visitors must fly through the international airport in Lima and then make their way to Cusco. Since flights for Cusco depart early in the day, most people are forced to spend a night in Lima. If you are not interested in sight-seeing in the sprawling capital city, the cheapest option is sleeping in the clean, secure airport until the earliest Cusco flights depart around 5am. Round trip of this one hour flight tends to add up to $300. Buses also make the trip 21-hour trip. First class companies like Cruz Del Sur offer seats on comfortable, climate controlled buses for about $60 US dollars, one way.

From Cusco you must travel to Aguas Calientes, a community about 20 minutes from Machu Picchu and not accessible by car. Expensive trains run from Cusco directly to Aguas Calientes. A cheaper way which allows you to visit the beautiful Sacred Valley is to take a car to Ollantaytambo and hop on a train at the station there. From Cusco, cars and vans make the 2 hour trip to Ollantaytambo throughout the day from taxi stands on Calle Pavitos. Hard bargainers can hire private cars for as little as 50 soles. By travelling with independent travelers in colectivo means that seats cost 10-12 soles. Buses departing nearby on Avenida Grau cost only 2-3 soles which are less comfortable and slower, but.

From Ollantaytambo, several trains of different classes depart daily and the cheapest seats range from $60-$150 US dollars round trip. The best deals are available at the ticket counters in Ollantaytambo, so being flexible and willing to stay in town for a day or two will help you secure the seat you want.

For the adventurous, there is currently one way to avoid the high price of a train ticket. From Ollantaytambo or Cusco, catch a bus bound for Quillabamba and take a long, winding ride over a mountain pass and into the jungle on the other side. Let the driver know you will be getting off in Santa Maria, a fare of about 15 soles. Santa Teresa is home to minibus colectivos from Santa Maria. Six soles and a two hour journey should get you to Santa Teresa. Once there, ask around for the path to the hydroelectric plant, or hidroelectrico. On your way, you will pull yourself over the Rio Urubamba in a small cart. On the other side, catch a produce truck heading the rest of the way or walk 2-3 hours. From the hydroelectric plant, it is 2-3 more hours on foot over mostly unused train tracks to finally make your grand entrance into Aguas Calientes.

This route offers the chance to travel like a local and, at about $20 US dollars round trip, can save you more than a hundred dollars of train tickets. Detailed information regarding transport can be found by asking people at Ollantaytambo and Cusco backpacker hostels to ensure that you don't get stranded at any point. Several adventure tour agencies offer guided service and mountain biking along this route.

Seeing the Site. Aguas Calientes is uninteresting and overpriced but staying overnight will maximize your time at Machu Picchu. To save cash, buy food and water in Ollantaytambo or Cusco and bargain hard at the many basic hostels to find a clean bed. Before heading up to the ruins you must buy your entrance ticket online, at www.machupicchu.gob.pe, or in the tourist office in Aguas Calientes; you cannot pay at the entrance gate. A round trip to the ruins can be bought for $20 if you are using small buses. Nearby small offices are the best place to buy tickets. There is also a steep foot trail but many choose to save their energy and time for exploring the ruins themselves. Despite stated policies, visitors are usually allowed to bring small bags with concealed water and snacks into the site.


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Bucket lists are the new big thing, and ones that comes without a visit to Galapagos and Peru are very rare. Get the most from your life and travelling experiences with the best Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours.