A trip to Machu Picchu is something many people dream of. No wonder, these centuries-old ruins are a world-famous mystery. How were they built on the mountain tops? How were they carved with such perfection and what was the purpose of all the structures?
You can read different information on these topics for hours, but nothing beats visiting the place in person. Whether you want to peacefully watch the Machu Picchu sunrise or go on a challenging multi-day trek, there are many ways to see this beautiful place on the cheap.
Here’s is our short guide for visiting Machu Picchu on the cheap.
Hiking
The Machu Picchu trek tours are a popular budget option to visit the site. Make sure you book your trip well in advance because the places are limited. Also, don’t forget to book a Machu Picchu guided tour because you cannot hike the trails without a guide.
Taking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best ways to immerse in the atmosphere. Actually, this is the route that the Incas themselves took from Cousco. Of course, they were mountain people so trekking over the mountain pass was easy for them. They even brought fish and other food all the way to the top of the mountain.
If you choose this option you will walk through incredibly diverse landscapes and see many ruins along the way. If you want to really feel the atmosphere of the place, the trek may be the right option for you. However, keep in mind that the Inca Trail is on the expensive side, so if you want to hike on a budget you need to pick another trail.
Taking the Train
If you feel like joining an organized day trip, the railway journey is a good option. Usually, the Machu Picchu travel packages include train and bus ride, entrance tickets and guided tour.
The railway trip is spectacular but it is the most expensive option. Even if you book in advance or without an agency the train is a good option only if you can afford to spend a bit more.
Tours
Booking a tour is easy but costs can quickly add up. Still, there are low-cost options that you need to search for. There are combined Galapagos and Machu Picchu tours which come at a good price if you book in advance.
Also, if you are travelling on a tight budget you can forge your own path, book all the tickets yourself, pack food and water and do a lot of walking. The best option here is to reach the ruins through Aguas Calientes. The bus ride from here is convenient but it is quite expensive, so if you are on a budget you need to plan a long hike.
There are many ways to visit Machu Picchu, so it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. The hikes are spectacular; a luxury train is a great option and the travel packages are convenient. Now that you know the options, pick the best alternative and make your dream of visiting the ancient ruins a reality.
