Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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Okay, so it was surprisingly challenging to get a clear, direct instruction on how to visit Machu Picchu as cheaply as possible. So, here is the EXTREMELY SIMPLE way we got to visit Machu Picchu for $78-110:

 

  1. Get Machu Picchu tickets about a week in advance. Use the government’s website— they limit the number of people that can visit per day. This should be ~$46/person. Get MORNING TICKETS— weather is better in the morning.
    1. You will need this ticket and your passport to get into Machu Picchu.
  2. Get to Cuzco, Peru.
  3. Take a ~6 hour bus from Cuzco, Peru to Hidroeléctrica, Peru THE DAY BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU. 
    1. Once you are in Cuzco, just ask around. There are buses that will take you for $18/person ROUND TRIP.
    2. If you get motion sick, BRING DRAMAMINE.
    3. If you want to save money, pack food.
    4. Leave your big packs locked in a hostel in Cuzco – we stayed in Reinbo Hostel, and Nao Victoria Hostel was amazing too.
  4. Walk the 6 miles next to (but not on) the train tracks from Hidroeléctrica, Peru to Aguas Calientes, Peru (aka the base of Machu Picchu).
    1. It is a fairly flat walk with a small hill at the beginning and end, and it is very beautiful. You are walking on rocks most of the time, so wear shoes that have a lot of cushion.
  5. Stay the night at a hostel in Aguas Calientes, Peru for ~$14/person.
  6. Get up the next morning, and either hike to the top of Machu Picchu (along a road that is BRUTAL and steep for free) OR take a bus up to the top/ back down for $24/person.
    1. If you choose to take the bus, buy the tickets the night before when you get to Aguas Calientes.
    2. In the morning, get in line for the buses from the base to the ruins. The line can seem really long, but once the buses start it moves REALLY QUICKLY. I don’t think it’s necessary to get up at 3 or 4 am unless you want to be the first up at the ruins.
    3. I’ve heard the hike up takes about 2 hours.
  7. Once up there, feel free to do the hikes (like to the Inca Sun Gate). Those don’t cost anything unless you’re trying to hike nearby mountains. IF you want a tour guide, you can find them for ~$8/person.
    1. The tour guides were awesome! They tell you the history, and what you’re looking at. I’d recommend getting one. Join a big group to make it cheaper.
    2. Immediately when you leave the ruins, there is a place to get your passport stamped if you are interested!
  8. Once you’re done at the ruins, walk or bus back down to the base! (If you paid round trip for the bus, this should be at no additional cost).
  9. From there, walk ~6 miles back from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica.
  10. Take your bus back from Hidroeléctrica to Cuzco. (If you paid round trip for the bus, this should be at no additional cost).
    1. Plan on getting back pretty late that night. 

 

That’s how to go at half, or less than half, of the price that any train, etc. can offer!!!

Enjoy Machu Picchu 🙂