How to save on your trip to Machu Picchu

If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you won’t be under any illusions that it will likely be expensive. However, if you are equipped with a handful of useful tips and tricks, you can save money without sacrificing the quality of your trip. Below are a few helpful ways you save on your trip to Machu Picchu:

Book in advance

One of the best ways to save money on your trip to Machu Picchu is to book your entrance tickets and accommodation in advance. By making your reservations early, you will undoubtedly find better prices, availability and more favourable options. In addition, by booking in advance, especially throughout the high season, you will ensure that you won’t miss out on visiting Machu Picchu, due to lack of availability.

Visit in low season

Machu Picchu is a very popular tourist destination at the best of times, a reality that is only heightened during the tourist season. If you wish to visit Machu Picchu on a budget, then it might be worth your while visiting the Inca Citadel in the off-season. Not only are prices for travel and accommodation lower throughout this period, but there are also fewer tourists, offering you a calmer, more relaxed experience. The low season is generally between January and March, however the reason for this is that this is the height of the rainy season.

Use public transport

The two primary routes between Cusco and Machu Picchu are via train or bus, or a combination of the two. Naturally the cheaper option would be to travel by bus, to avoid incurring the cost of an inflated tourist train ticket. However, the journey by bus is not without its drawbacks. This is because it takes a total of 9 hours, includes a number of stops and changes and requires a 3-hour hike along the railway line at the end. It is for this reason that you won’t be able to achieve the return journey to and from Cusco in one day, so visitors will need to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the following day. So, if you prefer to take the train, we recommend that you book your seat early!

Bring your own food

Although it is not permitted to take food inside the citadel itself, there are a number of restaurant options located in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). As the town was built primarily to service the influx of visitors into Machu Picchu, these restaurants are consequently quite expensive. If you wish to save money on food, we recommend bringing food with you. You can achieve this by purchasing non-perishable food and drinks in Cusco before leaving for Machu Picchu. Please remember that the climate in Machu Picchu is warm and humid, so the food must be dry and fresh.

Make your own hike

Paying for the services of a tour guide or signing up for a scheduled tour can be expensive, especially when referring to a private tour. If you have hiking experience and are comfortable hiking alone, you can save a lot of money by hiking the trails to Machu Picchu on your own. However, it is worth mentioning that although many of the trails around the sanctuary are free to roam, the Inca Trail requires permits and entrance tickets and the presence of a guide, so this would not be suitable for a solo hike. For the other trail though, you can achieve these through researching the route beforehand, obtaining any necessary permits, and renting the equipment needed for a multi-day hike.

Shop for souvenirs at local markets

The town of Aguas Calientes, situated below the citadel of Machu Picchu has many souvenir vendors offering souvenirs to visitors. Due to the location and the novelty, the prices for these goods can be higher than necessary if you chose to buy from these vendors. To save money on souvenirs, be sure to shop at local markets in Cusco or other nearby cities. You can also haggle with vendors prices at local markets, allowing you to get better prices.

Look for cheap accommodation options

Cusco has an accommodation option for every budget. So, if you are looking to save money on your trip, be sure to hunt for the cheaper options. You can absolutely find hotels and hostels in Cusco that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation at budget rates. With many of them being located close to the center, close to tourist attractions and amenities, saving you money on transportation at the same time.

By following these tips, you can save money on your trip to Machu Picchu and still enjoy an unforgettable experience.