How to Travel to Machu Picchu Cheap: Your Comprehensive DIY Budget Guide

Looking to visit the breathtaking ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! Finding the most economical way to see incredible places is entirely possible, and Machu Picchu is a prime candidate for a budget-friendly adventure.

Perched high in the Peruvian Andes at nearly 2,500 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu served as an exclusive retreat for the Incan elite – perhaps the ancient equivalent of a secluded luxury resort. Its remote, cloud-shrouded location was so effective that even the conquering Spaniards, who largely dismantled the Incan Empire, never managed to find it.

For many budget travelers, the perceived high cost is the main deterrent. Standard tour packages from Cusco can easily run upwards of $500, with multi-day treks sometimes costing $2,000 or more. However, based on firsthand experience, relying on expensive tour companies or even a guide isn’t necessary if your primary goal is simply to visit and explore the ruins. The journey is surprisingly straightforward to arrange yourself, and you can realistically expect the round trip from Cusco to cost under $200.

Here’s a practical, fuss-free 3-day itinerary for traveling to Machu Picchu cheap and independently:

Day 1:

• Take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.
• Board a train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town (formerly Aguas Calientes).
• Purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket(s) for the following day in Machu Picchu town.
• Spend the night in accommodation in Machu Picchu town.

Day 2:

• Wake up early and hike or bus up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
• Spend several hours exploring the magnificent ruins.
• Descend back to Machu Picchu town and spend a second night there.

Day 3:

• Take a bus or walk from Machu Picchu town back to Ollantaytambo.
• Take a taxi or bus from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.

While other budget methods exist (like the Hidroelectrica route), this train-based itinerary offers a balance of cost-effectiveness and ease, making it arguably the best way to Travel To Machu Picchu Cheap and independently. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it happen. If you’re planning a broader trip, considering a comprehensive guide on the best way to travel peru can be very helpful.

Step 1: Secure Your Train Tickets in Cusco

Most travelers will start their Machu Picchu journey from Cusco, the nearest major city with an airport. If you’re still deciding where to stay, researching accommodations in Cusco is a good first step.

To buy your train tickets, head to the Plaza de Armas (the main square) in Cusco. Look for the Peru Rail office, conveniently located next to the KFC (a familiar landmark). This office is usually easy to find as the main plaza is central and your hostel is likely nearby.

Request a return ticket specifically from Ollantaytambo (located in the Sacred Valley) to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes).

Booking your tickets for two nights is recommended. The first night allows you to get a good rest before the climb or visit, and the second provides a chance to recover after a day of exploration before your return journey to Cusco. This also ensures you have ample time to experience the ruins fully without feeling rushed to catch a train.

It’s advisable to book your train ticket for late morning or early afternoon. This accounts for the necessary travel time (about 90 minutes by bus) from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station, as buses don’t always run precisely on schedule. While the cheapest fares might be at less convenient times, paying an extra $5 or so for a better schedule is often worthwhile.

Expect the return train tickets to cost around $100 USD during high season.

You can check specific pricing for your planned travel dates and book tickets directly on the Peru Rail website. For a more detailed breakdown, you might also want to look into how much to travel to machu picchu including all costs.

Step 2: Take the Bus to Ollantaytambo

On the day you plan to travel to Machu Picchu town, take a taxi in Cusco and ask the driver to take you to Calle Pavitos (in Spanish: “Quiero ir a la Calle Pavitos, por favor”). The taxi ride within the city center is short, usually just a couple of minutes, and should cost no more than 3 soles (around $1). Alternatively, a quick check on Google Maps will allow you to walk if you’re close enough.

Taxi drivers on Calle Pavitos are very familiar with travelers heading to Machu Picchu and will likely direct you straight to the waiting minivans (colectivos). You’ll hear drivers calling out “Ollantaytambo! Ollantaytambo!” to attract passengers.

(Just a note on pronunciation: Ollantaytambo is roughly pronounced Oh-Yahn-Tay-Ee-Tum-Bo).

These minivans don’t operate on a strict timetable; they depart once they are full. To avoid unnecessary waiting and ensure you get to Ollantaytambo well before your train departs, it’s a good idea to arrive at Calle Pavitos early. Missing a bus and having to wait for the next one to fill up could cause delays.

For instance, if your train ticket from Ollantaytambo is for 12 pm, aiming to be at Calle Pavitos around 8 am provides a safe buffer.

The minivan ride takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and costs about 10-15 soles ($4-$5).

Step 3: Catch Your Train to Aguas Calientes

Once you arrive in Ollantaytambo, you’ll likely have some time before your train departs. This small town in the Sacred Valley is charming and offers several restaurants where you can grab breakfast or lunch. It’s also a last-minute spot to buy essentials you might have forgotten – a wide-brimmed hat proved invaluable against the strong Andean sun on my trip.

Make sure you head to the train station with plenty of time to spare to avoid missing your departure. The station is easy to find; just look for the large crowd of travelers heading in the same direction. If you’re unsure, simply ask a local, “Dónde está la estación?” (Where is the station?). From my recollection, it was only about a 5-minute walk from where the minivans dropped us off.

Step 4: Finding Your Accommodation in Machu Picchu Town

Your train journey will end in Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes. As the gateway to the ruins, it’s understandably a major tourist hub, and prices can be inflated. Booking your accommodation in advance is highly recommended to avoid stress and potential overcharging upon arrival. Having a confirmed place lets you head straight there without needing to search or negotiate.

Based on personal experience, I can highly recommend a hostel called The Supertramp. The beds were comfortable, and the staff were incredibly helpful. Crucially, it offered a reliable hot shower and clean facilities – essential comforts for a budget traveler preparing for or recovering from a day of hiking. It provided the perfect blend of basic necessities, a great price, and no unnecessary frills.

Clean and simple dorm room at a budget hostel in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu town

Clean and simple dorm room at a budget hostel in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu town

While this is just one suggestion, many other budget hostels and guesthouses are available; booking ahead ensures you get a good deal.

Step 5: Purchase Your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets

This step is absolutely critical – ensure you purchase your Machu Picchu entrance tickets before attempting to go up to the site! Many visitors make the mistake of assuming they can buy tickets at the entrance gate at the top of the mountain, only to be turned away.

To purchase your tickets, you need to go to the official ticket office located in the center of Machu Picchu town. The office is called the Direccion Regional de Cultura Aguas Calientes Office. It’s situated in the main square and is generally easy to locate in the small town. The staff at your accommodation should also be able to provide directions. Remember to bring your passport and cash, as they typically only accept cash payments.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want an even more spectacular view, I strongly suggest paying the extra fee for a pass to climb Huayna Picchu (sometimes spelled Wayna Picchu). This is the distinctive peak visible behind the main Machu Picchu citadel in many iconic photos, and the views from its summit are truly breathtaking. Access is restricted to two groups per day: one entering at 7 am and another at 10 am. If you prefer a slightly later start and a bit more sleep, aim for the 10 am slot.

The combined ticket price for both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu is approximately 200 soles ($62).

Keep in mind that there are daily limits on visitors to Machu Picchu (2,500 per day) and a much stricter limit for Huayna Picchu (only 400 per day). Because of these limits, especially if you are traveling during the high season (roughly May to October), it’s highly advisable to get your tickets online well in advance. Alternatively, some agencies in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas can assist with ticket purchases, often for a small fee. However, during the low season, you should have no trouble buying tickets directly at the office in Machu Picchu town the day before your visit. When I traveled in November (low season), I was able to purchase tickets for both Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu around 4 pm the day before with no issues. For planning purposes related to duration, you might find a peru travel itinerary 1 week or a peru travel itinerary 2 weeks helpful in integrating your Machu Picchu visit.

Step 6: The Hike Up to Machu Picchu

The popular strategy for visiting Machu Picchu is to begin the ascent very early in the morning hoping to witness the sunrise over the ruins. This magical experience depends entirely on clear skies, which aren’t guaranteed high in the Andes. Regardless of the sunrise potential, hiking in the cool early morning is definitely preferable to climbing in the heat of the afternoon.

I woke up around 4 am, joining many others from the hostel. The hostel staff even prepared an early breakfast, a testament to their dedication! While there is a bus service available to take you directly up to the entrance for about $10 USD one way, I don’t personally recommend it. Part of the profound experience of seeing Machu Picchu is undertaking the climb yourself, much like the Incas did centuries ago. As you ascend the countless stone steps, you can’t help but marvel at the effort involved, especially considering the laborers who carried royalty or supplies up this steep path.

The climb is undeniably challenging. In the pre-dawn cold, it feels like an endless series of stairs. However, if you maintain a steady pace, you should reach the top entrance in approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

Finding the path is simple; you follow the main road leading out of town until you see a sign pointing towards the Machu Picchu entrance.

Signpost directing hikers towards the entrance of Machu Picchu from the walking path

From there, clear signposts with arrows guide you in the correct direction. If you see buses driving past you every 10 minutes or so, you know you’re on the right track.

Step 7: Enjoy Exploring Machu Picchu!

Panoramic view of the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu nestled high in the Andes mountains

Upon reaching the summit and entering the site, you’ll immediately understand why the Spanish conquistadors never found it. It is truly hidden away, so high up that they would likely have abandoned their search long before getting close.

The way the ruins rest amongst the clouds adds to their mystical aura. Before my visit, I wondered, “How impressive can a pile of old rocks really be?” The truth is, Machu Picchu far exceeded every expectation. It is genuinely magical.

Exploring the stone structures and terraces within the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Photographs and postcards often make the site appear deceptively small. In reality, you can easily spend several hours wandering through the different sectors of the ruins and still not see everything.

Another striking aspect is the minimal number of safety barriers. One misstep on some edges could easily lead to a dangerous fall. Peeking over the side emphasizes just how far down it is.

View overlooking the steep drop-off from a high point within the Machu Picchu ruins

If you started your day early enough, you should have at least 2-3 hours to explore the main Machu Picchu citadel before your scheduled entry time slot for climbing Huayna Picchu.

Step 8: Conquering Huayna Picchu

My best advice for climbing Huayna Picchu is to get to the entrance gate early for your assigned time slot. The trail is quite narrow in places, and if you start in the middle or back of a large group, you’ll inevitably be slowed down by slower hikers.

When I climbed, I was one of the first few people through the gate and made a quick ascent, reaching the summit before most others. This allowed me to have the incredible viewpoint mostly to myself for a good 15 minutes – absolutely worth the extra effort! A couple of fellow travelers arrived shortly after, and we shared the experience, feeling like we were on top of the world.

Be warned: if you have a significant fear of heights, the climb might be challenging. From the top, Machu Picchu looks like a tiny model. There are minimal safety rails. While it might be an urban legend, I heard stories in Cusco about accidents occurring. Whether true or not, the potential is there, so exercise extreme caution.

Looking down at Machu Picchu from the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain

There is a side trail on Huayna Picchu often referred to simply as “the cave.” During my visit, many people advised against going to “the cave.”

Naturally, I went anyway.

Small rocky alcove known as 'the cave' located off the trail on Huayna Picchu

Small rocky alcove known as ‘the cave’ located off the trail on Huayna Picchu

What a disappointment. The hike down and around to this “cave” takes approximately two hours, and when you arrive, it is indeed just a small cave. I’m still not sure why I expected more. Apparently, it may have served as some sort of temple or ceremonial site. Once you’ve seen it, the only thing left is the two-hour hike back the way you came.

Your time allowance for being on the Huayna Picchu trail is typically limited to 3 or 4 hours (this can vary, so check your ticket or signage). Make sure you are aware of the time and start descending to exit the trail before your limit expires. If you are a college student looking for budget destinations, Machu Picchu is definitely one of the best places for college students to travel.

Step 9: Getting Back Down to Machu Picchu Town

After you’ve had your fill of exploring Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu and are ready to leave, you have two options for descending back to Machu Picchu town: take the bus for $10 or walk. In a bid to feel accomplished, I chose to walk down. What are a million more stairs at the end of an already long day? A useful tip here is to avoid buying the overpriced $5 bottles of water sold directly at the entrance gate. Walk just 5 minutes outside the park exit, and you’ll find local vendors selling water and snacks at significantly more reasonable prices.

It’s a demanding day. If you hike up, spend time in the main ruins, climb Huayna Picchu (and maybe even visit the cave), and then hike back down, you’ll likely spend 8 hours or more on your feet and hiking. Reward yourself back in town with a hot shower and perhaps a meal at one of the local restaurants – you’ve earned that possibly overpriced but satisfying post-hike pizza.

More Tips for Traveling to Machu Picchu on a Budget

• Sun Protection: The altitude means you are much closer to the sun, which is intense. Bring and use plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat (full-brimmed is best), and reapply frequently.
• Footwear: You don’t necessarily need heavy-duty hiking boots. The climb up from town and the trails within the ruins are mostly stone steps or well-maintained paths. I managed perfectly fine with just sneakers, and someone I met even hiked in flip-flops (though this is not recommended!). The paths are generally not slippery or particularly hazardous unless it’s raining heavily.
• Snacks and Water: Carry snacks with you. It’s a long day, and food options inside the site are limited and very expensive. Having a few energy bars or cookies can be a lifesaver, especially during or after the Huayna Picchu climb. Bring sufficient water, or plan to buy cheaper water from vendors just outside the main gate area on your way down.
• Altitude Acclimatization: If you haven’t spent time at altitude recently (Cusco is also high), you might experience altitude sickness. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath, which can make the climb difficult. It’s strongly recommended to spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before going to Machu Picchu to acclimatize. You can buy oxygen cans in Cusco (around $10) or speak to your doctor about medication for altitude sickness if you are concerned.

Machu Picchu on a Budget in Numbers:

Using the independent itinerary outlined above, here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs:

Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: ~$4
Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town (return): ~$100
2 nights budget accommodation (e.g., hostel dorm): ~$20
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu entrance tickets: ~$62
Bus/taxi from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco: ~$4

Estimated Total: ~$190 – $200 for a self-guided, independent trip to one of the world’s most spectacular wonders. Enjoy your adventure!