Don't want to spend hundreds of dollars to see one of the wonders of the world? Well you've come to the right place.
We're going to explain in detail, how you can do Machu Picchu, on a budget!
We searched endlessly, looking for accurate information on getting to and from Machu Picchu, on a budget, and had many difficulties, so this is where we come in, providing all of the information you need to know.
We're going to explain in detail, how you can do Machu Picchu, on a budget!
We searched endlessly, looking for accurate information on getting to and from Machu Picchu, on a budget, and had many difficulties, so this is where we come in, providing all of the information you need to know.
Summary
- Get altitude sickness medicine
- Spend one night in Cusco
- Purchase return colectivo tickets to and from Hidroelectrica, at Plaza de Armas in Cusco
- Store your large luggage
- Drive to Hidroelectrica (6.5 Hours)
- Hike 12km to Aguas Calientes (2.5 Hours)
- Save 440PEN/$175CAD/$130USD/person just be not taking the train
Starting Your Journey
You will start your journey in Cusco, which is 3800m high, and has lower temperatures averaging about 20°C throughout the day, and 5°C throughout the evening.
You will need to spend one night in Cusco - To acclimatize to the high altitude, and to purchase your return colectivo tickets, to and from Hidroelectrica (where you will start your 12km walk to Aguas Calientes (base town of Machu Picchu)).
Unfortunately, at this time, the colectivos only depart at 7:30am, once daily, which is why you will need to spend the night in Cusco.
We recommend purchasing your tickets from Machu Picchu Reservations in Plaza de Armas, Cusco. We paid 60PEN/$18USD/$24cad/person for a return ticket.
And look at you go, you've saved 440PEN/$175CAD/$130USD/person, just by not taking the train!
You will need to spend one night in Cusco - To acclimatize to the high altitude, and to purchase your return colectivo tickets, to and from Hidroelectrica (where you will start your 12km walk to Aguas Calientes (base town of Machu Picchu)).
Unfortunately, at this time, the colectivos only depart at 7:30am, once daily, which is why you will need to spend the night in Cusco.
We recommend purchasing your tickets from Machu Picchu Reservations in Plaza de Armas, Cusco. We paid 60PEN/$18USD/$24cad/person for a return ticket.
And look at you go, you've saved 440PEN/$175CAD/$130USD/person, just by not taking the train!
Your Luggage
You will have to return to Cusco once you're done at Machu Picchu, so we recommend leaving your large luggage with your hotel in Cusco so you don't have to walk 24km with it.
If you weren't successful in leaving your large luggage back in Cusco like us, do not fret, there is a restaurant in Hidroelectrica where you can store them for 10PEN/$3USD/.4CAD/luggage. Just ensure you've got a lock on your luggage, and your important belongings with you. However, they were extremely trustworthy!
If you weren't successful in leaving your large luggage back in Cusco like us, do not fret, there is a restaurant in Hidroelectrica where you can store them for 10PEN/$3USD/.4CAD/luggage. Just ensure you've got a lock on your luggage, and your important belongings with you. However, they were extremely trustworthy!
The Drive
The next step is to catch your collectivo from Cusco to Hidroelectrica. Arrive the following day at Machu Picchu Reservations at about 7:15am.
The first leg of your journey is a total of 6.5 hours, around many corners, then a down a very long and bump dirt road at the end. Now be forewarned, as people who don't normally get motion sickness, this was one of the very few times we actually did. Therefore, we also recommend taking motion sickness medicine for that as well.
During the drive you will stop twice, every 2 hours for a washroom and snack break. Each stop is about 15 minutes.
You will then arrive at Hidroelectrica around 2:00pm. Upon arrival your driver will walk your group to one of the many restaurants along the tracks in Hidroelectrica. There, you can fuel up before you start your second leg, your 12km walk to Aguas Calientes.
About an hour later, once you've filled your bellies (but not too much that you're too full to walk), and stocked up on water, it's time to get to walking!
The first leg of your journey is a total of 6.5 hours, around many corners, then a down a very long and bump dirt road at the end. Now be forewarned, as people who don't normally get motion sickness, this was one of the very few times we actually did. Therefore, we also recommend taking motion sickness medicine for that as well.
During the drive you will stop twice, every 2 hours for a washroom and snack break. Each stop is about 15 minutes.
You will then arrive at Hidroelectrica around 2:00pm. Upon arrival your driver will walk your group to one of the many restaurants along the tracks in Hidroelectrica. There, you can fuel up before you start your second leg, your 12km walk to Aguas Calientes.
About an hour later, once you've filled your bellies (but not too much that you're too full to walk), and stocked up on water, it's time to get to walking!
The Walk
Ensure you've got good walking shoes on, we saw some people in flip-flops and heels, don't do that to your poor feet! You'll be walking on many tiny sharp rocks.
There is a sign at the end of the tracks in Hidroelectrica, on the right hand side, that ever so clearly, says, "To Machu Picchu -->", follow the sign to the right, and start your walk up the stairs. Don't be alarmed, the stairs are only for the first 50m, then flat the remaining 12km.
There is a sign at the end of the tracks in Hidroelectrica, on the right hand side, that ever so clearly, says, "To Machu Picchu -->", follow the sign to the right, and start your walk up the stairs. Don't be alarmed, the stairs are only for the first 50m, then flat the remaining 12km.
The walk itself is pretty easy, it's just super long. The 12km walk is along the tracks and the river, and the views are so beautiful!
During the walk, there are a few restaurants along the tracks, roughly every 3km's, selling snacks, fruit, and water if you get hungry or thirsty, or even just want to take a break.
It should only take you about 2.5 hours, having you arrive in Aguas Calientes (base town of Machu Picchu), around 5:30pm, just as it's getting dark.
Once you see this tree, just know that Aguas Calientes is right around the corner! You're basically there!
It should only take you about 2.5 hours, having you arrive in Aguas Calientes (base town of Machu Picchu), around 5:30pm, just as it's getting dark.
Once you see this tree, just know that Aguas Calientes is right around the corner! You're basically there!
Preventing Altitude Sickness
Have a plan for potential altitude sickness - We recommend purchasing altitude sickness pills at your home country, which are inexpensive. Especially if you're not used to the high altitude. Otherwise, you can find coca leaves in both Cusco and Aguas Calientes (base town of Machu Picchu), which help with the symptoms as well. However, be forewarned that they taste absolutely disgusting!
If you find yourself feeling short of breath, have a severe headache, feel dizzy, or nauseous, note that these are signs of altitude sickness, and we recommend taking medicine right away.
If you find yourself feeling short of breath, have a severe headache, feel dizzy, or nauseous, note that these are signs of altitude sickness, and we recommend taking medicine right away.
looking for other ideas for peru?
Not sure what else to do in Peru? Be should to check out the following for inspiration.
Peru Itinerary
If you need more plans for Peru, check out our Peru Itinerary for more ideas!
If you need more plans for Peru, check out our Peru Itinerary for more ideas!