Visiting the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu had been a lifelong dream of mine. With a daily budget of just $50, I planned a trip that proved you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience this wonder of the world.
I chose to go in April, when the rainy season tapers off and the days are mild (around 15–25°C). April in Peru also meant fewer crowds and lush green landscapes from the tail end of the rains – ideal conditions for a budget traveler seeking both good weather and good deals.
What follows is my personal journey to Machu Picchu filled with practical tips on saving money while savoring every moment.
Big Dreams, Small Budget
Like many travelers, I initially felt sticker shock at the tour prices for Machu Picchu; some companies charge $500 or more for a Cusco-to-Machu Picchu package, with luxury treks costing up to $2,000.
As a backpacker on a tight budget, I knew I’d have to piece the trip together myself. I spent weeks researching affordable alternatives on travel forums and blogs.
The plan I crafted was to fly into Cusco, acclimatize on the cheap, then take the scenic back-door route to Machu Picchu instead of the expensive tourist train. This DIY approach would let me keep costs under $50 per day while still fulfilling my dream.
One early decision was timing. I opted for April not only for its moderate climate, but also because it’s just past peak tourist season, meaning lower prices on accommodations and tours and a better chance of booking last-minute deals. I booked my Machu Picchu entry ticket in advance through the official website to guarantee my spot (daily visitors are capped at 2,500).
The basic entrance fee was 152 Peruvian soles for a foreign adult (about $40-45 USD), which I paid online to avoid any middleman markups. (Tip: if you’re a student, bring your student ID – you can get the same ticket for 77 soles, roughly half price!).
With my entry secured and a rough itinerary in mind, I packed my backpack with essentials (more on gear later) and set off for Peru.
Flights vs. Long Bus Rides
My journey began with getting to Cusco, the Incan capital and gateway to Machu Picchu, as cheaply as possible. The nearest international airport is in Lima, and from there most people either fly or bus it to Cusco.
The one-hour flight to Cusco can cost around $100–$200, which would have blown two to four days of my $50 budget in one go. So, I chose the more adventurous (and frugal) option: a 20-hour overnight bus from Lima to Cusco.
The bus ticket cost me only about 100 soles (≈$28 USD), a fraction of the airfare. It was a long ride through winding Andean roads, but the bus was comfortable enough and even saved me a night’s accommodation cost since I slept en route.
Arriving in Cusco the next morning, I stepped off the bus at 3,399 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level and immediately felt the altitude – slight dizziness and shortness of breath hit me as I grabbed my backpack.
Altitude sickness (locally known as soroche) is common on day one in Cusco, so I took it slow. At the bus terminal I sipped on free coca tea offered to travelers (a local remedy for altitude), then caught a shared taxi to the city center for just a few soles.
The driver dropped me near the Plaza de Armas, the historical heart of Cusco, where colonial architecture and Inca stone walls coexist.
Hostels, Altitude, and $5 Meals
In Cusco, my priority was to find cheap accommodation and acclimate before heading to Machu Picchu. I’d reserved a bunk at a popular backpacker hostel in Cusco for about $10 USD per night in a dormitory.
Many hostels here are budget-friendly and centrally located; mine was just a few minutes’ walk from the main plaza. The staff welcomed me with another cup of coca tea and plenty of advice for exploring the city on a budget.
They also agreed to store my large backpack for free when I would leave for Machu Picchu, allowing me to travel with just a daypack – a common perk that saves both hassle and a baggage storage fee.
That first day, I took it easy to adjust to the high altitude. I spent the afternoon on a self-guided walking tour of Cusco’s cobbled streets and vibrant markets. Wandering through the San Pedro Market, I marveled at the piles of exotic fruits and vegetables.
When hunger hit, I ate like the locals do: at a simple menu restaurant away from the tourist strip. In Peru, many eateries offer a “menú del día” – a fixed lunch menu that includes a soup or starter, a main course, and a drink – for as little as 6–8 soles (about $2).
I found a spot where, for 8 soles, I enjoyed a hearty quinoa soup followed by ají de gallina (a creamy chicken stew) with rice, and a cup of fresh muña tea. It was delicious, filling, and cost under $3!
Eating at these local places is one of my top tips: not only did it save money, but it also gave me a chance to chat (in my broken Spanish) with the owner and a couple of Cusqueño diners about life in Peru.
In the evening, I strolled around the Plaza de Armas, watching the sunset paint the sky above the surrounding mountains. There was a buzz in the air – a mix of panflute music from street performers and the chatter of fellow travelers.
I turned in early that night at the hostel, cozy under thick blankets (Cusco nights get cold), feeling excited and a bit nervous for the journey ahead.
My total spending in Cusco that day – including lodging, meals, and a few small souvenirs – came in around $30, well under my $50 limit. This was a good start, as I knew the next days might be more expensive when visiting Machu Picchu.
Budget Route to Machu Picchu
Day two began before dawn. I shouldered my light daypack (mostly filled with snacks, water, a jacket, and my camera) and left my big bag at the hostel.
Instead of taking the tourist train to Aguas Calientes (which can cost around $120 round-trip), I had chosen the “by land” route through Hidroeléctrica – a bit longer in time, but an adventure in itself and far cheaper. I paid $15 USD for a seat in a shared minivan bound for the town of Santa María, which is on the way to a small train stop called Hidroeléctrica.
Around 7:00 AM, our van rolled out of Cusco with a dozen other backpackers on board, all of us bleary-eyed but eager.
The drive was nothing short of spectacular. Our route climbed out of Cusco into the highlands, passing through small villages and terraced fields, then over the Abra Málaga pass (4,200 m) where we saw snow-capped peaks in the distance. From there the road wound down into the lush jungle of the Urubamba Valley.
We passed coffee and banana plantations as the climate became tropical. I pressed my face to the window, awestruck by how dramatically the landscape changed in a few hours – from Andes mountains to cloud forest.
The journey took about 5.5 hours by road, through stunning mountain and high jungle scenery via Santa Maria and Santa Teresa. It was a bumpy ride on winding roads (at one point we had to pause for a small landslide debris cleanup – a reminder that this road can be unpredictable), but eventually we reached Hidroeléctrica in the early afternoon.
Hidroeléctrica isn’t a town, just a train station and a hydroelectric plant with a dirt parking lot where vans drop off travelers. This is the end of the road – from here, no buses go to Aguas Calientes, so you either walk or take a train. Most budget travelers hike from this point, and I was no exception.
Before setting off, I joined a few fellow hikers for a quick lunch at a makeshift café by the tracks – a basic plate of chicken, rice and salad for 15 soles (about $4). It tasted surprisingly good, probably because I was starving.
We filled up our water bottles (I treated mine with purification tablets, since bottled water is pricey in tourist areas) and then started the 11 km (7 mi) trek to Aguas Calientes.
The hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (also known officially as Machu Picchu Pueblo) follows the train tracks through the Urubamba River valley. It’s a flat, scenic walk of about 2 to 3 hours along the Vilcanota River.
I walked with two new friends from the van, chatting and marveling at the surroundings. Towering green mountains loomed overhead, their peaks shrouded in mist. Occasionally, the sight of a passing PeruRail train carrying tourists willing to pay luxury fares made us grin and wave – our feet were getting dusty, but our wallets were staying full.
Along the way we spotted colorful butterflies and heard the calls of exotic birds. It even started to drizzle lightly (April still brings the odd shower), but I was prepared with a cheap plastic poncho I’d bought in Cusco for 8 soles (~$3). A memorable mishap occurred when I misstepped on a slippery rock while avoiding a puddle – I ended up with one boot soaked in mud.
Not the end of the world, but it made for a squishy last mile. We laughed it off and kept going, knowing a dry pair of socks waited in my pack.
By late afternoon, we arrived in Aguas Calientes, the touristy town at the foot of Machu Picchu. The town’s name means “hot waters,” a nod to the local hot springs, and it exists almost entirely to host Machu Picchu visitors.
I immediately felt the tourist-town vibe: souvenir shops, restaurants, and hotels line the streets. Everything here is notoriously expensive compared to Cusco, so I was glad I’d packed some snacks and was only staying one night. I had reserved a bed at a hostel (booking ahead is wise to avoid pushy hawkers and high walk-in rates).
The hostel, a place cheekily named “Supertramp,” turned out to be a delight. For about $15 I got a dorm bed with clean sheets, a hot shower, and a simple breakfast included – a budget traveler’s dream given the town’s usual prices. The friendly staff congratulated us on hiking in (“¡Buen camino!” they cheered) and gave me a map for the next day’s climb.
That evening, I joined some fellow travelers from the hostel for a dip in the Aguas Calientes hot springs (entry was around 20 soles, or $5, which I considered worth it to soothe my legs after the long walk).
Soaking in warm mineral water under the open sky, surrounded by jungle-covered mountains, was incredibly relaxing. We swapped stories about our travels and our plans for Machu Picchu at dawn.
I went to bed early, though I was too excited to sleep much. My expenses for the day – van transport, lunch, dinner of street-food empanadas, hostel, and hot springs – totaled roughly $45. It had been a full day of adventure, and I was still on budget.
Sunrise at the Lost City
Day Three: The Big Day. I woke up at 4:00 AM, well before the April sunrise. The hostel provided a simple breakfast (coffee, bread, and eggs – happily included in the room price) to fuel us for the climb.
By 4:30 AM, I was out the door with my daypack, heading to the trailhead that leads up the mountain to Machu Picchu. While there is a shuttle bus that takes tourists up the steep road to the site, it costs $12 USD each way (about 40 soles) – a hefty sum for my budget.
Instead, I joined dozens of other hardy (or frugal) souls in hiking up the stone staircases that zigzag up the mountain. It’s a challenging hike – about 1,700 steps rising 400 meters (1,300 ft) in elevation. In the pre-dawn dark we moved by flashlight and sheer determination, pausing occasionally to catch our breath in the humid jungle air.
As tough as it was, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment with every step, knowing I was ascending the way the Incas once did. We heard the first shuttle buses start their engines around 5:30 AM, passing us with headlights cutting through the dark; I silently cheered that I was saving money and having a more authentic experience on foot.
After about an hour of climbing (my legs felt every step of it), I reached the main entrance of Machu Picchu just as the sky was beginning to lighten. It was around 6:00 AM and a line was forming at the gate. I caught my breath and wiped the sweat off my brow, feeling a rush of excitement – I was moments away from finally entering the Lost City of the Incas!
I presented my passport and entry ticket to the ranger (don’t forget your passport when visiting Machu Picchu; it’s required for entry and you can even get a special passport stamp inside). Passing through the gate, I felt like I was walking into a dream.
Inside, Machu Picchu slowly unveiled itself from the morning mist. Terraces and stone structures appeared like a city floating above the clouds. I climbed to the classic viewpoint near the Caretaker’s Hut, where those postcard photos are taken.
As the sun rose, rays of light poured over the surrounding peaks and illuminated the ruins. It was an indescribably beautiful moment – all the sweat and budget planning to get here paid off a thousand times over.
I sat there in awe, watching llamas grazing on the terraces and thin clouds drifting over Huayna Picchu, the tall sugarloaf mountain that backdrops the site.
Once I’d soaked in the panorama, I spent the next several hours exploring the citadel. I wandered through the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, and the Intihuatana sundial stone, imagining how this place bustled with activity 500 years ago.
I had read up on Machu Picchu’s history beforehand, so I self-guided through the ruins, eavesdropping occasionally on a nearby tour guide’s explanations to learn a few extra facts (a guided tour can cost $15-20 per person, which I decided to skip). The site is expansive – you can easily spend 3-4 hours covering its different sectors and hiking up to viewpoints.
For a free extra, I hiked along the path toward the Sun Gate (Intipunku), which is the terminus of the Inca Trail. This gradual uphill walk provided a stunning overlook of Machu Picchu from a distance.
Truth be told, I had considered buying the additional ticket to climb Huayna Picchu, the famed steep peak that offers a bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu. However, only 400 people can do it per day and it costs extra (around 200 soles total for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket).
To stick to my budget, I skipped Huayna Picchu and chose the Sun Gate hike instead, which was free and still rewarded me with fantastic views. (If you do have a bit more cash, Huayna Picchu is said to be amazing – just be sure to reserve it in advance, as spots fill up.)
By late morning, the site was getting more crowded and the sun stronger. I made sure to stay hydrated (I’d brought a refillable bottle and snacks – avoiding the overpriced concession stand at the entrance where even water costs a premium).
I had one more frugal hack up my sleeve: rather than paying for the bus down to town, I hiked back down the same stone steps I came up, saving another $12. The descent took about 40 minutes and was tough on the knees, but I took my time and enjoyed the jungle scenery one last time.
Back in Aguas Calientes by early afternoon, I was hungry and exhilarated. I picked up my stored backpack from the hostel, grabbed a quick lunch (a simple chicken sandwich for 10 soles), and prepared for the journey back to Cusco.
Many of the travelers I’d met were staying a second night in town, but I decided to head back the same day to save on accommodation and because I had a bus to catch. Around 2:30 PM, I started the hike from Aguas Calientes back to Hidroeléctrica where return vans to Cusco depart around 3:00. My legs were weary, but I was running on the high of visiting Machu Picchu.
Along the way, a brief mishap turned into a heartwarming cultural encounter: I slipped (again) on the trail’s wet leaves and a local Quechua farmer who was walking by kindly helped me up. He noticed I was out of breath and pulled a handful of coca leaves from his pocket, gesturing for me to chew them – a traditional energy booster.
We walked a short stretch together, exchanging a few words (my Spanish is basic and he spoke Quechua, but we managed smiles and laughter). Moments like that – genuine human connection – became some of my favorite travel memories, and they cost nothing.
I reached Hidroeléctrica in time to catch the last van back to Cusco. The ride felt longer on the way home, as everyone dozed and the adrenaline of the past days began to wear off.
We arrived in Cusco around 10:00 PM. I checked back into the same hostel I started from (they had a bed for me in the dorm for another $10, and my stored luggage was safe and sound).
Exhausted, I sank into bed, reflecting on the incredible journey of the last three days. Not only had I visited Machu Picchu, but I had done it my way – and on a true shoestring.
Packing Light and Right
One key to traveling cheaply is packing smart, so you don’t have to splurge on gear or emergency buys. For this Machu Picchu packing list, I focused on versatile, essential items and took advantage of rentals where possible:
- Clothing Layers: April’s weather in the Andes can range from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, so I packed layers: a lightweight jacket, a fleece, moisture-wicking t-shirts, and a rain poncho. Instead of an expensive rain jacket, I used a simple plastic poncho from a Cusco shop for 8 soles (~$3) – it kept me dry during drizzles and folded up tiny in my bag. I also had a hat and sunglasses for sun protection, and a cozy beanie for cold nights. Packing layers meant I was prepared for temperature swings without needing costly specialty gear.
- Footwear: I wore my trusty broken-in hiking shoes. If you don’t own hiking boots, don’t rush out to buy ultra-expensive ones for this trip. You can get by with sturdy sneakers or running shoes for the trails I did, as long as they have decent grip. The important part is that they’re comfortable and already broken in (to avoid blisters). Thick socks are a must, and I carried an extra pair in my daypack for when I got my feet wet.
- Backpack and Storage: I traveled with one medium backpack and a small daypack. Many Cusco hostels will store your big bag for free (as mine did), so you can trek to Machu Picchu with just the essentials. My daypack held water, snacks, a flashlight, my camera, and a change of clothes. This way I avoided hiring a porter or storing luggage in Aguas Calientes, keeping costs zero on that front.
- Water and Snacks: Buying water bottles and snacks in tourist areas can quietly drain your budget. I carried a refillable water bottle and purification tablets. In Cusco I refilled from the hostel’s filtered water for free. For the Machu Picchu day, I packed some high-energy snacks (granola bars, fruit) bought at a local supermarket in Cusco at local prices. This saved me from paying triple the price at Aguas Calientes convenience stores.
- Renting Gear: If you plan to do longer treks (like the Salkantay or Inca Trail) or camp, remember that renting gear in Cusco is very affordable. There are shops where you can rent tents for about $3 per day and sleeping bags for $2 per day, among other equipment. I met hikers who rented trekking poles and even warm jackets for a few dollars instead of buying them new. Since my trip was short, I didn’t need to rent much, but I did borrow a walking stick from the hostel for my Machu Picchu hike (many hostels have a stash left by past travelers). It really helped on those steep Inca stairs and cost me nothing. The takeaway: borrow or rent infrequently used gear whenever possible – it’s budget-friendly and you won’t have to lug it around after your trek.
- Miscellaneous Must-haves: A headlamp or flashlight is crucial for the pre-dawn hike (your phone flashlight can work in a pinch, but I carried a small $5 headlamp for convenience). Sunscreen and insect repellent were also in my kit – I brought travel-sized bottles from home since those can be expensive in tourist areas. A basic first aid kit with band-aids, painkillers, and altitude medicine (like Diamox or just herbal remedies) is smart to have, though thankfully I only needed the band-aids (for minor blisters). By packing thoughtfully, I avoided last-minute purchases on the road, which are often costly.
Memorable Mishaps
Traveling on a tight budget often means immersing yourself more deeply in the local culture – you take local transport, eat where residents eat, and interact with people beyond the tourist bubble.
These interactions became some of the richest parts of my journey. For instance, on the long bus ride into the jungle, I found myself sitting next to an elderly Quechua woman traveling to visit her family. She spoke little Spanish and I spoke little Quechua, but we bonded over sharing some snacks.
She taught me how to say thank you (“añay”) in Quechua, and I helped translate a few phrases with my limited Spanish when the van driver announced instructions. It was a small moment of connection that made the hours fly by.
Another cultural highlight was back in Cusco: I happened upon a local festival in the main square on my last day. There were dancers in vibrant traditional costumes and a brass band playing Andean folk tunes.
I later learned it was a celebration for a regional saint’s day. Watching the community come together in celebration – families, school kids, grandparents – was a beautiful experience and entirely free entertainment.
It reminded me that being on a budget doesn’t limit you; in fact, it often opens you up to serendipitous experiences that packaged tours might rush past.
Of course, not everything went perfectly on this trip – but the mishaps became memories (and lessons) too. I’ve already mentioned my muddy slip on the trail and the scramble to catch the last van. I also had a scare when I thought I lost my wallet in Aguas Calientes, only to find I had stuffed it in the wrong pocket of my backpack.
That ten minutes of panic taught me to keep my valuables in a consistent place! On the way back to Cusco, our van got a flat tire half-way down the mountain road. Initially, I was anxious – we were in the middle of nowhere, the clock was nearing nightfall, and I worried about getting stranded (or missing my flight the next day).
But then something heartwarming happened: all the passengers piled out, and a few of the more mechanically savvy guys (including one of the local drivers from another van) jumped in to help the driver.
I’m useless with car repairs, but I offered some of my water and cookies to the impromptu pit crew as they worked. In under 30 minutes, the tire was changed with teamwork and good humor, and we were back on our way, everyone clapping and cheering. It struck me that travel challenges often bring out the best in people – strangers helping strangers, regardless of nationality or language, is a pretty awesome thing to witness.
By the end of my Machu Picchu adventure, I realized that traveling on a budget had not only saved me money, but it had also given me a more authentic, narrative-rich experience.
Every bus ride, market meal, and hostel stay became an opportunity to learn about the local way of life and to meet fellow travelers with fascinating stories. I returned home not just with photos of a world wonder, but with a sense of accomplishment and a trove of memories made sweeter by the fact that I achieved them within my modest means.
Key Takeaways for Budget Travelers
- Plan for the Shoulder Season: Travel in the shoulder season (like April) for a balance of good weather and fewer crowds. Prices for flights and accommodations can be lower, and you’ll have a more peaceful experience at Machu Picchu without peak-season tourist throngs.
- DIY Your Route: Skip the pricey tours and plan the trip yourself. Use local transport options – e.g. a bus or shared van via Santa María/Hidroeléctrica (≈$30 round-trip) instead of the $120 train – and consider hiking portions like the final leg to Aguas Calientes. It’s not only cheaper but also more adventurous.
- Stay and Eat Local: Opt for hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels. In Cusco and Aguas Calientes, dorm beds or basic private rooms can be found for a fraction of hotel costs (my hostel in Aguas Calientes was clean, had hot showers, and was very affordable). Save on food by eating where locals eat – look for menú del día lunch deals for just a couple of dollars and shop at local markets for snacks and fruit. This will keep your daily food budget very low while giving you a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Reserve your Machu Picchu entry tickets ahead of time (online via the official site or at authorized offices) to ensure availability and avoid agency markups. A standard adult ticket is around 152 soles (≈$42) – don’t pay more through resellers. If you’re a student, bring your ID for a discounted entry at 77 soles. Also, plan whether you want the extra hikes (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) and book those early, though keep in mind they cost more.
- Hike Instead of Taking the Bus: Consider hiking up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes rather than taking the shuttle bus. The bus is ~$24 round-trip, which can be a day’s worth of meals in Peru! The hike is strenuous but free, and it adds to the sense of achievement. Similarly, you can walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes (2–3 hours) to save on train costs – plus, it’s a gorgeous walk.
- Pack Smart and Rent Gear: Bring layered clothing and rain protection for April’s variable weather, but don’t overpack. Buy cheap rain gear locally (ponchos for a few soles) and use hostels’ luggage storage to lighten your load on the trek. For any specialized gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, tents), rent in Cusco for a few dollars a day instead of purchasing. It’s budget-friendly and you can return it after use.
- Allow Time for Acclimatization: Plan at least a day in Cusco to acclimate to the high altitude before heading to Machu Picchu. This will help you avoid severe altitude sickness and enjoy your trip more. Plus, you get to explore the rich history of Cusco – a destination in its own right – at a leisurely pace.
- Embrace the Local Culture: Finally, remember that traveling on a budget isn’t just about pinching pennies – it’s about immersing yourself. Use local buses, try your hand at a few Spanish (or Quechua) phrases, chat with locals and fellow travelers, and be open to the unexpected. These experiences are priceless and are often the ones you’ll cherish the most when you look back on your Machu Picchu adventure.
By following these tips and approaches, I managed to visit Machu Picchu “without spending a fortune,” averaging under $50 a day. My journey proved that with smart choices, a bit of planning, and an open mind, one of the world’s most iconic travel experiences can be both affordable and profoundly enriching.