Comments on: Machu Picchu on the Cheap

By: valley

valley — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:32:20 +0000

i’m far too much of a hippy to even consider going up there by car… the trek is a huge part of the experience. to each his own i suppose.

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By: Hal Amen

Hal Amen — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:18:26 +0000

The cheapest way is by bus, but this can be a long, cold, uncomfortable ride. If that doesn’t deter you, go for it! Otherwise, flights are reasonably priced (under $100 for one-way). Check Taca–they’re pretty nice.

Enjoy your trip!

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By: Maryann

Maryann — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:12:51 +0000

This is great information. I’m just planning my trip starting at Lima. So what is the most economical way to get from Lima to Cuzco?

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By: Hal Amen

Hal Amen — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:53:45 +0000

Thanks for your question, Stephen. Do you mean at the site itself, or getting there? Either way, I’m pretty sure it’s possible to go solo. I assume there are still public buses or micros that follow the route I described above, at least to Santa Teresa if not the hydroelectric station itself.

At least, I know of no “rule” preventing people from doing things on their own.

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By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:41:50 +0000

Hal,

Thanks for this information. Just wondering what all the rumours are I’ve been hearing about not being able to do Machu Picchu solo anymore? I’ve heard that it is mandatory to use a tour operator now. Are you able to clarify?

Many thanks,

Stephen

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By: Jess

Jess — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:55:43 +0000

I did the 4-day trek. It was several hundred dollars, and definitely not for everyone. On the other hand this is one case where getting there really is half the fun. The nauseating and long bus ride will get you to Machu Picchu. The trail takes you through 4 or 5 other archeological sites, and nothing compares to waking up in the top of the Andes above the clouds. The sense of victory and accomplishment you feel when you reach Machu Picchu on the final day (hours before most of the tour groups) is really something special, and worth every penny if you are able to afford it and physically make the trek.

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By: Hal Amen

Hal Amen — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:35:20 +0000

What are you referring to, Alec? Which tour company were you with?

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By: alec lindsay

alec lindsay — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:58:41 +0000

IT WAS RUBBISH, THE SERVICE WAS abbismle

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By: Hal Amen

Hal Amen — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:23:58 +0000

Thanks for adding this, Steph. I passed through Ollantaytambo a few times and wish I could have spent a night or two.

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By: steph

steph — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:01:52 +0000

another money saving option is to take a collectivo from cusco to ollantaytambo (no more than $15), spend the night in olla (a must do for anyone going to peru anyways, by far the highlight of peru for me) for $5pp (i recomonded hostal chaska wasi, the owner is incredible, the hostel more than sufficient, and the view from the roof top hammock the best), and catch the very first train in the morning to MP for $70 RT (537am), spend the day at mp, and take the last train back to olla, spend another $5 on a bed, and enjoy the infinite stars as well as the unbelievable (and cheap!) food

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