Machu Picchu: What We Would Do Differently

Machu Picchu is a beautiful site attracting thousands of tourists per day!

In our experience, it is also one of the biggest tourist traps in the world! The cost of everything is inflated. Everybody seems to be trying to earn an extra buck from your pocket.

Upon visiting Machu Picchu and spending too much money, here is what we would do differently if we could do it all over again. 

For our actual itinerary, see our post “Our Itinerary for Machu Picchu”.

Our Recommended Itinerary

1) Arrive in Cusco and either stay the night or drop your belongings at your hostel/hotel that you will be staying at when you return.

* Our recommendation is to stay one night so you have enough time to purchase your bus ticket to Hidroelectrica, your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (if you have not already purchased it online) and stock up on snacks, food, water etc. as prices are inflated in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

2) Purchase your ticket to Hidroelectrica in Cusco. We saw tickets as low as 40 soles at a tour operator in Cusco.

*Our recommendation is to book your return ticket while in Cusco

3) At 6am the next morning, take the bus to Hidroelectrica. Our understanding is it is a long journey and you will arrive in the early afternoon.

4) Walk 2 hours to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

5) Stay one or two nights at a hotel or hostel in Aguas Calientes

6) The next day (morning or afternoon depending on which ticket you have and if you are staying 1 or 2 nights), visit the beautiful Machu Picchu

*Our recommendation is to take the bus up ($12 USD per person) and walk down afterwards (approx. 1 hour walk to save the extra cost). When buying your bus ticket, count your change carefully if you pay in cash, as the tellers are known for shortchanging tourists. If paying by credit card, you must pay by Mastercard or American Express (not Visa)

7) Return the same way you arrived (through Hidroelectrica). If you do not want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes and can afford the high cost for the train, you can return on Peru Rail or Inca Rail to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

*Our recommendation is to stay in Ollantaytambo for 1-2 nights to explore the Sacred Valley and then take a van (colectivo) to Cusco for 10 soles per person. You can get the colectivo from the main square or the train station.

That’s it! This itinerary would save you some dollars while not compromising your experience to Machu Picchu!

If you have any questions or comments about our recommended itinerary, send us a message or comment below!