Budget Tours to Machu Picchu
Lares trekking brings you close to glaciers melting and reforming for thousands of years. Hot springs at Lares are perfect for soaking before serious climbing starts, while Ipsayccocha Pass is where altitude announces itself, regardless of fitness. Machu Picchu appears through morning clouds, and despite every photo you've seen, being there hits different completely. It’s a dream you’ll remember forever.
10 best Budget Machu Picchu tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMachu Picchu travel expert at TourRadar
- 2 Day Inca Trail Experience – Small Group Adventure
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
- Salkantay Trek Standard 5D/4N
- Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca
- A 10-Day Adventure in Peru and Brazil: From Machu Picchu to Rio de Janeiro
- 04 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Inca Adventure: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Best Views Ever
- Inca Trail Trek
- 6 Days Classical Peru
- 7 Days From Glaciers to Jungles: Salkantay Adventure to Machu Picchu
2 Day Inca Trail Experience – Small Group Adventure
“The journey was even more enriching due to the deep knowledge of the history, culture, and nature.”
Darwin, traveled in December
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, French, Spanish Price Per Day $434 Operator Waman Adventures From
- US$868
02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
“The tour was AMAZING! The hotels and surrounding town was nice as well.”
Anon, traveled in July
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $280 Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$560
Salkantay Trek Standard 5D/4N
“The size of our group was larger than I would have liked at 15 persons but all and all it went well.”
JohnToonders, traveled in April
Machu Picchu opens its gates at approx. $90 per day with guided ruins tour, Aguas Calientes overnight stay, and site entry. Additional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs available for $70. Transportation from Hydroelectric and most meals included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cusco, Mollepata, Salkantay Mountain, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $90 Operator CondeTravel From
- US$450
Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca
“Magnificent trek, despite heavy rain on day 2 ... the travails just added to the sense of achievement on reaching the Sun Gate.”
Pam, traveled in May
Duration 15 days Destinations Lima, Miraflores, Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, Nazca, Abancay, Limatambo, Cusco, Sacred ValleySee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $412 Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- US$6,180
A 10-Day Adventure in Peru and Brazil: From Machu Picchu to Rio de Janeiro
“Every booking was managed perfectly and all tour confirmations, boarding passes, and transfers were sent ahead of time.”
Denise, traveled in July
Premium package at approx. $500 per day features Vistadome train journey and expert Machu Picchu citadel tour. Includes comfortable Cusco accommodations, all transfers, and Rainbow Mountain expedition with optional horse rental.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lima, Miraflores, Cusco, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Rio de Janeiro Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $348 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,999
13% Off- US$3,479
The 4-day package includes camping gear, meals, and Golden Sunrise Hotel stay for approx. $190/day. Features bus up Machu Picchu, 2-hour guided tour, and return transport to Cusco. Sleeping bag rental available for $25.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Mollepata, Salkantay Mountain, Lucmabamba, Llaqtapata, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $190 Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
13% Off- US$759
Inca Adventure: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Best Views Ever
“Machu Picchu is not the easiest place to travel to, but G Adventures made it very easy, comfortable, and fun.”
Ian, traveled in March
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Rainbow Mountain Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $111 Operator G Adventures From
13% Off- US$779
Inca Trail Trek
“The whole Inca Trail is a challenging but brilliant experience culminating in the arrival at Manchu Picchu which is breathtaking.”
Helen, traveled in June
Machu Picchu adventure priced at approx. $220 per day, including Cusco hotels, camping gear, and porter support. Covers most meals, English-speaking guides with 5-star ratings, and train transport from Aguas Calientes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cusco, Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, Llaqtapata, Wayllabamba, Llulluchapampa, Runkuraqay MountainSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $156 Operator Explore! From $1,750
20% Off- US$1,400
6 Days Classical Peru
“This tour is an excellent way for someone with limited time to get the best out of Peru.”
Peter, traveled in September
Machu Picchu citadel awaits at approx. $220 daily, featuring train rides through Urubamba canyon and guided tours of 15th-century ruins. Package includes 3-star hotels in Aguas Calientes, local lunch, and expert UNESCO site interpretation.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $225 Operator Responsible Travel South America From $1,380
2% Off- US$1,352
The Salkantay route costs around $270 per day with comfortable stays at Lodge Del Cielo in Soraypampa and Sky Lodge in Lucmabamba. Peru Rail Expeditions train from Ollanta to Aguas Calientes and guided tours with English-speaking guides are covered. Free coffee plantation tour in cloud forest included, zip-lining available for extra.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cusco, Mollepata, Nevado Humantay, Chaullay, Salkantay Mountain, Lucmabamba, Llaqtapata, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $196 Operator Responsible Travel South America From $1,400
2% Off- US$1,372
What people love about Budget Tours in Machu Picchu
- 02 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Group Service
The tour was AMAZING! Just the right amount of hiking and sight-seeing. The hotels and surrounding town was nice as well. The tour was very well-organized. Our tour guide Ali Gutierrez was very friendly, accomodating, and knowledgeable of all the sights as well as surrounding nature.
- Salkantay Trek Standard 5D/4N
Fantastic tour. Great active vacation with excellent guides
I won’t have enough characters to describe my gratitude for my entire experience with Waman. Beginning with Liz during my reservation process, she was so attentive and promptly responsive. Then all the way through to the last drop off back at the airport, I have never experienced such an exceptional tour company. The highlight of my experience was my tour guide, Papa Freddy. His passion for what he does and what he knows made everything exciting and a memory of a lifetime. There’s no price tag on that. I was also sick with a chest cold on top of altitude sickness and Freddy did everything to accommodate my needs. I can’t imagine the experience having been any more perfect without Freddy looking out for me the whole time. I am forever grateful. He is a major asset to your company. Thank you for a first class experience from the beautiful hotel rooms, to the clean and comfy vans, to the ease of the excursions, to the friendly staff, and again for putting Papa Freddy as my tour guide (and Wilbur for Rainbow Mountain). Lucky lucky me. I will DEFINITELY use Waman again and will tell all of my friends about you guys. Thank you!!
CUSCO ADVENTURE EXPRESS - 5 Days
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Machu Picchu
When is the most affordable time to visit Machu Picchu Mountain?
Visit Machu Picchu Mountain during April-May or September-October to find the best deals. The Salkantay trek costs around 450 USD for 5 days during these months while peak season prices jump to 600 USD or more. Hotels in Cusco including the Sonesta offer reduced rates. Travelers note these months bring "fewer crowds on the trails while still having good weather conditions for trekking."
What transportation options are included in budget Machu Picchu tours?
Standard budget tours cover key transport needs: PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes plus bus transfers between sites. Tours typically start from central points like Plaza San Francisco in Cusco. Past travelers note: "The included transportation was well-organized from the trains to the buses up to Machu Picchu."
What optional activities should I budget for in Machu Picchu Mountain?
Set aside extra funds for popular add-ons: Huayna Picchu climb costs 70 USD Aguas Calientes hot springs run 10 USD and Rainbow Mountain day trips range from 30-50 USD. Previous visitors suggest: "The hot springs in Aguas Calientes were worth the extra 10 USD after a long day of hiking perfect for budget travelers looking to relax."
What are the best budget-friendly areas to stay in Machu Picchu?
Look for accommodations in Cusco's San Blas district where you'll find affordable options like Ayni Cusco Hotel. In Aguas Calientes budget-conscious travelers choose places like Mamasara Machupicchu Hotel near the train station. Both areas offer easy access to markets and low-cost dining. Travelers report: "Staying in San Blas was perfect - affordable accommodation with great access to everything."
How much should I budget for meals not included in the tour?
Set aside 15-25 USD daily for independent meals. Local spots near Cusco's Plaza de Armas serve dishes for 5-10 USD while tourist restaurants in Aguas Calientes charge 15-20 USD per meal. Experienced visitors suggest: "Street food and local markets were great budget-friendly options especially in Cusco where you could get a filling lunch for under 10 USD."
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