Budget Tours & Trips to Inca Trail
Think you can’t visit the Inca Trail on a budget? You’re wrong! Have you imagined exploring the Inca site of Tambomachay, visiting the traditional village of Qenko, and learning about Andean customs and culture? Tour the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosco, discover Machu Picchu with a guided tour. Peru's Inca heritage is genuinely fascinating throughout, and it doesn’t’ have to break the bank.
5 best cheap Inca Trail tour packages
Compiled by
NinaInca Trail travel expert at TourRadar
Peru's historic Inca Trail region awaits at approx. $200 per day, with professional guides and mule support carrying 15 lbs gear. The package includes Golden Sunrise Hotel stay, meals, and transportation from Ollantaytambo.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cusco, Lamay, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $200 Operator Inkayni Peru Tours From
- US$599
Inca Trail Trek
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views along the way were also spectacular. The highlight was undoubtedly arriving at the SunGate.”
Diana, traveled in August
An immersive classic Inca Trail adventure costs approx. $220 per day, with camping gear, porter support, and most meals provided. The journey includes 4 hotel nights in Cusco, 3 nights camping at historic sites, and guided tours of ancient ruins.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Llaqtapata, Wayllabamba, Llulluchapampa, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $216 Operator Explore! From
- US$1,940
This streamlined 2-day Inca Trail route costs approx. $300 per day, with train through Sacred Valley, basic hotel accommodation, and professional guide included. All trail permits and entrance fees are covered, with optional summit additions for $65.
Duration 2 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $405 Operator Peru Trek 4 Good From
- US$810
Value-packed Inca Trail experience at $232 per day includes camping gear, meals, and guide services. Trek ancient paths with included transportation, campsite fees, and return train journey. Optional porter service available for personal belongings.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Wayllabamba, Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $233 Operator PVTravels From
- US$930
4 Days Classic Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Tour - Standard
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Machu Picchu was incredible and we go amazing spots and the adventure the entire way was beautiful and exciting.”
Cody, traveled in November
The Inca Trail region beckons at approx. $110 daily, featuring guided treks, equipment, and authentic local homestays. Local meals showcase native produce, plus free coffee demonstrations in Quellomayo. Optional activities start at $35.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Abra Malaga Mountain, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $113 Operator CondeTravel From
- US$450
What our customers ask about Budget Tours & Trips to Inca Trail
What are the best budget-friendly areas to stay in the Inca Trail region?
The neighborhoods of San Blas and San Cristobal in Cusco provide cost-effective lodging near key attractions. Budget travelers often choose Andino or Flower's House hotels in Aguas Calientes for their practical location. The Sacred Valley towns Ollantaytambo and Pisac offer reasonably priced stays with convenient access to ruins. A TourRadar traveler noted "We stayed at Flower's House in Aguas Calientes which was basic but clean and perfectly located for an early start to Machu Picchu."
What meals are typically included in budget Inca Trail tours?
Budget tours cover three daily meals and snacks during trek days. The Huchuy Qosqo Trek represents a typical meal plan with two breakfasts lunches and dinners plus afternoon snacks. Vegetarian options are standard. Hotel stays usually include breakfast. A TourRadar traveler shared "The food served on the mountain was absolutely fantastic. Some of the best food I've had in Peru." Extra budget is needed for city meals and any food not listed in the itinerary.
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget Inca Trail tours?
Budget tours combine camping and basic hotels throughout the journey. Trek portions feature EUREKA/DOITE 4-person tents shared between two travelers with porters handling setup. Town stays include straightforward hotels like Golden Sunrise in Aguas Calientes or simple guesthouses in Santa Teresa. A TourRadar traveler noted "The pre and post trek accommodation was nice and everything was well organized." Expect basic amenities such as hot water and private bathrooms.
What transportation costs should I budget for during an Inca Trail tour?
Standard budget tours cover main transport costs like train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (140 USD round trip) and trek transfers. Additional costs include airport transfers (15-20 USD) bus tickets to Machu Picchu (24 USD round trip) and local Cusco transport (1-2 USD per ride). A TourRadar traveler shared "Having the train and main transfers included helped keep costs down we just had to pay for a few local taxis."
Are entrance fees included in budget Inca Trail tours?
The base price typically covers the Machu Picchu permit (152 USD). Extra costs apply for Huayna Picchu Mountain (65 USD) or Machu Picchu Mountain access. Cusco archaeological sites like Sacsayhuaman need a separate tourist ticket (Boleto Turistico). A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The basic entrance fees were covered but we had to pay extra for Huayna Picchu which was worth it for the views."
What's the recommended budget for additional expenses not included in the tour price?
Set aside 25-35 USD daily for extra costs. This covers non-included meals (15-20 USD daily) optional entrance fees bottled water and guide/porter tips (15-20 USD per day). TourRadar travelers suggest bringing 150-200 USD in cash for a 4-day trek. One reviewer shared "Besides the tour cost we spent about 100 USD on extra meals water and tips during our 4-day Inca Trail trek."
More about Inca Trail
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