How to Visit Machu Picchu on a Budget?

Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, but visiting it doesn’t have to break the bank. We experienced the epic Salkantay Trek and explored Machu Picchu during the low season, so the trails and Aguas Calientes weren’t crowded. Keep in mind that last-minute deals or tickets can be very hard to get during high season, so plan ahead if you want a stress-free adventure. Here’s how we conquered the Salkantay route, saved money, and still had a jaw-dropping Inca experience.

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Our Personal Salkantay Trek Route

We booked our three-day Salkantay Trek with KB Adventures, a solid choice if you want affordable deals and reliable guides. Here’s how we did it:

Day 1: Mollepata → Soraypampa

We started at 3am, taking a transfer from Cusco to Mollepata. The winding roads and lack of sleep didn’t stop us—after breakfast and lacing up our hiking boots, the adventure began. That first day, we hiked up to Soraypampa, a cute little village surrounded by glacial mountains and Andean valleys. The campsite was simple, but the scenery made every step worth it. After reaching the camp, we did a short acclimatization hike up to Humantay lake – A gorgeous turquoise glacial lake at the footsteps of Humantay massif. We were lucky enough that the sky decided to clear up when we got up to the lake so we could see the surrounding mountains.

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Day 2: Soraypampa → Collpapampa (via Salkantay Pass)

The second day was both challenging and breathtaking. We crossed the Salkantay Pass at 4,900m, battling rain, snow, and clouds—but when the skies cleared later that day, the views were nothing short of epic. After conquering the pass, we descended to Collpapampa, our second night’s camp. High-altitude peaks, glacier-fed streams, and lush valleys made this the ultimate day for acclimatization and photography.

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Day 3: Collpapampa → Aguas Calientes via Hidroelectrica

The final day began early with a descent into the tropical Andean foothills. Along the way, we passed a coffee farm and several small villages, soaking in the jungle scenery. The trek took us at Hidroelectrica power plant, from where we walked the last 10km along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes, the gateway village to Machu Picchu.

Once we reached Aguas Calientes, we went straight to the Ministry of Culture to get our Machu Picchu tickets and were pleasantly surprised—we managed to secure tickets for the day after tomorrow without much hassle. Since entry was for the following day, we spent a night in Aguas Calientes preparing for our big adventure.

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Aguas Calientes: Tourist Hub with a Backpacker Gem

Aguas Calientes is very touristy, and eating out can be expensive—meals often cost 10–15€, or even more. But in the center of the village, we found a local mercado with menu del dia stalls, offering full, hearty Peruvian meals for just 3€. One of the best backpacker finds in South America! Always explore a bit off the main streets—hidden gems like this exist everywhere.

Visiting Machu Picchu on a Budget

The next morning, we headed up to Machu Picchu early. We opted for a circuit 3 – a less crowded route via Huayna Picchu terraces with a climb up to Huayna Picchu mountain, which gave us a slightly different but spectacular view of the Inca city.

After exploring Machu Picchu, we walked 10 km back to Hidroelectrica, where we had organized a bus back to Cusco.

Our entire Machu Picchu expedition—from Cusco to the trek and back—took 5 days, combining adventure, trekking, and the unforgettable experience of visiting the iconic Inca citadel.

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Tips to visiting Machu Picchu:

• Take the bus early to avoid crowds or if feeling energetic, you can also hike up.
• Bring your own snacks and water—food inside is pricey.
• Look for last-minute trek deals or small group tours—they can save hundreds. Our Salkantay trekking partners had pre-booked a guided tour so we conveniently joined that one.

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Why the Salkantay Trek Is Perfect for Budget Backpackers

We traveled light—carry-on backpacks only, no heavy gear, just essentials. The Salkantay Trek gave us:

• 4,900m high mountain pass
• Glacial lakes and jungle valleys
• 55km of Andean wilderness
• A true sense of accomplishment arriving at Machu Picchu

Photography opportunities are insane, and the emotional payoff? Priceless.

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Cheapest Way to Visit Machu Picchu

Here’s our formula:

1. Arrive in Cusco
2. Check local Salkantay agencies
3. Compare prices in person
4. Stay flexible with dates
5. Choose a 3–4 day Salkantay Trek package
6. If high-season, pre-book a Salkantay trek and Machu Picchu tickets before arriving in Peru

You’ll save hundreds of euros, avoid Inca Trail permit stress, see more dramatic landscapes, and arrive at Machu Picchu like a real adventurer—not a tourist.

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Extra Budget Tip: Skip the Train

Many tours return by train from Aguas Calientes, but usually the price is not included in the trek. Here’s a tip to save a bit more:

• Walking back to Hidroelectrica (~10 km along railway)
• Taking cheaper transport from there

We walked along the jungle railway tracks—it was honestly one of the coolest parts of the whole trek.

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Machu Picchu Costs vs. Salkantay Trek

Typical Machu Picchu tours can be expensive:

• Inca Trail permits sell out months in advance
• Guided Inca Trail tours: €600–900
• Luxury trains from Cusco: €70–150 one way. Even more if booked late.

Our Salkantay trek package cost: ~€250–300 per person, including:

• 3-day guided trek
• All meals and accommodation
• Transport
• One extra night in Aguas Calientes
• Machu Picchu entry ticket
• Bus from Aguas Calientes
• Bus from Hidroelectrica to Cusco

Massive difference—and a way more personal, adventurous experience.

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💡 Pro tip: Carry cash for local meals, dress in layers for changing weather, and hike at your own pace. Even on a budget, the Salkantay Trek gives you the ultimate Machu Picchu experience without the crowds or overpriced packages.