Machu Picchu is among the world's most majestic and mystifying places. Nestled in the Andes mountains, these ancient Incan ruins sit nearly 8,000 feet above sea against a backdrop of breathtaking panoramic views. Thanks to the best Machu Picchu vacations, these mountainous stone ruins are accessible to travelers of all ages and abilities! Peruvian officials have recently discussed closing the ruins over concerns of wear-and-tear from visitors, which means now is the time to book a Machu Picchu tour. Traveling here can be expensive, but there are tour packages that are more affordable than most. Here we'll review some of the best and most affordable vacation deals along with tips for visiting these ruins. Ready for adventure? Machu Picchu awaits.
If you book through a travel site like Travelocity or Expedia, you can score flight and hotel deals for Machu Picchu for less than $1,000 per person -- sometimes as little as $500 per person -- depending on when you're willing to travel. Expedia is currently offering six nights in a hotel and two roundtrip flights for less than $2,000, which is a great deal for couples or traveling partners. Keep in mind, you will still need to secure transportation to and from the ruins, and you will also need to pay the entry fee at the gate.
Yes, in fact cruising to Machu Picchu can be the most cost-effective way to get there. Norwegian Cruise Line is currently offering a 15-day South American cruise deal that includes a flight from Lima to Machu Picchu for a cost averaging just $749 per person!
If you can find cheap airfare and transportation to the trailhead, then you can get in with an Inca Trail trekking company for surprisingly little. Peru Treks offers an all-inclusive price of just $650 which includes the trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance fee, the bus ride back to Aguas Calientes and further travel back to Cusco.
Want to snag a deal on a group coupon website? Groupon and LivingSocial are both good places to periodically check for cheap travel to Machu Picchu. Travel companies such as Gate 1 Travel -- which often advertise deals through these sites -- offer budget-friendly trips to Machu Picchu. Gate 1 is currently offering a five-day all-inclusive package for just $949 per person -- that's with flights included!
Want a more luxurious vacation without completely breaking the bank? Machu Picchu luxury tour packages are the perfect solution! G Adventures is also offering a tour that includes both the Amazon and Machu Picchu for $2,749. That's significantly more expensive than bare-bones budget trips, but you'll also get to see the Amazon, and that's still much less than you'll pay with higher-end travel companies. For example, compare that price with Audley Travel, which is currently offering a 12-day vacation package covering the Amazon, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu for $3,405 per person.
Want to explore the rest of South America? Thanks to these deals, you can do so at reasonable prices. Go-Today is offering an eight-day vacation package covering Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls starting from $1,499. Or, you can experience the magic of the Galapagos Islands with this eight-day Ecuador and Galapagos vacation for just $1,299. If you want to see the Amazon jungle, check out this five-day tour of Ecuador and the Amazon for just $799 per person!
The Inca Trail is a 26-mile stretch that connects the archaeological sites of Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Machu Picchu. People used to hike the Inca Trail on their own, but now hikers must be accompanied by licensed guides. Most tour companies offer four- and five-day treks. Plan ahead, as these tours sell out months in advance.
The months of May through August are the best times to visit Machu Picchu, with July and August offering the best weather. January and February have the most rain, and fog in this region is not uncommon. Travelers should expect small periods of rain year-round.
Count on your guided Machu Picchu tours lasting approximately two hours. Also, remember to buy your tickets before leaving to the ruins. If you booked an all-inclusive vacation through a travel company, then your ticket should already be paid for.
Most tourists reach Machu Picchu by taking a bus or train from the town of Aguas Calientes. The town itself is rather ordinary, as its main purpose is Machu Picchu tourism. Tourists can also ride in by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.