When it comes to ancient engineering marvel, one of the most (if not the most) notable man-made structure that ever stood in the Western hemisphere is the Machu Picchu. This high-altitude citadel, located on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains, was constructed by the Inca civilization.
In the native Quechua language, Machu Picchu means ‘Old Mountain.’ Its existence was first publicized to the world by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. According to Historic Mysteries, historians and modern engineers are still unable to provide conclusive data that explains how the Incas managed to construct such phenomenal building complex in the absence of sophisticated writing system and rudimentary machines like wheels.
In light of the architectural layout’s coincidental alignment with a complex astronomical outline, Ancient Astronaut theorists have claimed that the Inca was able to construct the stone castle with the aid of power tools from advanced alien species visiting from across the stars. Curiously, Machu Picchu also shared some bizarre attributes with its other neighboring archeological sites like the Nazca Lines, the Tiwanaku Ruins, and the Hayu Marca Mountains.
As far as conventional history is concerned, it is widely accepted that the Machu Picchu served as the last refuge of the Inca teetering from complete extermination by the conquering Spaniards. However, many historians also agree that Machu Picchu was an incomplete engineering project that was eventually abandoned for nearly 400 years until it was rediscovered in July of 1911.
Now it stands as one of the most priced of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It remains to be among the most highly visited tourist locations in Latin America.
USA to Peru Flight
So how much does it cost to go to Machu Picchu? One of the first concerns that prospective American travelers should consider is the cost of a plane ticket. Finding an affordable international flight from the United States to Peru is relatively difficult. Fortunately, Secret Flying has featured three available round trip deals that are available. These are the following details worth noting:
Los Angeles to Lima:
Price: $384
Date started: March 29, 2017
Available until September of 2017
Stops: Mexico City
Airline: Aeromexico
New York to Lima:
Price: $451
Date started: April 1, 2017
Available until May of 2017
Stops: Miami
Airline: American Airlines
New York to 3 Central & South American Destinations:
Price: $626
Itineraries Choices:
- New York – San Salvador – La Paz – Lima
- New York – San Salvador – Santa Cruz – Lima
- New York – Bogota – Santa Cruz – Lima
- New York – Bogota – La Paz – Lima
Date started: April 5, 2017
Available until June of 2017
Airline: Avianca
All About Entrance Permit
In answering the question “how much does it cost to go to Machu Picchu,” another key concern is purchasing the entrance permit. The entrance to Machu Picchu entails a fixed cost of $30 to $45, depending on whether or not the adjacent mountain of Huayna Picchu is included. But in terms of how to purchase the ticket, there are several ways to go about it.
Buy from Hotels
One of the smartest ways to acquire the entrance tickets is to buy them directly from hotels. A perfect example of a lodge that offers this menial (yet highly stress-relieving) service is the R House in Cusco. Travelers must provide their passport details to the customer service representative. Fees are inclusive during checkout.
Buy from Government Offices
One of the most direct alternatives for ensuring the authenticity of the provider is to buy from government offices. According to How To Travel Machu Picchu, the bureau that tourists should be looking for is the Direccion Regional de Cultura. These offices are located in the towns of Cusco and Agua Calientes. It is important for visitors to bring their passport upon visiting either of the offices. Take note: there are only 2,500 reservation slots available per day. Therefore, it is advisable to pay a visit to the office a week prior to the intended schedule.
Buy from the Official Website
Buying tickets from the official website seems like the most efficient method, especially in light of the limited availability per day. Miss Tourist provides a detailed process on how to navigate around www.machupichu.gob.pe. The best advantage of purchasing tickets online before flying to Peru is that it grants immediate access upon arrival on site. The only (notoriously) real problem with this method is that online applications are likely prone to technical failure – wherein receiving online confirmations almost resembles a lottery.
Top 3 Local Tour Guides
Oftentimes the overall trip to Machu Picchu cost is a result of how well travelers prepare for their general and specific itinerary. Cost-efficiency is predominantly determined by one’s familiarity with the location. When the lack of familiarity and details seem a steep obstacle to overcome, a simpler solution is to hire a local tour guide to organize the trip.
Tour HQ has provided its own roster of local tour guides who made a name for themselves organizing trips for tourists in Machu Picchu, as well as everywhere else in Peru and other South American destinations. These are the names travelers should be communicating:
Hernan Hermoza
For a simple 2-day 1-night travel plan in Machu Picchu, Hernan only charges around $284.19 per person. One of his most famous travel programs, the Inca Trail takes 4 days and 3 nights entailing as much as $490.93 per person. Other selections and details for his travel plans are found in the Rent-a-Guide directory.
Jaime Liebrecht
In contrast, Jaime Liebrecht has one huge travel plan package that includes Machu Picchu in the overall itinerary. For a price of $1,200 per person, he will take travelers around Lima (Peru), Ecuador City (Ecuador) and Santiago (Chile). Included in the package are the air tickets, hotels, transportation, and a guide well-versed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Hebrew.
Eddy Gibaja
For a prolonged travel plan around Machu Picchu, one of the best providers in Peru is a trekker named Eddy. He is known for organizing an 8-day tour program straight from arrival until departure to Lima airport. His itinerary includes exposure trip to native communities, river rafting, and even a final city tour around Cusco after exploring the Machu Picchu ruins. Eddy charges a flat rate of $1625 per person that includes everything except international flights and dinner fees.
Accommodations & Transportation
For travelers who wish to DIY their own Machu Picchu adventures, Miss Tourist provides a summary guide for readers featuring three main cost categories. Between accommodations, entrance fee, and transportation, the latter seems to take the biggest portion of spending for the overall Machu Picchu vacation cost. From Lima, it takes around 22 to 27 to get to Cusco by bus. The average rate is usually around $48. One of the most highly recommended bus lines is the Econociva.
At Cusco
As mentioned earlier, R House Cusco is one of the best hotels in the nearest city from Machu Picchu. A starting price of $60 for the double room already includes breakfast. But for those who wish to reduce expenses, one can book hostel rooms from $10 to $25. Cusco is an ideal place to begin spending a couple of days of acclimatization against altitude sickness.
At Ollantaytambo
Most travelers would skip this native community and head straight to the town of Aguas Calientes. But for those who are very fascinated with Inca culture, staying at Ollantaytambo for one night is not a bad idea. This town resembles the rustic atmosphere closely reminiscent of the Inca period.
Drinking the local non-alcoholic beverage called chicha is one of the most popular activities among visitors in Peru. According to Trip Advisor, the cheapest place to stay to date is Hostal Los Andenes which charges only $23 a night.
At Aguas Calientes
The last stop prior to Machu Picchu is the neighboring town called Aguas Calientes. When it comes to finding a place to stay in this town, it is important to take note that tourists are not required to cover the 18 percent value-added tax. Tourists bringing their immigration papers for verification can save fractional expense for this part of the overall trip to Machu Picchu cost.
Travel & Leisure has highlighted three lodgings in Aguas Calientes. For an impressive luxury stay that includes picturesque rural gardens, quaint fireplaces, spa-like bathrooms and a Jacuzzi; tourists ought to spend a night at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. The price range is anywhere between $540 and $837.
El MaPi is an affordable alternative to a hotel. Unlike the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, this place has a more minimalist interior appeal. The standard rooms entail an average fee around $220 ideal for couples.
In order to significantly Machu Picchu vacation cost for those staying one or several nights in Aguas Calientes, it is often advisable for tourists to stay clear of famous local hotel chains. Small motels often entail a price range of $25 to $30, almost similar to the rates offered in downtown Cusco. Not spending so much for a one-night stay in Aguas Calientes is often a good idea knowing that the usual pickup time for the final leg of the trip to Machu Picchu starts immediately at 4:00 to 5:00 AM.
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