The alternative and cheapest way to Machu Picchu
On my way to the mythical and dreamed Machu Picchu, and in that time when I preferred to travel more days instead of enjoying luxuries (I still have those times) I made my trip to the beautiful Peruvian Inca city in the most economical way.
I have always believed that when you want something, it’s enough to make it possible .
This is how travel can be very expensive or very cheap, depending on how you want it to be.
There is a way to get to Machu Picchu that costs no more than 20USD total. It is a journey that takes place in four stages, for me were not without adventure.
1. From Cusco to Santa Maria
You need to take a bus that goes from Cuzco to Quillabamba (at Bus Terminal in San Antonio street). It will drop you at the junction with the town of Santa Maria. The value is around 30 soles and takes about 6 hours.
2. From Santa Marta Santa Teresa
Depending on your arrival time is whether or not you’ll be waiting a mini-van or taxi that will get you to Santa Teresa. It is a trip that usually takes 2 hours and costs around 10 soles. I waited three hours in the middle of the night to reach the first one. Other travelers joined at that point to continue the trip to Santa Teresa .
3. From Santa Teresa Hydroelectric .
This part of the trip usually takes half an hour and have a value of 4 soles. When I was there there was no bridge, so we crossed the river in a “orolla” but today there is a bridge connecting the two banks of the river.
*** There is a bus that goes directly from Cuzco to the Hydroelectric by 60soles and so you can avoid these transfers, but I have no more details about the company or where it is going from.
4. From the Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
Here there are two choices: Waiting for the train (which runs three times a day) or to walk. Many travelers choose this last option and if you like to walk I recommend it. 
Good idea is to leave almost everything in Cuzco and carry only the essentials as it is a long walk for about two hours in a very beautiful environment, it’s the beggining of the jungle.
The road follows the railway line and it is impossible to get lost. It runs along the Urubamba River, which in the rainy season is very mighty.
***You might want to be aware that there’s a big chance to have some rain on the way and there is no shops, then it is a good idea to bring water and food for the road.
You’ll get to Aguas Calientes, which is the village at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu Sacred city is located. There are many accommodation options, in all the values and qualities. In Aguas Calientes there are few small shops and restaurants, but there is not much more to do, just to make time to climb the to the Sacred city.
I recommend to sleep there and leave early in the morning. To reach Machu Picchu you have two options, either take a bus that costs 12USD or or walk the 8Km up to the hill (would take like 2 hours. I walked all the way up there!)
Undoubtedly Macchu Pichu is well cataloged one of the wonders of the world, I’ll tell you more about how the world looks from up there.
It’s on the bucket list and I’m trying to get there in the next two years. I know, sounds like a long way off but I want to do it before I hit 40!!!
What an amazing plan ! I’m sure you’ll love it, it’s really stunning once you’re there. All the best for that bucket list!
wow cuanta información!! tengo planeado ir a perú en los próximos tres meses, me será muy útil todo lo que cuentas, especialmente porque mi budget es muy limitado hehe.
Gracias @Rihla! Espero disfrutes much de tu viaje y te sirvan mis consejos! Es un lugar bellísimo que seguro disfrutarás incluso si no lo vives con muchos lujos 😉