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Machu Picchu: A Three-Day Visit

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Note: Peru charges an airfare tax of $28.28 US for international flights and $5.04 US for domestic flights.

A short trip to Machu Picchu is easiest to manage from Cuzco, which can be easily reached with a flight from Lima, Peru's capital city. From Cuzco, there is a train trip of about four hours to Aguas Calientes, the town in the valley below Machu Picchu, with a twenty-minute bus ride up to the citadel from the town. (Aguas Calientes is officially called Machu Picchu Pueblo.) Tickets to Machu Picchu can be bought directly in Cuzco, either from a downtown travel agency or from the train station.

There are three options for the train, the speed, crowd, and service improving with increased cost:

Backpacker
$60 US round-trip; $42 US one-way

Vistadome
$89 US round-trip; $60 US one-way

Hiram Bingham
$417 US round-trip only, but includes 2 meals, cocktails, and a guided tour at the ruins

The following trip plan is based on an economy trip for two people.

COSTS
Round trip train ticket: $60 US
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu: $25 US
Private 2-hour tour guide: $15 US
Hotel in Aguas Calientes, double room (Gringo Bill's): $75 US
Fee for thermal baths: 5S (5 Soles; about $2 US)
APPROXIMATE TOTAL: $177 US
(Add $3 to $15 US per person per meal.)

SCHEDULE
Day 1
6:00 a.m. – Get on train
9:00 a.m. – Get off train at kilometer 104
Hike Inca Sacred Trail (6 mi.) viewing sites along the way.
Before Machu Picchu gate – Camp
Day 2
Sunrise – Enter Machu Picchu gate
Tour the ruins
Hire a tour guide
4:30 p.m. – Return by bus to Aguas Calientes
(This is the last bus ride; if you miss it, you will have to walk the 1 to 1½ hour route back to Aguas Calientes.)
5:00 p.m. – Check into Gringo Bill's
Day 3
Morning – Explore Aguas Calientes markets and thermal baths
3:00 p.m. – Return by train to Cuzco

Next Page: What is Machu Picchu?

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