Best Machu Picchu Budget Backpacker Tours

If you are planning to jet off to Peru as part of a backpacking trip or gap year in South America, you’ll be amazed by the variety of things there are to see and do. From the Inca Trail to Lake Titicaca, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. And somewhere you shouldn’t miss is Machu Picchu.

Find out everything you need to know before you go from the best adventure tours and travel companies to book with to which routes to take and the best time to go.

Top Rated Machu Picchu Group Trips

Trek to see Machu Picchu or book a trip which includes more highlights of Peru and South America, these are the trips we recommend.

Machu Picchu: Why is it Special?

Travelling and gap years should be all about having amazing experiences and visiting stunning places. You can tick both boxes if you follow an Inca trail trek in Peru, as it will lead you to Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world that were announced in 2007.

This is one of the best places to see in Peru and thousands of travellers tackle the trail through the Andes to reach the ruins of the famous city every year. But with so much emphasis placed on the trek itself, it can be easy to forget just how special Machu Picchu is, so here’s a quick reminder of why this mountain settlement is worth a visit.

A bit of history…

Machu Picchu was constructed in the 15th century, and is believed to have been overseen by two of the Inca empire’s rulers – Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui and Tupac Inca Yupanqui. The reasons for this impressive city’s construction and eventual abandonment, as well as the purpose of many of the buildings, are shrouded in mystery, as there is little documentation to provide any answers.

This is one of the many things that makes Machu Picchu such a magical and awe-inspiring place to visit – the sense that it served an important purpose, but one that modern society cannot understand. The story behind its discovery in the 20th century also adds to the romance of the ruins.

US explorer Hiram Bingham came across the site on an expedition in 1911, uncovering one of the most impressive remnants from the Inca civilisation.

The ruins themselves

The state of the ruins, which are remarkably well preserved, is one of the reasons why Machu Picchu is such a fascinating place to visit. When the Spanish conquered much of Latin America, they did not discover this enclave hidden deep in the mountains, so it was not damaged, unlike many other Inca sites.

There are several distinct quarters in Machu Picchu, each of which is believed to have been utilised by a different group of people. For example, the farmers’ quarter is located at the top of the giant terraces that would once have been cultivated to provide food for the city’s inhabitants, while there is also an industrial quarter and a royal quarter, which would have been reserved for nobility. In the religious quarter, there is evidence of temples and other places of worship.

Its location

One of the most breathtaking things about Machu Picchu is its location. It sits 2,430 m above sea level in among the peaks of the Andes.

The feat of engineering to construct a city in this position is astounding. In many places, the walls, terraces and other features appear to have been cut naturally from the rock and the stonework itself is considered to be one of the world’s best examples of the use of a natural raw material. Many of the shapes of the buildings and structures appear to mimic those of the surrounding landscape, too.

Its size is also impressive, as the whole settlement covers 32,500 hectares, so you will want to allow a full day to explore and get to grips with the amazing sight before your eyes.

Getting there

Of course, part of the fun of seeing Machu Picchu is getting there and you’ll enjoy the experience even more after you’ve successfully completed the Inca trail. Following the 47 km route laid down by the Incas centuries ago, you will feel as though you are walking in the footsteps of this fascinating society. Departing from Cusco, it usually takes between three and four days to complete the standard trek and the hiking can be hard going in places – so reaching your final destination is that bit more rewarding.

Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu

If you’re keen to go on a gap year that enables you to have exciting adventures and experience cultures that are entirely different to your own, why not consider taking the Inca Trail? Located in Peru, traversing this ancient pathway to see the lost city of Machu Picchu is bound to be a highlight of your travels.

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is perhaps unsurprising that Machu Picchu is a popular gap year travel destination; however, there are plenty of others things to catch your eye as you trek along the Inca Trail.

Cusco is the starting point for many of those traversing the route and, as this is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the entire continent of South America, this could be the perfect place for adventure travel enthusiasts to stock on up any supplies they need before heading out on the trail.

A captivating destination in its own right, prior to setting off make sure you spend some time exploring Cusco.

On the city’s northern outskirts you’ll come across Sacsayhuaman, an ancient walled complex believed to be around 1,000 years old, while the Coricancha is a fascinating temple built in tribute to Inti, the Incan sun god.

Of course, you’ll eventually want to set off along the Inca Trail and one of the first highlights will be Ollantaytambo.

Situated around 60 km north-west of Cusco, this town is a great place to see a wealth of ancient Incan architecture. Perhaps among the most striking sights you will come across are the agricultural terraces. Rising from the bottom of the valleys of Urubamba and Patakancha rivers high up into the hills, these allowed the Incas to take advantage of the different ecological zones created by variations in altitude and farm on terrain that otherwise would have been unusable.

Be sure to visit the market and you’ll be able to pick up a number of souvenirs from your time in Peru, including handmade jewellery and ponchos.

Ascending steadily through the Andes mountains, you’ll pass through a range of different habitats on your way to Warmiwanusca. This translates as Dead Woman’s Pass in English and at 4,200 m above sea level is the highest point of the trail. As such, this is a great place to take stunning pictures of the natural scenery.

However, while Warmiwanusca represents the pinnacle of your trek, you’ll be able to catch glimpse of even taller mountains. Among them are Salkantay, which is a towering 6,271 m above sea level.

From this pass, you’ll eventually come to Sayacmarca – or ‘inaccessible town’ as it translates in English – home to stunning Incan ruins that are surrounded by three sides of sheer cliffs.

After hiking for four days, you will reach Intipunku, or the Sun Gate. This is where the Inca Trail comes to an end and here you’ll be able to see Machu Picchu in all its glory.

Have a few minutes to take it all in, before heading down to wander the lost city for yourself. As you walk through the ancient structures, you’ll be able to get an idea of how the Incas lived.

Inca Trail Permits – Everything You Need to Know

Grab your trekking shoes and trail mix, guys. The Inca Trail is currently open! Ever since 2002, the Peruvian government has said you can’t trek your way to Machu Picchu without a permit and a registered operator, and ever since 2002 the scrabble for these Wonka-style golden tickets has been intense. Only 500 people per day can trek the Inca Trail (200 travellers, and 300 porters and guides).

So if you want to see sunrise over the Lost City of the Incas this year, here’s all the info you need. Then you too can be like this guy:

How do I book my permit?

We’ll take care of your Inca Trail permits when you book your tour, so you don’t have to worry about the details. When you arrive on the Inca Trail, your leader will have the passes waiting for you. Easy.

When do I need to book?

It depends on when you want to go. For treks in December, January and March, you can get away with 5-7 weeks in advance. For treks in April, October and November, 8-10 weeks is okay. For busier months though, you really want to plan ahead. Treks in May or September should be booked about 3-4 months in advance, and if you want to walk it in June, July or August, allow about 5-6 months for the permit to go through.

How much does it cost?

Put away that wallet – your permit is already included in the cost of most tours.

Can I go without a tour company?

Nope. Sorry. Solo trekking of the Inca Trail is no longer permitted. Take it up with UNESCO.

What do I need to bring with me on the trek?

Your permit, obviously, but also some valid ID that can confirm your name. A drivers license or passport should do fine. You’ll also need the all the usual trekking equipment to keep your body in tip-top order. For basics, we recommend:

Two pairs of good trekking shoes (preferably worn in for a few months)
A few pairs of good quality, breathable socks. plenty of socks
Insect repellent.
A high factor sunscreen.
Some polarised sunglasses.
A light rain coat or poncho.
Some layers for when it cools off at night.
Trekking pants (the daggy ones that magically turn into shorts)
A hat.
A good water bottle.

When should I trek the Inca Trail?

If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, pick a shoulder month like May or October. The weather should still be fine, and it won’t be quite as packed as in June, July or August. Book your Inca Trail trip today by searching our featured trips above.

Combo Trips

Once you’ve explored the complex to your heart’s content, why not spend some time giving back to the country by volunteering in Peru? There’s a wide range of projects that you can be a part of in places like Cusco, from working with disadvantaged children to teaching English to orphans. This is perfect if you’re keen to be able to do something rewarding by making a vital contribution to the lives of the less fortunate on your trip.

Plan a Dream Trip to Visit Machu Picchu

From seeing ancient wonders to the chance to do vital volunteer community work, Peru is one destination you should certainly look to visit on any trip to South America. And the undoubted highlight is Machu Picchu!