Rediscover ‘The Lost City of the Incas’ in under Rs. 5 lakh

Machu Picchu, The Lost City of Inca, is built with polished dry-stone. An architectural marvel, the city is a window into what life was in the times of the Incas.

And if you are wondering how to finance this trip, you can consider an instant personal loan to manage your travel expenses.

Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu for Rs. 5 lakh or less with our handy guide.

Getting there

There are no direct flights to Machu Picchu from India. You have to travel via Lima, which is a hub for most major flights and bus services. If you plan early enough, you can book two-way tickets to Lima for a British Airways flight for two adults for just over Rs. 1.5 lakh. Pick flights with stopovers instead of direct flights to save on ticket costs.

Travel from Lima to Cusco by a local airline like LC Peru for approximately Rs. 7,500 per person, one way.

Once in Cusco, book a seat on a PeruRail train to Machu Picchu for Rs. 4,515 for a one-way ticket. Ticket prices vary depending on the train and the time of the day, so choose accordingly.

Additional read: 9 Things to Know About Travel Loans in India

On the way

The long journey to Machu Picchu is worth the time and money spent. The train stops at the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, where you have to buy an entry ticket to the mountain city for Rs. 4,200 to Rs. 5,200 approximately.

You can pre-book these tickets online or at ticketing offices at various stations in Peru. Again, prices vary depending on your country of origin and the time of your visit.

Before you set out to explore the ancient ruins, you can book a stay at one of the many bed and breakfast facilities Aguas Calientes offers tourists.

You can take a day to explore the town. Machu Picchu is accessible from here by bus or train. The ride takes around 20 minutes. A return ticket for the bus journey will cost around Rs. 1,547 per person.

Plan your stay

Opt for affordable stays along the banks of the Urubamba River. Hotels like Gringo Bill’s or La Cabana in Aguas Calientes offer great views, cosy rooms, and warm, sumptuous breakfast spreads. You can enjoy all this for around Rs. 5,900 a night. But if you want to splurge, head to Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, which charges around Rs. 23,000 a night. Search for basic homestays on Airbnb at low prices.

Plan smart. If you prioritise what you want to do, you’ll be able to budget for the trip and plan stops wisely.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, be sure to visit these spots

• Explore the well-preserved relics of the lost civilisation at the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. The sanctuary is open to visitors until 4 pm, and the entry ticket costs around Rs. 2,500.
• Take a hike to watch the sunrise at Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. You will spot the stone gate as you walk to the valley.
• Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Watchman’s Hut. Once you enter the city, it is hard to miss this windowed hut perched at the edge of the cliff.
• Check the time on the sacred sundial housed in the Temple of the Sun. This sundial forms the basis of the Inca civilisation, making it a must-visit spot.
• Connect with the Incan ways of life and embark on a spiritual journey at the Sacred Valley. Here, visit Tipon, an erstwhile agricultural centre, and the Pisac ruins.

Additional read: Trip to Disneyland, Paris, under Rs. 5 lakh

Plan a wonderful holiday to Machu Picchu in under Rs. 5 lakh and manage your finances easily with a personal loan for travel, which you can pay off in convenient EMIs.

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