”Cusco to Machu Picchu in 8 USD“

הגעה מקוסקו למאצ'ו פיצ'ו בשמונה דולר בלבד, באמצעות תחבורה ציבורית

 Here is a possible way to get to the Machu Picchu while escaping the extremely expensive train, and the extremely crowded and extremely expensive Salkantai, all in about 8 USD: 

1. A bus from Cusco to Santa Maria: 15-20 soles Buses to Quillabamba, which pass through Santa Maria, leaves from Santiago de Pess terminal, at around 08:00, 13:00, 19:00-21:00. The ride takes 6-8 hours. There are several companies around, some with better buses, some with not so, and the prices varay as well. 

Santa Maria is an unremarkable place, but there is basic accommodation there if needed. 

2. Bus/ Colectivo Santa Maria - Santa Teresa: 6-10 soles A bus goes from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa just after the night buses from Cusco arrive (at around 03:00-04:00 am). The bus costs 6 soles and takes about 2 hours. At other times there are colectivos going when full, for 6-10 soles, depending on the number of people. 

Santa Teresa is a nice village with quite a few Aljamientos. There are excellent Thermals 20 minutes walk from town, which cost 5 soles (much betters then the ones at Aguas Calientes!). Santa Teresa is the ending point of the Salkantai trek, so from here the continuation is the same as for the trek. 

3. A track Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrico: 3 soles Trucks to Hidroelectrico leave regularly from the near the river in Santa Teresa, starting early morning till about 15:00. The ride costs 3 soles and takes about 15 minutes. It is possible to walk the way, about 2 hours. 

4. Hidroelectrico - Aguas Calientes: 2 hours walking From the Hidroelctrico it is about 2 hours (less then 10 km) of easy walk along the railroad to Aguas Calientes. If you are too lazy, the trail leaves daily at 15:00 and costs 8 USD(!). The railroad actually goes around Machu Picchu- look at the mountain to your right as you walk. 

There is a good campsite just before the town, but good accommodation for about 10 soles can be found in the town. 

After saving all this money, it is really recommended to spend 6 USD on the first morning bus to the Machu Picchu. Not so much to see the sunrise (it’s always cloudy anyway) as to be in the place when it is relatively empty. And the climb is quite hard as well… 

Going back: The same but in reverse: 

1. The train leaves Aguas Calientes between 12:00 to 13:00. 

2. Tracks leave Hidroelectrico to Santa Teresa till about 15:00. 

3. There should be colectivos from Santa Teresa to Santa Maria till afternoon, but you’ll might have to look for more people. 

4. Buses pass Santa Maria to Cusco at about 09:00, 13:00 and between 20:30 to 22:00. You can book a sit through one of the shops around for 15 soles, or wait for the bus and pay 10 soles.