Machu Picchu Adventure: A Budget-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary

Checking into Aguas Calientes Accommodation

Finally, after that epic hike, we arrived in Aguas Calientes! The town, despite its touristy nature, possesses a certain undeniable charm. Finding our hostel, however, proved to be a slightly stressful experience.

Initially, there seemed to be a mix-up with our reservation. Our tour provider had to intervene with a phone call before they could locate our booking. It was a minor hiccup, thankfully resolved quickly, but it served as a tiny, early warning sign about the somewhat chaotic nature of the tour organization itself.

The room itself was basic, nothing fancy. A large bed, a small bed – functional but definitely not luxurious. It did, however, serve its purpose perfectly: a place to rest our weary legs after our surprisingly long trek. The inclusion of the accommodation in our tour package made this part very economical for the budget traveller.

Dinner in Aguas Calientes: A Three-Course Meal

After the surprisingly long hike and the minor hostel drama, dinner was a welcome event. And a pleasant surprise! Our tour package included a three-course meal, a fact that felt increasingly luxurious after the day's adventures.

I wasn’t expecting much – perhaps something basic and functional – but I was pleasantly surprised. The food was actually quite good! It wasn’t Michelin-star dining, of course, but it was tasty, well-prepared, and a generous portion size. I particularly enjoyed the fresh local ingredients.

Considering the overall budget-friendly nature of our tour, the inclusion of this meal was a real plus. It was a nice touch, and a welcome way to end a long and slightly chaotic day. A perfectly adequate end to a perfectly imperfect day.

The Journey to Machu Picchu and First Impressions

Our adventure began with a seven-hour bus ride, a surprisingly scenic journey through the Andes. The initial apprehension about the length of the trip quickly faded as the breathtaking views unfolded before us. Winding mountain roads, dramatic vistas, and even a welcome roadside break – it was an adventure in itself!

The final approach to Aguas Calientes was particularly thrilling, a white-knuckle ride along a narrow, dusty track clinging to a steep precipice. I admit, there was a touch of anxiety; however, the breathtaking views made the hair-raising journey completely worthwhile. Arriving in Aguas Calientes after that epic ride was a relief, and the town, though undeniably touristy, possesses an undeniable charm. Finding our hostel, however, was a small adventure of its own, with a slight reservation mix-up resolved only after a call from our tour provider.

The trek from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu was unexpectedly long, far exceeding the anticipated distance. The official distance was under 10km, but our phones recorded over 15km! It was a true jungle hike, following the train tracks at times – a unique, but at points a little precarious experience. The lush scenery, despite the rain that started during the last half hour, was stunning, gradually revealing the breathtaking panorama of the valley below. We arrived in Aguas Calientes utterly exhausted, but exhilarated.

Descending Machu Picchu and the Return to Aguas Calientes

The descent from Machu Picchu was a different kind of challenge. While the initial ascent had been a grueling test of endurance, the downward journey proved surprisingly taxing on my knees and ankles. Those seemingly endless stone steps, so majestic during the ascent, now felt relentless. I found myself wishing I’d brought knee pads, but live and learn. The sheer number of steps seemed to multiply as I descended, a dizzying, and at times, slightly frightening staircase back to reality. Each step felt more difficult than the last.

The walk back to Aguas Calientes was surprisingly long, even longer than the trek up. I was joined by a lovely American couple who were on the same tour; having company certainly made the long journey more pleasant. Their stories kept my mind off the aching muscles in my legs and the growing awareness of how far we still had to go. The jungle scenery, though still beautiful, was increasingly less of a marvel and more a blur as we slowly but surely made our way back to the town, eager for a well-deserved rest.

Finally, we arrived back in Aguas Calientes, exhausted but exhilarated. The town seemed even more charming after our long trek, its lights twinkling welcomingly. This time, finding our way around was much easier. The relief of having survived the descent, and the anticipation of dinner, were much more satisfying than any sight. It was a perfect, if imperfect, end to a truly unforgettable day.

Back to the Starting Point: Concluding Thoughts

The descent from Machu Picchu was, unexpectedly, a significant challenge. While the ascent had tested our endurance, the seemingly endless stone steps, so majestic going up, felt relentless on the way down. My knees and ankles ached with every step; I silently regretted not bringing knee pads! The sheer number of steps seemed to multiply with each downward movement, a dizzying, and at times, slightly frightening staircase back to reality.

The return walk to Aguas Calientes felt even longer than the initial trek. Thankfully, I met a lovely American couple on the same tour. Their companionship, and the sharing of stories, eased the pain and the distance. The jungle scenery, once breathtaking, became a blur, each step bringing us closer to a well-deserved rest. The town's lights twinkled invitingly upon our arrival; its charm, enhanced by our accomplishment, was palpable.

Looking back, the entire trip, from the initial seven-hour bus ride to the final steps down the mountain, was an adventure. Yes, there were hiccups – the slightly chaotic tour organization, the unexpected downpour, the reservation mix-up. But these minor inconveniences only served to make the experience more memorable. Machu Picchu itself was, of course, breathtaking; beyond words. But the journey to get there, with its highs and lows, its unexpected challenges, and its moments of unexpected joy, was just as unforgettable.

How long is the hike to Aguas Calientes, and what is it like?

The hike to Aguas Calientes is unexpectedly long, often exceeding the advertised distance. While officially listed as less than 10km, it can feel like over 15km. It's a beautiful jungle hike, sometimes alongside train tracks, which can be a bit precarious when trains pass. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so packing light is essential. Be prepared for possible rain.

What is the best way to reach Machu Picchu on a budget?

A budget-friendly option is taking a seven-hour bus ride to Aguas Calientes, followed by a hike (or bus ride for extra cost) to Machu Picchu. While this involves a long bus journey and a challenging hike, it is significantly cheaper than taking the train or opting for multi-day trekking options.

What should I expect regarding accommodation and meals on a budget Machu Picchu tour?

Budget tours may offer basic but functional accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Meals might be included in the package; while not luxurious, they can be surprisingly decent, often featuring fresh, local ingredients. Be aware that there might be minor organizational issues with the tour provider.