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How to Book a Trip to Machu Picchu

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Machu Picchu

Plan your travel to Peru's iconic ruins and break the $2,200 cost into manageable monthly payments without interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $146.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Standing above the Sacred Valley as the morning mist clears over Machu Picchu is worth every bit of planning. May to October brings dry skies and stable trails, making it the prime season for hiking and exploring. Most travelers fly into Lima, grab a local flight to Cusco, and then head up into the Andes.

A solid trip usually runs about $2,200 total. You do not need to drop all that cash at once or pay credit card interest to make it happen if you spread the cost out smartly over time.

A 0% interest window is a payoff deadline, not free money. Once those 15 months end, any remaining balance gets hit with the card's standard variable APR, adding interest charges to whatever you still owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your travel dates

    Aim for May through October to avoid rainy season mud. Dry days mean safer trails and clearer views of the ruins. Book your official Machu Picchu entry ticket months in advance because daily permits are capped.

  2. 02

    Split your flight bookings

    Do not buy one single ticket from home to Cusco. Search for a cheap round-trip flight to Lima first, then book a separate domestic flight to Cusco on a local airline. Segmenting your flights this way often saves hundreds of dollars.

  3. 03

    Time your card purchases

    Put your flights, train tickets, and stays on a Discover it® Cash Back card. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, giving you time to pay things off.

  4. 04

    Set up your monthly payback

    Divide your total $2,200 budget across that 15-month timeline. That comes out to $146.67 per month. Set up autopay for that amount so you clear the balance before the promo window closes.

  5. 05

    Reserve your train and stay

    Stay in Cusco or Ollantaytambo for a couple of days to get used to the altitude. Book the PeruRail or Inca Rail train to Aguas Calientes early to lock in affordable seats before they sell out.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Why should I book my flights to Peru separately?

Main international carriers charge a premium for single tickets straight to Cusco. Booking a main flight to Lima and a cheap local flight to Cusco separately cuts the overall cost significantly.

How much altitude sickness prep do I need for Cusco?

Plan to spend at least two days resting and hydrating in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before doing big hikes. High altitude affects everyone differently, so give yourself time to adjust.

Can I buy Machu Picchu tickets at the gate?

No, you cannot buy tickets at the entrance. You must purchase your timed entry pass online well in advance due to strict daily visitor limits.

What happens if I do not pay off the balance in 15 months?

Any leftover balance starts collecting interest at the standard rate. Set up automatic monthly payments of $146.67 to make sure you pay off the full $2,200 on time.