0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases Discover it Student Chrome Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Book a Trip to Machu Picchu

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Machu Picchu

A straightforward guide to seeing the Sacred Valley without breaking your budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $226.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,400 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.

Machu Picchu is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype, especially if you catch the sunrise over the stone ruins in the Sacred Valley. You will want to plan for at least a week to adjust to the altitude and explore Cusco before you head up the mountain.

A trip like this usually runs around $3400, so it helps to have a plan for how you handle that cost. Using the Discover it® Cash Back card gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, which lets you spread that $3400 bill into smaller chunks over that time.

The 0% intro APR is just a window to pay off your trip without interest, not free money. If you still have a balance once those 15 months are up, you will start paying interest on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Book your permits

    You need to reserve your trail permits six to eight months in advance. These spots sell out fast, so do not wait until your flights are booked to check the availability.

  2. 02

    Set your payment plan

    If you put your $3400 trip expenses on the Discover it® Cash Back card, you can use the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. This comes out to about $226.67 per month to pay it off before the intro window ends.

  3. 03

    Pick your season

    Visit between May and October for the best weather. This is the dry season, which means you have the highest chance of clear skies for your hike.

  4. 04

    Book your flights

    Look for flights into Lima first, then take a quick domestic connection to Cusco. Book these once your permits are secured to avoid extra stress.

  5. 05

    Find your home base

    Stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for a few days before hitting the trail. This helps you get used to the thin mountain air so you do not get sick during your trek.

  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

Do I really need to book six months early?

Yes, the trail permits are strictly limited by the government. If you want a specific date, six months is the absolute minimum lead time.

Is the $3400 price tag fixed?

No, that is just a typical average. You can spend more on luxury trains and hotels or less by staying in hostels and taking local buses.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro APR early and might trigger late fees. Always set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum due.

Do I need a visa for Peru?

Most tourists from the US do not need a visa for short trips, but you should check the latest entry requirements on the official Peruvian consulate website before you go.