How To: Live in Perú

When I went to an agency in Cusco and asked about a trip to Machu Picchu, they told me the price was 140$. My jaw dropped, because I was expecting to spend just around 70$. In fact, if you do it on your own (and skip the middle-men), it’s possible.
So this is what you need to do:

• Go to train station in Av. Pachacutec (the one, where train to Puno leaves from) and buy a ticket. The cheapest (for foreigners) costs 44$. Train goes from Ollantaytamba to Aquas Calientes. It leaves at 8 pm, return is at 5.45 am.
• Ticket to Machu Picchu you can buy in Cusco in Instituto Nacional de Cultura (ca. San Bernardo), or at the entrance to the ruins. It costs 119 soles (for students S/.59 - with valid ISIC card)
• Go to Ollantaytamba by bus. It leaves at 4 pm from station in Av. Grau and costs S/.5. You can also change bus in Urubamba.
• Train leaves from Ollanta at 8 pm. Be at the station at least half hour earlier. It arrives in Aquas Calientes at 10 pm. It’s easy to find cheap hostel there.
• To the ruins you can take a bus (6$ one-way) or go on foot.

All prices and information was actual in December 2006.