Machu Picchu Packages

Anyone who has read tales of the Lost City of the Incas has been tempted to plan a trip to Machu Picchu. If a trip to Peru seems out of your price range, you might want to consider Machu Picchu packages before dismissing the idea. While the price of flights, accommodation, tours, and food can add up individually, a package might make your dream Machu Picchu adventure a reality. There are several types of Machu Picchu vacation packages, from budget options for backpackers to luxury options for couples or newlyweds.

These packages vary in length and on what sites they include. The most basic options, which usually last only a few days, cover just Cusco and Machu Picchu, while longer trips may also include hiking on the Inca Trail or exploring the Sacred Valley, as well as trips to other parts of Peru and the Andes. Whatever you choose, you're sure to find great value for your money-travel packages bring together the cost of flights, transportation, accommodation, meals, and more, and they're typically cheaper than planning your own equivalent trip.

Beyond price, another reason travelers choose Machu Picchu packages is convenience. If you aren't interested in researching the finer details of a trip to Peru, packages can make the decisions for you. These packages are often arranged by companies who have explored options for hotels, restaurants, and tours and have weeded out unsatisfactory options. The one downside to these packages is that some travelers call them "cookie-cutter packages," meaning that one size fits all. Often when you choose a package, you can't tailor it to your own needs or preferences-unless you're choosing a luxury tour.

There are some luxury adventure companies, such as Abercrombie & Kent, that offer Machu Picchu packages. When you choose a luxury route, you can be sure that all hotels and tours have been tested for quality. Some travelers prefer to have a company they can trust to deliver comfortable transportation, to arrange for all tickets ahead of time, and to provide knowledgeable guides. You will pay for these excellent services, but the package will be well worth the service you can expect and all the frustration it will save you planning your own trip.

Another route for finding Machu Picchu vacation packages is to look directly at hotels. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, for example, offers its own packages. This luxury hotel, run by the Orient-Express, is the only hotel that is located literally in the shadow of Machu Picchu. They also have a long list of services including spa treatments and personal tour guides. A variety of vacation packages are available including packages for celebrating special occasions. Value packages are also an option, including a discount if you pre-pay for your stay.

Budget options are also available. Tour companies want to maximize their tours, so sometimes last minute slots open up where you can find excellent value. Flexible travelers will be able to best take advantage of these last minute deals. Identify a few packages or tour companies that are attractive to you and keep your eye on their website or sign up for their e-newsletter to get the latest information. Savvy travelers can plan affordable Machu Picchu trips just by doing a little extra research. From trekking along the Inca Trail to riding on the train between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, all is possible with vacation packages.