This upcoming 2026 make your dream of visiting Cusco a reality!
At 69 Explorer, we know and understand how pricy visiting Cusco and, specially, Machu Picchu can be. Actually, that’s what inspired us to start in the first place, and after 2 years we have positioned our name in the budget segment.
Along this time, we have learnt a lot and we would like to share some pro traveler tips:
1. Budget without sacrificing quality.
Nowadays there are lots of options for every single tour in Cusco. You can pick really good tours from group experiences to private, from day trips to multi-day, language specific experiences and many more. But when it comes down to price point you should be a little bit picky.
In the market there are many “budget” tour operators. So, the main pointers to choose a good option are:
- A legally stablished company.
- Certified and licensed to operate company.
- An experienced tour operator is Key.
- Check Trip Advisor for reviews.
2. Enjoy local celebrations.
Cusco is famous for the countless parades, festivals, rituals, ceremonies and all sorts of cultural displays. Getting a closer view of these cultural manifestations won’t cost you at all.
They are expressions of:
- Catholic celebrations: Corpus Christi, Señor de los Temblores, Virgen de la Almudena and many others.
- Qechua religious celebrations: Inti Raymi, Warachikuy, Santuraytikuy, and many others.
- Parades: Cusco Anniversary parades, Señor de Huanca, Paucartambo festivities parades, and lots more.
There are many other cultural activities along the year, like food festivals or dances for local celebrations. Regardless the time of your visit, you can ask us and we will point you to the best recommendation.
3. Travel in the shoulder season.
Peru is located in the southern hemisphere, so make sure to plan your visit according to this guide:
- Rainy season: December to March
- Dry season: June to August.
- Shoulder seasons: April to May & September to November.
Perks of traveling during the shoulder seasons include:
- Lower flight prices.
- Lower accommodation prices.
- Fewer crowds.
- Better weather.
4. Do alternative treks.
The world-famous Inca Trail is turning more and more expensive with the growth in the demand. So, alternative treks have turned more appealing for budget travelers. They usually visit secluded natural wonders and Inca or pre-Inca sites. They are not only cheaper, but less crowded, closer to nature and still over unique trails.
Here our Top Recommendations:
5. Eat like a local.
Finally, Peruvian gastronomy is worldwide known and something to highlight is how rich it is. From Michelin awarded restaurants to street vendors, every food experience in Peru is flavorful.
Eating like a local in Cusco looks like:
- Fresh fruit juices in San Blas.
- 10 soles lunch in San Blas or San Pedro.
- Fresh Seasonal Fruit in any local market.
- Street food like: Anticuchos (Beef heart kebab), Corn and Cheese, Humitas & Tamales, and more.
Pro Tip: Make sure to ask fellow travelers for safe locations or check with any free touristic advice shop.
