You want it. But that trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu seems out of your grasp.  Are you overwhelmed by the obstacles?  Not enough time or money, and maybe you're out of shape.  The worries will be there no matter what. Here are 6 simple strategies to make your vacation to Machu Picchu happen. You can do this.  

1. Invite a friend. Or 8.

Reach out to a friend or loved one and invite them to join your vacation to Machu Picchu.  Make it a sure thing. You're not just thinking about it.  You're doing it. This brings your dream to life. Post dates on your social media accounts to announce your plans. 

(Group leaders are entitled to discounts. Get more info)

2. Schedule time off.

From your family, your job, your life. Ideally you need at least 7 days. That's the minimum needed including 1 travel day to get down there, and 1 travel day to get back. Set aside your preferred dates and search for flights on those dates. What if you don't have time to see everything? The truth is that you won't be able to see everything.  No matter where you go or when you go. Don't let that fear of missing something stop you from pursuing your dream to visit Machu Picchu. You can always go back again.  

3. Book round trip flights to Lima, Peru

After you know how many days and the time of year you want to travel, start researching flights. Set up price alerts on your favorite metasearch booking engines (Website of a particular airline, Expedia / Kayak / Orbitz). Give yourself a deadline to make your flight reservation. Booking your flights is the first big step. You'll also need flights to Cusco, hotels, trains and entry tickets to Machu Picchu.  

Tip: also search for roundtrip flights all the way to Cusco, Peru.  I recommend avoiding early AM arrival in Cusco because hotels won't be ready and nothing is open. It's best to book a mid-morning flight between Lima and Cusco. This means you may have 1 night layover in Lima upon arrival.  The most convenient accommodation is WYNDHAM hotel at the airport.  It's connected to the terminal and is short 5 minute walk.

4. Layaway your trip to Machu Picchu

Not just for Christmas holidays, you can layaway your whole trip to Machu Picchu including local fights, hotels, all the tickets, guide service and any other special activities you want to do.  You control the budget. By the time you depart for the trip, all the big stuff will be paid for and all your arrangements will be made. 

5.  Prepare for your trip.

Get ready to walk a lot during your trip. Use this trip as motivation to start doing physical activity every day if you need to. Start staging the things you think you want to pack. Set up a special spot in your room and when you happen to think of something you might want to take, add it to the pile. About 2-3 days before you actually depart, you go through the pile and pack only the essential items. And cut the rest.  

6. Plan your out of pocket expenses. 

I suggest a daily budget of $35 USD per person per day for meals. (not including alcohol) And for tipping, plan to spend $10-$20 USD per person per day for guide service and drivers. Tips for porter service for multi-day hikes averages about $30-$35 USD per porter for a 3-4 day trek.

Making up your mind is the biggest factor in fulfilling your dream to see Machu Picchu.  Making simple changes to your spending habits can result in savings. Take one step at a time and see how the momentum builds.  You'll be surprised.  

Here's info about the actual cost of a trip to Machu Picchu

Need support? Got questions? Call Jacquie 757-714-6649 or Heather 757-270-9293 in Virginia.