Tips, Buses, Snacks, Optional Activities, and Real Extras You Should Budget For
When you book an Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu, the price usually covers main transportation, accommodation, a guide, some meals, and the entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
However, almost all travelers end up spending more than planned because there are frequent additional costs that aren’t always clearly shown in the initial price.
Here’s a comprehensive and practical guide to calculating your actual budget.
1️⃣ Tips (Voluntary, but Customary)
Tips aren’t legally required in Peru, but on multi-day tours, it’s common to tip if the service was good.
👥 Who do you usually tip?
- Main guide.
- Assistant guide (if the group is large).
- Support staff.
- Drivers (in some cases).
💰 When do you tip?
- Generally on the last day of the tour.
- In cash.
- Individually or as a group.
📌 Important:
This is not usually included in the tour price.
2️⃣ Round-trip bus transportation to Machu Picchu 🚌
From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, you have two options:
🚶 Hike
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Free.
- Requires good physical condition.
🚌 Take the official bus
- Faster and more comfortable.
- Payable separately on many standard tours.
- You can purchase a one-way, one-way, or round-trip ticket.
- The bus is NOT included in many budget packages.
3️⃣ Snacks, water, and additional drinks 🥤🍫
Even if the tour includes main meals, it almost never includes:
- Extra bottled water.
- Isotonic drinks.
- Extra coffee outside of breakfast.
- Energy snacks.
- Alcoholic beverages.
During long hikes, you’ll need:
- Extra water.
- Something sweet or savory between meals.
These small expenses add up.
4️⃣ Optional Activities 🌊🪂
Many Inka Jungle tours offer activities such as:
- Rafting in Santa María.
- Ziplining in Santa Teresa.
- A visit to the Cocalmayo hot springs.
In many budget packages:
- They are not included.
- They are paid directly at the destination.
- They are optional.
Before booking, confirm if the price you see already includes them.
5️⃣ Additional Mountains at Machu Picchu 🏔️
If you wish to climb:
- Huayna Picchu.
- Machu Picchu Mountain.
These entrances:
- Are limited.
- Are reserved separately.
- Have an additional cost.
- Are not usually included in standard tours.
If you decide to add them, you must arrange it in advance.
6️⃣ Equipment Rental 🎒
If you don’t bring everything from home, you may need to rent:
- Trekking poles.
- Gloves.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Small backpack.
- Rain poncho.
These rentals are almost always paid separately.
7️⃣ Extra Luggage on the Train 🚆
The train to/from Aguas Calientes has strict luggage limits.
If you carry more weight than allowed:
- There may be an additional charge.
- You may need to leave your luggage in storage in Cusco (sometimes at a cost).
This is not usually included in the tour.
8️⃣ Travel Insurance 🏥
Most agencies:
- Do not include international insurance.
- Do not include full medical coverage.
- Do not cover special evacuations beyond the basics.
Travel insurance is highly recommended and is paid separately.
9️⃣ Personal and Extra Expenses 🍺🛍️
Other common expenses:
- Souvenirs.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Massages.
- Laundry.
- Tips at restaurants.
- Printed photos.
- Evening snacks in Aguas Calientes.
They’re small, but they add up.
🔟 Emergencies and Unforeseen Events
It’s always wise to carry extra funds for:
- Train changes due to delays.
- Weather that requires a change of transportation.
- Minor medical needs.
- Purchase of additional equipment.
Not everything is under control on adventure routes.
📊 Complete Summary of Excluded Expenses
| Expense | Normally Included | Paid Separately |
|---|---|---|
| Tips | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Machu Picchu bus | ❌ (in many cases) | ✔️ |
| Snacks and drinks | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Rafting | Depends | ✔️ often |
| Zipline | Depends | ✔️ often |
| Huayna Picchu ticket | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Travel insurance | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Equipment rental | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Souvenirs | ❌ | ✔️ |
💡 How much extra budget should you consider?
While it depends on your choices, it’s recommended to have extra funds for:
- Optional transportation.
- Activities.
- Personal expenses.
- Emergencies.
Having a financial cushion prevents stress during your trip.
🏁 Conclusion
The Inca Jungle Tour includes the essentials for completing the adventure, but there are several common additional expenses: tips, bus fare to Machu Picchu, snacks, optional activities, extra entrance fees, and personal expenses.
Planning for these costs in advance allows you to enjoy the experience without financial surprises.
