If you go to Peru of course you're going to Machu Picchu but, you don't need to spend a lot of money. Most people spends about 300 or 400 US$ in one day, I did 4 days and spent just 100... the way is to take from Cusco, a combination of bus, van, taxi and walk just a few kilometers. Cheap and easy.
Also, wake up 5 am and start climbing instead of taking the bus from Aguas Calientes to the ruins.
I stayed in a private room in a hotel and eat every day at the market... 3 nights in Aguas Calientes...
Also, go further up to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, is like twice as high from where the ruins are but the view is amazing...
If you get there first you can see the ruins without the 1000 tourists ;)
we got to the top of the top, the topest in 4th and 5th place :P
The reward...
Original Photos