A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Machu Picchu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or Machu Picchu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Machu Picchu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or Machu Picchu?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a site of ancient Inca ruins located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains. It is perched above the Urubamba River valley in a narrow saddle between two sharp peaks, Machu Picchu ("Old Peak") and Huayna Picchu ("New Peak"), at an elevation of 7,710 feet (2,350 metres). One of the few major pre-Columbian ruins found nearly intact, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Thus, Machu Picchu is not only an impressive remnant of the Inca civilization, it is also one of the world's most important archaeological sites. A stop at Machu Picchu is an essential part of any traveler's itinerary in Peru, as it is one of the seven wonders of the world.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Machu Picchu or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Amman Prices
    Jordan Prices
    Machu Picchu Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Amman $135
    Machu Picchu $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Machu Picchu is $122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amman and Machu Picchu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Machu Picchu $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Machu Picchu $88
Compare Hotels in Amman and Machu Picchu

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Machu Picchu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Machu Picchu


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Amman Hotel Prices and Machu Picchu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Machu Picchu $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Amman to Petra, Wadi Musa: $259
  • Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
  • Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
  • Petra Transfer From Or To Amman: $230
  • Private Transfer From Amman Airport To Petra: $190
  • From Dead Sea and Petra Day Trip with Transfers: $187
  • From Amman Transfer to Petra: $169
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Araba Border: $153
  • Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Aqaba Airport: $153
  • Petra Transfer to and from Airport: $150
  • Amman Private Transfer To Jerusalem With VIP Service: $150
  • Full-Day Private Round-Trip Transfers to Petra from Amman: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Machu Picchu?

Prices for flights to both Machu Picchu and Amman change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amman $58
    Machu Picchu $35
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $106
  • Private Panoramic Amman Tour and Local Lunch or Dinner-Wine Taste: $107
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Amman with Return Hotel Transfers: $118
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Machu Picchu $78

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Um Qais Private Tour Enjoy The History And Stunning Scenery.: $130
  • 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle : $136
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Dead Sea Independent Tour from Amman : $145
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Private Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman : $215
  • 2 Day Tour Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $300
  • 2 Day Tour of Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $250
  • 2 Day Tour to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman: $200
  • 2 Days Group Tour From Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead sea: $395
  • 2 Days Ma'in Hot Springs Private Tour: $95
  • 2 Days Petra Private Guided Tour: $225

Typical Entertainment Prices in Machu Picchu

For Machu Picchu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Gardens of Mandor
    $2.87

Tours and Activities in Machu Picchu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Machu Picchu.

  • Machu Picchu Morning Combo: Entrance Ticket, Bus and Guide: $196
  • Machu Picchu Small-Group Combo: Entrance Ticket, Bus & Guide: $196
  • Private Tour Guide Service: $98
  • Private & Flexible 3-Hour Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Machu Picchu $7.28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Amman and Boulevard Walking Tour: $93
  • Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting : $127


When comparing the travel costs between Amman and Machu Picchu, we can see that Amman is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amman is in Middle East and Machu Picchu is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Machu Picchu Expensive?.