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

Should you visit Bergen or Machu Picchu?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Machu Picchu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Bergen or Machu Picchu?

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

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 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Machu Picchu or Bergen?

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

  • Bergen Prices
    Norway Prices
    Machu Picchu Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bergen $144
    Machu Picchu $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $144, 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 Bergen and Machu Picchu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bergen $74
    Machu Picchu $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bergen $148
    Machu Picchu $88
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Machu Picchu

Looking for a hotel in Bergen 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 Bergen


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: Bergen Hotel Prices and Machu Picchu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bergen $11
    Machu Picchu $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Helicopter transfer Bergen - Rosendal: $4,438
  • Powerboat transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
  • Helicopter transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
  • From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
  • From Private Transfer to Voss: $403
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $257
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $200
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer - Hotels & Cruise Ports - Airport 1-14 pax: $175
  • Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Bergen or Machu Picchu?

Prices for flights to both Machu Picchu and Bergen 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
    Bergen $58
    Machu Picchu $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
  • Bergen Food Tour: $174
  • Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bergen $18
    Machu Picchu $78

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • 1 hour Tour for Herdla Walking: $103
  • 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $145
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $167
  • Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
  • Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $225
  • Bergen Floibanen Funicular Ticket: $31
  • Bergen Magical Nature Tour | ViFlowExperience: $243
  • Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Local Guide: $86
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour: $325
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour of Historic Sites: $256
  • Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51

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.

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bergen $7.56
    Machu Picchu $7.28


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Machu Picchu, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Machu Picchu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen is in Europe and Machu Picchu is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Machu Picchu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Machu Picchu and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen than you might in Machu Picchu.

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