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

Should you visit Berlin or Machu Picchu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Machu Picchu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Berlin or Machu Picchu?

Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.

With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.

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 Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Eco Tours in Peru, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Machu Picchu or Berlin?

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

  • Berlin Prices
    Germany Prices
    Machu Picchu Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Berlin 175
    Machu Picchu 110

The average daily cost (per person) in Berlin is €175, while the average daily cost in Machu Picchu is €110. 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 Berlin and Machu Picchu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Machu Picchu 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Machu Picchu 80
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Machu Picchu

Looking for a hotel in Berlin 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 Berlin


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: Berlin Hotel Prices and Machu Picchu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Machu Picchu 28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

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


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    1.40
  • Bahn Ticket
    3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

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

  • Private transfer to Hanover or Hanover to Berlin: $896
  • Vienna: Private transfer Berlin to Vienna: $797
  • private transfer to Prague or from Prague to Berlin: $686
  • Private transfer to Dresden or Dresden to Berlin: $605
  • Private Minivan Transfer with Driver and Guide: $524
  • Private Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $399
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $286
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $281
  • Private Transfer from Berlin to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $262
  • Private Transfer From Berlin City to Hamburg City: $261
  • Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $242
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Machu Picchu?

Prices for flights to both Machu Picchu and Berlin 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
    Berlin 90
    Machu Picchu 32
Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    5.00
  • Turkish Sandwich
    2.00
  • Currywurst
    2.00
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    9.00
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    60
  • Mauer Park (2)
    11
  • Coffees at Impala
    7.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

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

  • English Stand-Up Comedy Show with Free Pizza and Free Shots: $17
  • English Comedy Show with Pizza and Shots in Central Berlin: $20
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner: $39
  • Mitte Culinary Food Tour: $51
  • Berlin Mitte Culinary – The Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Food Tour: Taste the Best with a Full Meal & Beer: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Disco - Acrobatics Dinner and Dance - Variety Theater in Berlin: $79
  • Candlelight dinner for two – Italian night in Berlin: $81
  • Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $83
  • Kreuzberg Food Tour – Five Courses in Wrangelkiez: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Machu Picchu 70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

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


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Berlin

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

  • "Rock around the Clock" - The Fifties Special Ticket: $58
  • 2 Hours Berlin E-Scooter Tour: $64
  • 2-H Fabulous Berlin Historical Guided Fat Tire Tour: $76
  • 2-Hour Luxurious Private VIP - Berlin Fat Tire Tour: $99
  • 3 Hours Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $99
  • 5h Berlin private Tour with Guide, Chauffeur & Photographer: $640
  • 5h Potsdam private tour with Guide, Chauffeur & Photographer: $652
  • AXE THROWING EXPERIENCE IN BERLIN: $29
  • Albert Einstein in Berlin Private Guided Tour: $179
  • Albert Einstein in Berlin Private Guided Tour: $179
  • All-in-One Berlin Highlights on Foot: Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Alternative Berlin / Street art tour - Private group: $175

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
    2.58

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
    Berlin 16
    Machu Picchu 6.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

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

  • Alternative Pub Crawl, Bars, Beats & Insider Stories: $11
  • Pub Crawl & Party with Free Shots & VIP Club Access: $12
  • Alternative Berlin Pub Crawl: $12
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Berliner Berg Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $19
  • Cirque du Burlesque Berlin show ticket: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $22
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $23
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $29
  • Sip Up Comedy - Stand Up Comedy with Wine Tasting: $31
  • Ludwig's Queer Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berlin and Machu Picchu, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Machu Picchu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Berlin 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Berlin Expensive? and Is Machu Picchu Expensive?.