Well, rest assured, there are free ways to have summer fun, whether you are looking to planning a weekend or longer. I’ll be keeping my radar out for free or cheap ways to spend your summertime vacas. Here’s the first of many posts to come on Free Summer Fun!

The National Park Service has announced three weekends with fee free park admissions. The weekend dates are:

Father’s Day: June 20-21

July 18-19

August 15-16

Find out more here. And remember that many National Parks are free every weekend! So, give your wallet a break and get out and enjoy the outdoors!

Machu Picchu, nestled in the Andes in Peru, was built by the Incans in the 15th century as either a holy place or a royal retreat. It was rediscovered by American explorer HIram Bingham on July 24, 1911.

A mere 97 years later, I reached the gates of Machu Picchu.

It is much different today than the day Hiram discovered it. Nowadays, buses tote tourists from Aquas Calientes down the mountain from Machu Picchu. Walking it would take an hour.

The trek I took, by foot from KM 82 on the Inca Trail, was a four-day journey. While you can take a train from Cusco to Aquas Calientes and then a bus to Machu Picchu, I recommend booking in advance and taking the four-day trek.

Reaching Machu Picchu by foot after four days of hiking, including conquering Dead Woman’s Pass, creates a rich and fulfilling, even spiritual, experience. You will walk past and through many small villages and other Incan ruins along the way.

You bond with your hiking group and the porters that carry your heavy packs, make your meals, and so much more.

And maybe most of all, you will spend four days in the Andes, witnessing spectacular views first hand.

Be sure to book early. Tickets for the Inca Trail are limited and sell out quickly! Check out a panoramic view of Machu Picchu!