Overview
Machu Picchu by car is a cheaper and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the Inca citadel without taking the tourist train. This 2-day tour via the Hidroeléctrica route offers a comfortable and unique experience, avoiding long treks while enjoying stunning scenery.
On the first day, we travel by minivan to Santa María and then along an unpaved road to the Hidroeléctrica plant, with stops to admire breathtaking landscapes and enjoy lunch. From Hidroeléctrica, we walk 3 hours along the railway to Aguas Calientes, passing valleys, snow-capped mountains, lush jungle, and friendly local communities.
Day 1
Day 01: Cusco – Hydroelectric Train Station – Aguas Calientes Town
We will pick you up from your hotel or the main square at 6:20 a.m.. From there, our journey to Ollantaytambo begins. Along the way, we will enjoy the beautiful scenery and make a stop of almost an hour for breakfast (not included). After breakfast, we continue with a long and winding ascent to the Abra Málaga pass, located at 4,300 meters above sea level, where you can admire some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Cusco region.
Next, we begin our descent into the dense jungle, passing through diverse microclimates that combine the paradisiacal views of the snow-capped Abra Málaga peak with the warm rainforest below. Then, we continue to our restaurant for a local lunch (included).
This tour takes approximately 6 hours from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica plant. After lunch, we start our 3-hour hike (10 km) along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Once we reach the town’s main square, we take a short break before picking you up and settling you into your hostel with a private room and hot shower.
Finally, after dinner (included), the guide will coordinate all the details for your Machu Picchu tour the following day, ensuring you are ready for an unforgettable experience.
Day 2
Day 02: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
We will wake up early, around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., and enjoy breakfast (included). After breakfast, we will take the optional bus up to Machu Picchu (not included), where our guide will be waiting for you at the entrance. The guided tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, exploring the archaeological complex, temples, plazas, terraces, and sacred sites.
After the tour, we will take the optional bus (not included) back to the Ruinas Bridge. From there, it is mandatory to walk back to Hidroeléctrica, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, following the train tracks. Upon arrival, you can enjoy lunch at the restaurant (not included) before we continue our transportation back to Cusco.
Important:
Departure from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco is 2:30 p.m, with an estimated arrival in Cusco around 10:00 p.m. You will be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas.
Optional: You have two options if you wish to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain:
-First option: Stay another night in Aguas Calientes:
To climb Huayna Picchu Mountain takes almost 3 hours (round trip).
You would return to Hidroeléctrica on the third day because the transport back to Cusco departs at 2:30 p.m., which is not enough time to return the same day.
-Second option: Return by train at the same day in the evening after climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain:
You can visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain, and then take the 19:00 p.m. train back to Ollantaytambo.
Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will be arranged, so no additional overnight stay is needed.
Inclusions
Machu Picchu by Car – 2 Days Includes:
- Pick up from the airport to the hotel
- Pick up from the hotel the day of the tour
- Transportation in tourist van round trip (Cusco – Hydroelectric Train Station – Cusco)
- 1 night in a hostel (private room and hot shower)
- Day 1: Lunch and dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Best-selling ticket – Classic Circuit 2 full tour / panoramic view)
- Professional private English Guide in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu by Car – 2 Days Does Not Includes:
- Return train ticket Voyager or Expedition service(USD 95.00 Additional Cost)
- Climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain / Adult (USD 65.00) – Child between 3 and 17 years old USD 40.00 – Additional Cost)
- UP-GRADE to a 3 star hotel (USD 60.00 – Additional Cost)
- 1 extra night of hostel for the second day (USD 20.00 – Additional Cost)
- Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (USD 24.00 – Additonal Cost) “Highly recommended”
- Day 1: Breakfast
- Day 2: Lunch and dinner
Packing List:
- Original passport
- Mosquito repellent, sunscreen
- Hat and long sleeve shirts
- Short and sandals if you want to visit the thermal baths
- Extra water and snacks
- Camera
- Toilet paper
Pricing
Machu Picchu by Car – 2 Days Group Tour Cost:
Adult Price USD 190.00
Student Price USD 170.00
If you like to apply for the student price you need to comply with the next requirements Peruvian regulation for students. If you are a student, you need to send us a copy or picture of both side of your STUDENT CARD also a picture or photo of your PASSPORT in order to verify, to get discount. The student card must be an original student ID gives from the university in PVC material, and it must have the next requirements printed on it: University information, personal student information, student picture, and expiration date valid only for one year, it year must coincide with the year that student visit Machupicchu, the discount until 25 years old. ISIC cards are not valid for the discount.
