Our Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days tour is a budget-friendly alternative to traveling by train from Cusco. Cross the Andes by road to Hidroeléctrica, walk through the cloud forest to Aguas Calientes, spend the night near Machu Picchu and explore the archaeological site with a professional guide the following day.
From US$120 per person | 2 Days / 1 Night
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Important: Machu Picchu entrance tickets are subject to availability. Your assigned circuit and entrance time must be compatible with the scheduled return journey to Cusco.
Quick Details
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
- Departure: Cusco, approximately 7:30 AM
- Return: Cusco, approximately 9:30 PM on Day 2
- Route: Cusco → Abra Málaga → Santa Teresa → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
- Transportation: Round-trip tourist vehicle
- Walking: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes each way between Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Moderate, with long travel days
- Accommodation: 1 night in Aguas Calientes
- Guide: English-speaking guide at Machu Picchu
- Price: US$120 per person
How Does Machu Picchu by Car Work?
Machu Picchu by Car combines road transportation and walking instead of using the main tourist train service, from Cusco, you travel through the Sacred Valley, cross Abra Málaga and descend toward Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica, since the road does not reach Aguas Calientes, the final section is completed on foot along the designated walking route near the railway, after spending the night in Aguas Calientes, you visit Machu Picchu the following morning and return to Cusco via Hidroeléctrica. This option is particularly suitable for budget travelers who are comfortable with extended road journeys and walking.
Why Choose the Machu Picchu by Car Route?
This alternative combines a visit to Machu Picchu with a scenic overland journey through the Andes and cloud forest.
- Lower-cost transportation: Travel mainly by road rather than purchasing the standard tourist train service.
- Changing landscapes: Cross high Andean mountain passes before descending into warmer, greener valleys.
- Scenic walking route: Walk between Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight accommodation: Rest in Aguas Calientes before your Machu Picchu visit.
- Guided experience: Explore the archaeological site with an English speaking guide.
The main trade off is travel time and physical effort. This route involves considerably more walking than a conventional train tour.
Machu Picchu by Car 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Departure: Approximately 7:30 AM
Your journey begins with pickup in Cusco and a scenic drive toward the Sacred Valley, continue through Ollantaytambo and ascend toward Abra Málaga, a mountain pass at approximately 4,316 meters above sea level, from here, the road descends toward the warmer landscapes of Santa Teresa. After lunch, continue to the Hidroeléctrica area, where the walking section begins.
Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes
Follow the walking route near the railway and Urubamba River, surrounded by mountains and cloud-forest vegetation, the walk takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, although the duration varies with walking pace, weather and trail conditions. Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, check in at your accommodation and enjoy your included dinner.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Begin the day early with breakfast and prepare for your Machu Picchu visit, depending on your confirmed entrance time, you can reach the archaeological site by walking uphill or purchasing the optional shuttle bus ticket.
Guided Visit to Machu Picchu
Meet your guide and enter Machu Picchu according to your assigned ticket, during the guided visit, learn about Inca history, architecture and the significance of the archaeological complex, the areas visited depend on your confirmed circuit and route. Not all tickets provide access to the same viewpoints or archaeological sectors.
Return via Hidroeléctrica
After your visit, descend to Aguas Calientes and continue toward Hidroeléctrica, the standard itinerary includes the return walking section, followed by tourist transportation to Cusco. Expect to arrive in Cusco at approximately 9:30 PM, depending on road conditions and the day’s schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
How Difficult Is the Hidroeléctrica Walk?
The walk between Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes generally takes around 2.5–3 hours each way. Although much of the route has relatively gentle gradients, the distance, uneven surfaces and warm or wet conditions can make it tiring, travelers should also consider the return walk on Day 2, after visiting Machu Picchu, wear suitable walking shoes, carry drinking water and follow the designated pedestrian route and local safety instructions. Never walk on the railway tracks, this tour is better suited to travelers comfortable with several hours of walking and long road transfers.
Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets and Availability
Machu Picchu uses different visitor circuits, each with its own permitted route and entrance time.
The three main categories are:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic: Routes focused on designated viewpoints and panoramic areas.
- Circuit 2 – Classic: Routes through selected archaeological sectors.
- Circuit 3 – Royalty: Routes covering other areas of the archaeological complex.
Not every ticket includes the same viewpoints or attractions.
Before confirming your Machu Picchu by Car tour, we check the available entrance routes and whether their schedules allow sufficient time for the return journey to Hidroeléctrica.
If your preferred circuit is unavailable, our team can explain the alternatives for your travel date.
What’s Included?
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and back
- Route information for the Hidroeléctrica–Aguas Calientes walk
- One night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Private hotel room with hot water
- One lunch on Day 1
- One dinner on Day 1
- One breakfast on Day 2
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the confirmed circuit
- Professional English-speaking guide at Machu Picchu
Not Included
- Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Train tickets
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation in Cusco
- Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Machu Picchu by Car vs. Train
Both options allow you to visit Machu Picchu, but they involve different travel experiences.
| Machu Picchu by Car | Machu Picchu by Train |
|---|---|
| Road transportation via Hidroeléctrica | Railway transportation to Aguas Calientes |
| Approximately 2.5–3 hours walking per direction | No long Hidroeléctrica walk |
| 2 days / 1 night in this package | One-day tours are available |
| Lower-cost overland option | Higher transportation cost |
| More walking and road travel | Less physical effort during the journey |
Choose Machu Picchu by Car if you prefer a budget oriented route and enjoy walking. For travelers with limited time or those who prefer to avoid the Hidroeléctrica walk, our Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco offers an alternative by train.
Machu Picchu by Car Tour Price
US$120 per person
2 Days / 1 Night
The package includes transportation, accommodation, specified meals, a Machu Picchu entrance ticket and an English-speaking guide. Availability and final booking confirmation depend on the entrance ticket, assigned route and operating schedule.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Machu Picchu by Car cheaper than traveling by train?
Traveling by road through Hidroeléctrica can reduce transportation costs compared with a conventional tourist train package. However, it requires more time and walking.
Can you reach Machu Picchu entirely by car?
No. The road reaches the Hidroeléctrica area, but it does not continue to Aguas Calientes or the Machu Picchu entrance. This tour combines road transportation, walking and a final uphill walk or optional shuttle bus.
How long is the walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes?
The walk typically takes approximately 2.5–3 hours each way, depending on your pace and conditions. The standard two-day itinerary includes walking both to and from Aguas Calientes.
Is the Machu Picchu by Car route safe?
The journey involves mountain roads, changing weather and a pedestrian route near an active railway. Conditions can vary, particularly during periods of heavy rain. Follow your driver’s and local authorities’ instructions, use designated walking areas and avoid entering railway tracks.
Can I take a train instead of walking?
A train may be an alternative on certain sections, but it is not included in the US$120 package. Any change requires separate confirmation of the available service, timetable and additional cost.
Can I choose my Machu Picchu circuit?
You may request a preferred circuit, but availability is limited. The assigned entrance time must also allow enough time to complete the return journey to Hidroeléctrica and Cusco.
Is this tour suitable for backpackers?
Yes. The combination of road transportation, basic accommodation and walking makes it an option for budget-conscious travelers who are comfortable with a physically active itinerary.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport, walking shoes, a small backpack, water, sun protection, rain gear, insect repellent, a change of clothes and personal medication.
Book Your Machu Picchu by Car 2-Day Tour
Travel from Cusco through the Andes to Hidroeléctrica, walk to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide.
Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days – From US$120 per person
Send us your preferred travel date so our team can check Machu Picchu entrance availability and the return schedule before confirming your booking.
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