Machu Picchu Tour by Car

The Machu Picchu tour by car involves a 2-day trip to Machu Picchu. During the trip, you can see the most beautiful landscapes of the Cusco region, from the Veronica mountain to the jungle, arriving at the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. The original name of this trip is the Amazon Route.

If you are planning to travel to Machu Picchu and have a limited budget, this trip is for you. This trip includes the entrance fee to Machu Picchu, a tourist bus, meals, and accommodation in the Aguas Calientes village. It also includes a professional local guide in Machu Picchu.

During the trip, enjoy the best view of the sacred Veronica mountain from Abra Malaga. Continue the trip and observe the amazing flora offered by the subtropical zone upon arrival at Hidroelectrica. Walk to Aguas CalientesAguas Calientes for 3 hours, observing the Mt Machu Picchu, or you can take the short train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (additional cost). On the second day, walk up to the Inca city and enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu according to your selected Machu Picchu circuit.

Tour Overview:

Physical Activity: 3-Moderate – Certain sections involve elevated terrain.
Service Level: Backpacking and budget travel; some services are additional.
Age Requirement: 4+. Please note: All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Permits: Machu Picchu ticket is included according to availability online.
Crew: Our driver will be with you during the round trip, and you will have a professional tour guide in Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Hostel in Machu Picchu (1 night).
Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
Transportation: Van.

Additional Info:

Driving Time: Approximately 5-6 hours from Cusco to Hidroelectrica
Walking Distance: 11 km / 3-3.5 hours from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
Weather: Warm, windy, and tropical

Itinerary Details

Day 01: Cusco – Hidrolectrica . Aguas Calientes

In the morning, we will gather at the main square in front of Regocijo Square from 07:00 to 07:15 hrs. At 07:30 am, we will board our transportation. After a brief introduction, we will depart from Cusco. The tour will start with a pleasant and scenic journey towards the town of Yanahura near Ollantaytambo. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the area. We will take a short break of approximately 25 minutes before continuing our journey from Ollantaytambo to the highest point of this trip, called “Abra Málaga,” which is at an altitude of 4,316 meters, at the foot of Veronica Mountain.

From this point, the trip continues through a beautiful landscape with a puna flavor. After about 15 minutes, we will start the descent towards the jungle, passing through different microclimates that make these landscapes a paradise within the majestic snow-covered peaks, creating a tropical climate. We will continue our route on a paved road in perfect condition, passing through the town of Alfamayo, and then Hyuro, located at 1500 meters above sea level, known as one of the largest tea producers in Peru, offering high-quality Huyro tea.

With a warm and tropical climate, you can also see plantations of fruit trees such as banana, pineapple, mango, orange, granadilla, mandarin, and many more.

Santa María village: Located at 1500 meters above sea level, in a tropical zone, this place is well known for the large production of fruits.

Village of Santa Teresa: Located at 1590 meters above sea level, this very warm and quiet place is interesting for its thermal baths known as the Baths of Colcalmayo, which are very popular with tourists. The area is also well known for the production of coffee and coca leaves. Finally, we will reach Hidroelectrica, arriving at the bus station where we can have lunch and recharge our energy to continue our trip.

From here, we will start the walk following the dirt road next to the railroad track, which takes approximately 3 hours, following the Vilcanota River. From the top, the Waynapicchu mountain will welcome us as we arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be taken to the designated accommodations. After a relaxing bath in your lodgings, it will be time to enjoy a delicious dinner with the guide. At that moment, you will have the opportunity to review the itinerary for the next day’s visit to the “Citadel of Machu Picchu.” Here, we will spend the first night.

Shuttle to Hidroelectrica: 6½ hours by bus from Cusco.
Duration of Tour: 8 hours.
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles.
Hiking Time: 2½ to 3 hours approximately.
Climate: Hot during the day and warm at night.
Accommodation: Double or matrimonial room for 2 people; single room is an additional USD 15.00.
Meals: Dinner includes a typical dish.
Maximum Altitude: 4200 meters above sea level / 13779 ft. (Abra Malaga)
Minimum Altitude: 1800 meters above sea level / 5905 ft. (Santa Teresa)

Day 02: Machu Picchu – Hidrolectrica – Cusco

This is the most important day of the tour: Today you will visit one of the Machu Picchu. The tour will start very early to appreciate the sunrise at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Our day will begin with the option of hiking or taking the bus (US $12).

If you have chosen the hiking option, you need to wake up around 4:00 am to get ready for the hike to the Machu Picchu main entrance. After grabbing your packed breakfast, you will start walking to the Puente Ruinas checkpoint, which is a 30-minute walk and opens at 5:00 am. Here, you will need to show your passport and Machu Picchu tickets. After passing the first checkpoint, you will hike uphill for about one hour to the Machu Picchu main gate, arriving around 6:00 am. Once everyone meets at the gate, you will enter Machu Picchu for a 2.5-hour guided tour to learn everything about the Machu Picchu. At 11:30 am, you should get ready to walk back to Hidroelectrica, a 3-hour journey, to arrive there by 2:30 pm. From Hidroelectrica, you will take a car for a 6-hour ride back to Cusco, usually arriving around 10:30 pm. We will drop you off at Plaza Regocijo – Cusco.

NOTE:
If you are considering hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, please note that it will be very tight and rushed because you need to leave Machu Picchu by 11:30 am to walk back to Hidroelectrica for 3 hours, to arrive by 2:30 pm and take a car back to Cusco. If you want to do one of these additional hikes, we recommend staying an extra night in Aguas Calientes and returning on the third day. This option allows you at least to visit the mountains without trouble.

Distance Travelled: 6 Km / 3.6 miles
Machu Picchu guided tour: 2½ hours
Climate: Hot and humid during the day, cool at night
Shuttle to Cusco: 6½ hours by bus from Hidroelectrica
Meals: Breakfast
Maximum Altitude: 2429 masl / 7972 ft
Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 ft