+51 984 751 486 perutravelcompany@gmail.com Cuesta Santa Ana N° 701 and siete cuartones Nº 245

Price

From$75

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1054

Length

2 days, 1 night

Group

Min 1, Max 16

Trip Style

Cultural

Difficulty

Easy

Overview

The most budget friendly way to reach the iconic stone citadel of Machu Picchu

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Andes, following ancient paths and discovering hidden gems along the way. Your journey begins bright and early, as our friendly Driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Cusco in a comfortable, spacious Mercedes-Benz minibus.

Over the course of two or three days, you’ll have the chance to explore the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu through one of the most affordable options available. 4

This experience is perfect for travelers looking to balance comfort and budget. You’ll take a scenic and adventure alternative route by car.

Although the trip takes a bit longer than other routes, it’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy a more economical way to reach Machu Picchu.

Highlights

Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Sacred Valley.
For an awe-inspiring experience, behold the grandeur of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, at sunrise.
Learn from your experience local guide about the rich history, culture and architectural mastery of the Inca civilization.
Enjoy the convenience of private transportation, pre booked accommodations, and tickets. It’s a hassle free adventure.

At a Glance

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night Immersive Experience
Departure & Return: Cusco, Peru
Tour Type: Adventure, Cultural & Scenic Journey
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – suitable for most travelers
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes included
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel (selected options may include additional meals)
Highlights: Scenic drive through the Andes, 11 km jungle hike along the railway, overnight in Aguas Calientes, optional hot springs, guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploration of Inca temples, terraces, plazas, and panoramic viewpoints
Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season recommended), although available year-round
Group Size: Up to 18 people per group or private tour options available
Transportation: Hotel transfers from Cusco, ground transport via Hidroelectrica route, and bus to Machu Picchu included

Inclusions

Pre-trek briefing in Cusco (preparation and safety instructions).
Hotel pick-up in Cusco (Cusco city center)
Round-trip Transport: Tourist minibus Cusco - Hidroelectrica with hotel pick - up and drop-off at Plaza de Armas in Cusco.
Hostel in Aguas Calientes: Cozy hostel with double rooms and private bathrooms for a comfortable stay.
Important Note: The hikes are self-guided. We provide all necessary information. This is an affordable route with beautiful scenery.

Excludes

Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Required. Entry at 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. (Circuits 1–3). Tickets available at tuboleto.cultura.pe or in Aguas Calientes.
Professional bilingual guide (English, Spanish & Quechua)
Meals: Not included. Enjoy local restaurants and cafés along the way, with great food and coffee.
Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Hot Springs: Aguas Calientes (20 soles), paid on site. Relax in natural hot springs.
Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and staff not included (optional but appreciated).
Optional hike: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($70 USD; on request).

What to bring

Original passport: Required (valid for at least 6 months and 2 blank pages). Copies are not accepted.
Student ID (if applicable): required for student fares (up to 25 years old).
Personal medication: Bring any required medication and a basic first aid kit.
Insect repellent: Minimum 15% DEET recommended.
Light backpack: Small, comfortable, and suitable for hiking.
Water container: At least 2L capacity (bottle or CamelBak recommended).
Hiking shoes: Comfortable, well-fitted, and broken-in.
Emergency cash: Recommended 300 soles or 90 USD in cash.

Itinerary

Day 1Cusco - Hidroelectric – Aguas Calientes.

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Cusco between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. and travel to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you’ll make a short stop for breakfast, coffee, restrooms, and last minute travel essentials (not included).

Continue your journey for 5–6 hours through the stunning Andean mountains of Peru, following the classic Cusco to Machu Picchu route, with dramatic landscape changes from highlands to lush cloud forest.

Arrive at Hidroelectrica (Hydroelectric Station), one of the main access points to Machu Picchu. You will have free time for lunch at a local restaurant (not included) before starting your 3-hour scenic trek along the railway to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

Walk through vibrant cloud forest of the Sacred Valley region, home to rich biodiversity, exotic plants, and wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may spot the cock of the rock, Peru’s national bird.

Arrive in Aguas Calientes (2,000 m / Machu Picchu town), check into your accommodation, and relax after your trek.

In the evening, you are free to explore the town and enjoy dinner at local restaurants (not included), preparing for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Driving Time: 6 – 7 hours from Cusco to Hidroelectrica.
Walking Distance: 11 km / 3 hours Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
Weather: Warm, windy,tropical (jungle conditions)
Accommodations: Hostel stay in Aguas Calientes
Meals included: 1 Lunch in Hidroelectrica , 1 Dinner in Aguas Calientes.

Day 2Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Hidrelectric – Cusco

You will wake up early for the highlight of your Cusco to Machu Picchu tour: visiting the legendary Machu Picchu Inca citadel, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru.

From Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), you can take the bus or hike approximately 1.5 hours to the entrance of Machu Picchu archaeological site.

Upon arrival, you will present your entry ticket and original passport to access Machu Picchu Peru.

You will have 2 – 3 hours to explore the most important areas of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, including terraces, temples, plazas, the Guardhouse, and panoramic viewpoints over the Sacred Valley and the Andes Mountains.

We highly recommend Circuit 2 – Classic Machu Picchu route, the most complete option for a full experience of the Inca citadel. Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 are also available depending on availability, but advance booking is required as Machu Picchu tickets sell out quickly, especially in high season.

After your guided visit, you will return from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica (Hydroelectric Station), either walking along the scenic railway route or using pre arranged transport if available.

From Hidroelectrica, you will board your return transport to Cusco, enjoying a 6–7 hour journey through the breathtaking Peruvian Andes and Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Important: You must arrive at Hidroelectrica no later than 2:00 p.m. (Peruvian time) to guarantee your return to Cusco on the same day.

Walking Distance: 4 km / 1 hour and 30 minutes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu: Entrance Ticket and guided tour.
Walking Distance: 11 km / 3 hours and 30 minutes hours from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica.
Weather: Jungle conditions.
Meals: Box lunch provided in the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Departure from Hidroelectrica: 2:00 PM boarding time and 2:30 pm departure time
Driving Time: 6 to 7 hours from Hidroelectrica to Cusco

Photos

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FAQs

1.What time will the pickup from the hotel be on Day 1?

The pickup from the hotel will be between 6:00 – 6:30 am.

2.Where will we stop after leaving Cusco?

After leaving Cusco, we will stop in Ollantaytambo for about 20 minutes to enjoy the breathtaking landscape.

3.What is the duration of the hike from Hidroelectric to Aguas Calientes?

The hike from Hidroelectric to Aguas Calientes will be approximately 3 hours.

4.What activities are available in Aguas Calientes before dinner?

Before dinner, you will have the option to rest at your hostel or enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot springs.

5.What time does the hike to Machu Picchu start on Day 2?

The hike to Machu Picchu starts early, following the bus route for about 20 minutes, then ascending a short trail to the archaeological site.

1 Review

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Maria G.

Solo Traveller

The journey began with an early pickup from our hotel between 6:00 – 6:30 am, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. Our first stop was in Ollantaytambo, where we had the chance to marvel at the breathtaking landscape for about 20 minutes. The views were truly spectacular, and it was the perfect start to our adventure.

Next, we continued our drive to Santa Teresa, where a delicious lunch awaited us. The van ride offered glimpses of the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, adding to the beauty of the journey.

After lunch, we embarked on the next leg of our journey, heading to Hidroelectric. From there, we began our hike along the train track towards Aguas Calientes. The hike was approximately 3 hours long, but the scenery along the way made it all worth it. We were surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

October 5, 2023

Affordable 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by Car from Cusco