Machu Picchu By Car — 2 Days / 1 Night
About this experience
The most affordable route to Machu Picchu: drive to Hidroeléctrica, hike to Aguas Calientes, and return entirely by road from the Inca citadel.
Detailed Itinerary
We pick you up from your accommodation at approximately 06:00–06:30 a.m. and travel around 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo.
We ascend to Abra Málaga (4800 masl), then descend into the cloud forest with fruit trees, mangoes and banana plants.
We arrive at Santa María, take a dirt road to Santa Teresa, and finally reach Hidroeléctrica at approximately 14:00 hrs. for a basic lunch.
We take the flat trail toward Aguas Calientes (2–3 hours). Check-in and overnight stay.
Early in the morning we begin our hike to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. OPTIONAL BUS RIDE — EXTRA 24 USD. Our guide leads the tour of the most important sites.
After the tour you descend to Aguas Calientes on your own for lunch, then hike back to Hidroeléctrica (must arrive by 14:30 p.m.). Return to Cusco by car (approx. 7 hrs) — arrival approx. 22:00 hrs.
What's included
- Round-trip private hotel transfer
- Round-trip car transport (Cusco ↔ Hidroeléctrica)
- Basic lunch at Hidroeléctrica
- One night at hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Official Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Official guide
Not included
- Bus to Machu Picchu (optional, USD 24)
- Day 2 lunch
- Tips and personal expenses
Important Notes
- Bus to Machu Picchu: optional for USD 24 on site
- Return is entirely by road (train not included)
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes (for 2–3 hr hike)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Warm clothing and rain poncho
- Snacks and water bottles