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machupicchu-by-car-2-dias-1-noche-portada
2 Días & 1 Noches

Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days 1 Night Tour

Hostel in Aguas Calientes Accommodation
10 to 19 People Group size
4,400 m / 14,436 ft Maximum altitude
Moderate Difficulty level

The Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days 1 Night Tour is one of the most affordable and adventurous routes to visit the world-famous Machu Picchu. This journey combines ground transportation, hiking, and spectacular landscapes through the Andes and the Cusco cloud forest, allowing you to enjoy a different experience on your way to the Inca citadel.

During the journey, we will cross the impressive Málaga Pass, located at 4,400 m / 14,436 ft, the highest point of the route. From there, we will descend toward Santa María, Santa Teresa, and Hidroelectrica, where we will begin the hike to Aguas Calientes, surrounded by lush vegetation and beautiful natural landscapes.

This 2-day, 1-night adventure is ideal for travelers looking for an authentic experience, with a moderate difficulty level, combining nature, culture, and history in one of Peru’s most important destinations.

Day 1
Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Málaga Pass → Santa María → Santa Teresa → Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes
Day 2
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Hidroelectrica → Cusco

Important: Machu Picchu entrance times and train schedules may vary depending on availability.

ItineraryRouteInclusionsIncludesBefore TravelingTipsImportantNoticePacking ListGearFAQFAQ

Itinerary

Día01

CUSCO – HIDROELECTRICA – MACHU PICCHU TOWN

07:00 hrs. We will pick you up in our private vehicle and then travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. After a brief stop in this town, we will continue our journey uphill to the Málaga Pass at 4,400 meters above sea level, where we will make a short stop to admire the snow-capped peaks of Veronica and Salkantay. From here, we will descend through the high jungle to Santa María and then continue along the Urubamba River Valley until we reach Santa Teresa.

In Santa Teresa, we will stop for lunch and to stock up on water. We will then continue by car to Hidroelectrica, where we will begin our hike along a flat trail to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). This hike takes approximately 3 hours.

18:30 hrs. Arrival in Machu Picchu town and overnight stay at a hostel.

Places to visit

Abra Malaga
Santa Maria
Santa Teresa
Hydroelectric Station
Aguas Calientes

Day details


07:00 hrsDeparture time

3 hoursHiking time

4,400 m / 14,436 ftMaximum altitude

Lunch and dinnerMeals

Hostel in Aguas CalientesAccommodation

ModerateDifficulty

Día02

MACHU PICCHU TOWN – HIDROELECTRICA – CUSCO

04:30 hrs. We will leave our hotel at this time to begin the hike along a trail that forms part of the Inca Trail. This hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of continuous uphill walking; those who wish to take the bus from the town to the Machu Picchu site should inform the guide in charge.

Today we will visit the seventh wonder of the world, “Machu Picchu”. The guided tour will cover the most important areas, including the urban sector, religious sector, agricultural sector, and other significant sites. This guided tour will last approximately 2 hours. Later, we recommend starting the hike back to Hidroelectrica at 11:00 a.m.; please check with your guide.

We will return to Hidroelectrica in the same way as we came. Please be at Hidroelectrica by 2:30 p.m. Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Hidroelectrica to take you back to the city of Cusco.

21:30 hrs. Arrival in the city of Cusco and drop-off near San Francisco Square.

Places to visit

Machu Picchu

Day details


04:30 hrsDeparture time

1 hour 30 minutes uphill + return to HidroelectricaHiking time

Breakfast and lunchMeals

ModerateDifficulty

Note: The hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Sanctuary takes approximately 2 hours. There is no guide during this hike; a bus option is available for USD 24 per person.

Inclusions

INCLUDES:

  • Transportation from Cusco to Hidroelectrica and back to Cusco.
  • 1 breakfast snack.
  • 1 lunch.
  • 1 dinner.
  • 1-night stay at a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  • Professional guide for the visit to Machu Picchu.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu town to the archaeological complex and back (USD 15 for Peruvian visitors and USD 24 for foreign visitors).
  • Guide or companion during the round-trip hike between Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes.
  • Services not mentioned.

Before Traveling

WE RECOMMEND BRINGING:

  • Original ID or passport.
  • A small backpack.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Waterproof clothing.
  • Extra money for personal expenses.

Important

  • Prices are per person.
  • If you would like the 3-day, 2-night option, please consult your sales advisor.
  • Bring your ID or passport.
  • Bring a face mask and face shield.
  • We recommend reading the detailed itinerary.
  • The service is provided on a shared basis, which means you will take this tour with other travelers.
  • Dress warmly for the tour and bring rain gear from December to April.

Packing List

Essential

PassportPassport
MedicationsMedications
Extra moneyExtra money
Water bottleWater bottle
SunscreenSunscreen
Insect repellentInsect repellent
Personal hygienePersonal hygiene
Sleeping bagSleeping bag

Clothing

Thermal jacketThermal jacket
Trekking pantsTrekking pants
Rain ponchoRain poncho
Hiking bootsHiking boots
Wool hatWool hat
ShortsShorts
Long sleeve shirtsLong sleeve shirts
Thermal pantsThermal pants
Sun hatSun hat
Rain jacketRain jacket
GlovesGloves
ScarfScarf
Light shoesLight shoes
UV sunglassesUV sunglasses
Hiking socksHiking socks

Equipment

Day backpackDay backpack
Trekking polesTrekking poles
Sleeping bagSleeping bag

Recommended

Snacks / energy barsSnacks / energy bars
Power bankPower bank
FlashlightFlashlight
TowelTowel
SwimsuitSwimsuit
CameraCamera

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike the traditional system, where a single ticket allowed visitors to explore the entire citadel, the new circuits divide the visit into specific areas. The upper circuits (Circuits 1 and 2) prioritize the classic panoramic view from the Guardian’s Hut and the upper section. The lower circuit (Circuit 3) takes you directly to the urban and historical area (Temple of the Sun, Water Mirrors), ideal for appreciating the details of Inca architecture up close, although without the iconic postcard view from above. Choosing the right circuit depends on whether you are looking for the classic photo or a tour focused on history and architectural details.
It is not technically impossible, but it is strategically inadvisable. Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, while Machu Picchu is at 2,430 meters. Attempting the trip on your first day involves extreme physical exertion after your flight and a high probability of experiencing altitude sickness during the train or bus journey. Ideally, you should spend your first night in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo) or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes the night before your Machu Picchu visit.
There is a daily quota reserved for in-person sales in the town of Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo). However, this requires arriving one day in advance, lining up early to register with your physical ID or passport, and adjusting your itinerary according to the available time slots for the following day. Do not rely on this option during the high season (May to October); during these months, planning 2 to 4 months in advance is essential.
It is extremely strict. There is a maximum tolerance window of 30 to 45 minutes. If you arrive outside this window due to delays with the bus or train, you will lose your right to enter without a refund. For this reason, the logistics of boarding the Consettur buses from Aguas Calientes should be planned with at least 1.5 hours of buffer time before the entrance time printed on your ticket.
The regulations require visitors to enter with an official tour guide in order to manage visitor flow and protect the archaeological heritage. Beyond the rule, exploring without a guide reduces the experience to simply walking among stone walls; a professional guide explains the astronomical orientation, hydraulic systems, and social function of each sector, giving meaning to what you are observing.
Backpacks larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm are not allowed (if you bring a larger backpack, you will need to leave it in the lockers at the entrance for an additional fee). Trekking poles with metal tips are also prohibited (they are only permitted with rubber tips for older adults or people with reduced mobility), as are professional tripods, drones, and single-use plastics.
The first morning time slot (06:00 to 07:00 a.m.) often has morning fog or mist that gradually clears, creating mystical shots. The afternoon time slot (from 2:00 p.m. onward) offers fantastic golden light and noticeably fewer visitors, as most day tours begin returning to Ollantaytambo from around 1:00 p.m.
Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest at a significantly lower altitude than Cusco (2,430 meters above sea level compared with 3,399 meters). There is a higher concentration of oxygen and humidity in the environment, which creates an immediate feeling of easier breathing and greater physical energy compared with the regional capital.
From US$210 / person
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Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days 1 Night Tour
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