Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N

Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N

The Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N is one of the most popular alternatives to reach the wonder without taking the train.
Also known as the Amazon Route, this trip combines a road journey, a light hike, and a direct encounter with the
Andean and jungle nature that surrounds Machu Picchu.

During the journey, you will enjoy impressive panoramic views of the snow-capped Chicón, Salkantay, and Verónica mountains.
You will also visit small towns full of culture and tradition before starting the walk to Aguas Calientes,
a picturesque village surrounded by mountains and rivers where you will spend the night, and finally enjoy the most anticipated experience:
the guided visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers looking for an affordable, different route filled with unforgettable landscapes.

Opening schedule

Day 1: Cusco – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

📍 Location: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Cloud Forest – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
🕒 Duration: 2 days / 1 night
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English

Places you will visit on this tour

Santa Teresa – A warm area surrounded by mountains, ideal for enjoying the contrast between the highlands and the Andean cloud forest.
Hydroelectric Station – The starting point of the walk to Aguas Calientes, with abundant vegetation, waterfalls, and jungle-like weather.
Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) – A picturesque town where you will spend the night before visiting the wonder.
Machu Picchu Archaeological Site – The highlight of the trip, an Inca architectural and ceremonial complex considered one of humanity’s most impressive works.

What makes Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N so special?

⭐ A more adventurous and affordable route, ideal for those who enjoy road trips and easy hikes.
⭐ Direct contact with nature, where you can observe flora, fauna, and landscapes that blend mountains and jungle.
⭐ 100% local operation, ensuring an authentic service and expert local guides.

Itinerary – Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N

🕒 Duration: 2 days / 1 night
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English

Machu Picchu by car 2-day tour map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes

07:00 – 07:30 hrs: We begin the adventure with hotel pick-up in the historic center of Cusco.
From here we head out on the Amazon Route, a journey full of contrasts where you will see landscapes shift from the cold highlands to the tropical cloud forest.

As we cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will enjoy panoramic views of mountains, snow-capped peaks, and Andean towns.

13:30 hrs: We arrive in Santa Teresa, where you will enjoy lunch to recharge.
Then we continue 45 minutes to the Hydroelectric Station, the starting point of the walk to Aguas Calientes.

Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes Hike (approx. 3 hours)
This Amazon trail is surrounded by waterfalls, vegetation, and incredible scenery—perfect for photos.
If you prefer not to walk, you can take the tourist train (optional).

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the guide will take you to your accommodation.
In the evening you will enjoy dinner and receive the briefing for the Machu Picchu visit the next day.

This concludes the first day of the tour.

Day 1 Facts

🚐 Driving time: 5–6 hours from Cusco to the Hydroelectric Station

🚶‍♂️ Hiking distance: 11 km (approx. 3 hours)

🌤 Weather: Warm, humid, and tropical

🏨 Accommodation: Basic hotel in Aguas Calientes

🍽 Meals included: Lunch (Santa Teresa) and dinner (Aguas Calientes)

Day 2: Guided tour in Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

05:00 hrs: We start the 1 hour 30 minute hike up to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
If you prefer, you can take the bus (optional).

Inside the sanctuary, you will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, visiting temples, viewpoints, and the most iconic corners of the Inca city.

Afterward, you will have a short amount of free time to explore on your own.

11:30 hrs: Bus back to Aguas Calientes.

14:30 – 15:00 hrs: You must arrive at the Hydroelectric Station (walking or by taking the local train at 12:30 pm).
Our transportation will be waiting to begin the return to Cusco.

The final drop-off is at Plaza San Francisco, concluding an unforgettable experience along the Amazon Route.

Day 2 Facts

🚶‍♂️ Distance Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu: 4 km / 1.5 – 2 hours

🏛 Guided tour in Machu Picchu: 2 hours

🚶‍♂️ Hike Machu Picchu → Hydroelectric Station: 11 km / approx. 3.5 hours

🍽 Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel

🌤 Weather: Warm, humid, and tropical

🕑Boarding time at the Hydroelectric Station: 2:00 p.m.

🕝Transportation departure time: 2:30 p.m.

🚐 Return travel time: 6–7 hours to Cusco

What’s Included and Not Included – Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N

Includes

Day 1:
- ✅ Shared one-way transportation from Cusco to the Hydroelectric Station
- ✅ Guided walk from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
- ✅ Accommodation (1 night in Machu Picchu Town – Aguas Calientes)
- ✅ Meals: 1 lunch / 1 dinner

Day 2:
- ✅ Entrance ticket to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- ✅ Guided visit in Machu Picchu (Spanish or English) from 06:00 to 08:00 hrs
- ✅ Shared return transportation from the Hydroelectric Station to Cusco

Not Included

❌ Meals not mentioned in the program
❌ Bus ticket up and/or down to Machu Picchu (optional – approx. $24 USD)
❌ Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
❌ Train tickets (optional for the Hydroelectric Station ↔ Aguas Calientes sections)
❌ Travel insurance (recommended to purchase in your country of origin)
❌ Personal expenses and extras

Additional Details – Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N

Recommendations for the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N

To make the most of this affordable 2-day Machu Picchu tour, keep the following in mind:

Book 2 to 3 months in advance to secure an early entry time to Machu Picchu.
Arrive in Cusco at least 1 day before the tour starts.
Choose a hotel near the Historic Center to make pick-up easier. Otherwise, you must meet at the Plaza de Armas fountain at 6:00 a.m.
Take altitude sickness pills (soroche) or drink coca leaf tea.
Wear warm clothing in the mornings and evenings, as Cusco weather can change quickly.
Leave your large suitcase at the hotel and bring only a light backpack.
The walk from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (approx. 10 km) requires good physical condition.

What to Bring – Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N

These items will be very useful during the experience:

Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Hat or beanie
Long-sleeve shirts
Swimwear (shorts, towel, and sandals) for the hot springs
Flashlight if you will hike up to Machu Picchu
Hiking shoes
Rain poncho
Water bottle
Snacks
Camera

Important Recommendations

Please keep the following key points in mind:

Machu Picchu entry times depend on availability.
Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
The guided visit will be in Spanish or English.
The tour operates as a shared group service.
IMPORTANT: Check availability via WhatsApp before booking. If you book without availability, the refund will be 90% within 15 to 30 days.
If there are no tickets for Circuit 2, you may choose Circuits 1 or 3 (additional cost).
Once tickets are issued, changes and refunds are not accepted.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

These are the applicable conditions:

Cancellations or rescheduling made with 30 days’ notice receive a 50% refund

Frequently Asked Questions about the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N Tour

What is the Machu Picchu by Car 2-day tour?

The Machu Picchu by Car 2-day tour is an affordable and adventurous alternative to reach this world wonder without taking the train. On the first day, you travel by road to the Hydroelectric Station area, and from there you take an easy walk along the railway to Aguas Calientes. Taking the train is optional.

What is the best season to take this tour?

The ideal season is between April and November, when the weather is drier and more stable. Between December and March, rainfall is frequent and can cause landslides, so it is not recommended during the peak rainy season.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you want to enter Machu Picchu during the earliest morning time slots.

How much time and distance do you walk on the tour?

The walking section between the Hydroelectric Station and Machu Picchu Town takes approximately 2.5 hours each way. In total, you will walk around 5 hours, and the distance per section is about 10 km (20 km round trip).

Is it suitable for families with children?

Yes. The tour is suitable for families with children over 5 years old, since the walk is mostly flat and accessible. Please use caution when walking near the railway.

Can I hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain during this tour?

Yes, it’s possible if you purchase the corresponding ticket. Please note that:

You would miss the guided visit inside the citadel if you hike on your own.

You must start the return walk to the Hydroelectric Station no later than 11:00 a.m..

The return bus from the Hydroelectric Station to Cusco departs at 14:30 hrs, unless you choose to return by train or spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes.

What is included in the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N Tour?

Our service includes:

Shared round-trip transportation between Cusco and the Hydroelectric Station.

Accommodation (1 night in Aguas Calientes).

Full meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.

Guided visit in Machu Picchu (Spanish or English) at the assigned time.

Entrance ticket to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Drop-off in Cusco’s historic center.

Important recommendations before the tour

To make the most of the experience, we recommend:

Arriving in Cusco at least 1 day before the tour starts.

Leaving your large suitcase at the hotel and bringing only a small backpack.

Taking altitude sickness pills and drinking coca leaf tea if needed.

Wearing warm clothing in Cusco during the early mornings and nights.

Having good physical condition for the approximate hikes.

Booking and cancellation policy

General conditions:

Cancellations 30 days in advance: 50% refund.

Cancellations less than 5 days before the start date: no refund.

Before booking, check availability via WhatsApp. If you book without availability, the refund will be 90% and will be processed within 15 to 30 days.

Once tickets are issued, changes and refunds are not accepted (non-refundable fee).

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From: $155.00