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 journey combines road travel, a light hike, and direct contact with the
Andean and jungle nature surrounding Machu Picchu.
During the trip, you will enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Chicón, Salkantay, and Veronica snow-capped mountains.
You will also visit small villages full of culture and tradition before starting the hike to Aguas Calientes,
a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and rivers where you will spend the night before finally enjoying 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 – Starting point of the hike to Aguas Calientes, with abundant vegetation, waterfalls, and a jungle climate.
- Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) – A picturesque town where you will spend the night before visiting the wonder.
- Machu Picchu Archaeological Site – The jewel of the journey, an Inca architectural and ceremonial complex considered one of humanity’s most impressive achievements.
What makes Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N so special?
- ⭐ A more adventurous and affordable route, ideal for those who enjoy road trips and gentle hikes.
- ⭐ Direct contact with nature, where you can observe flora, fauna, and landscapes that combine mountains and jungle.
- ⭐ 100% local operation, ensuring authentic service and expert local guides.
Itinerary of the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N Tour
🕒 Duration: 2 days / 1 night
🗣 Available languages: Spanish and English
Itinerary
Day 01
Cusco – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes
07:00 – 07:30 hrs: Hotel pick-up (historic center) and start of the Amazon route.
Panoramic views as we cross the Sacred Valley.
13:30 hrs: Lunch in Santa Teresa and transfer to Hydroelectric Station.
Hydroelectric Station → Aguas Calientes hike: approximately 3 hours (optional train).
Check-in, dinner, and briefing for Machu Picchu.
Day 02
Guided tour in Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
05:00 hrs: Hike to Machu Picchu (1.5 h). Optional bus.
Guided tour: 2 hours + free time.
11:30 hrs: Return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
14:30 – 15:00 hrs: Arrival at Hydroelectric Station and return to Cusco.
Note: Times are for reference only. They are reconfirmed one day in advance.
What is included and not included in the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N Tour
What is included
Day 1:
- Transportation (Outbound): Cusco to Hydroelectric Station.
- Hike: Guided hike from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes.
- Accommodation: 1 night in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: 1 lunch and 1 dinner.
Day 2:
- Entrance tickets: Entry ticket to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
- Professional Guide: Guided tour in the citadel (approx. 2 hrs).
- Transportation (Return): Hydroelectric Station to Cusco.
Not included
- 🚌 Up/down bus (Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu).
- ⛰️ Entry to Huayna Picchu or Mountain (requires an additional reservation).
- 🚂 Train (Hydroelectric Station ↔ Aguas Calientes section).
- Meals not mentioned (Breakfast D1 / Lunch D2).
- Travel insurance and personal expenses.
- 🚌 Consettur Bus: $24.00 USD (Round trip).
- 🚂 Train (Short section): Approx. $35.00 USD per section (if you do not wish to walk).
* Buses and trains are optional; the traditional route is done on foot.
Additional Details of the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N Tour
Recommendations for the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N Tour
To fully enjoy the affordable 2-day Machu Picchu tour, keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Book 2 to 3 months in advance to secure an early entry 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 be at the Plaza de Armas fountain at 6:00 a.m.
- Take altitude sickness tablets (soroche) or drink coca leaf infusions.
- Wear warm clothing in the mornings and evenings, as Cusco’s weather can change quickly.
- Leave your large suitcase at your hotel and carry only a light backpack.
- The hike from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (approx. 10 km) requires good physical condition.
What to bring on the Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N Tour
These items will be very useful during the experience:
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Long-sleeved 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
Be sure to consider the following key points:
- Entry times to Machu Picchu depend on availability.
- The reservation 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 available for Circuit 2, you may choose Circuits 1 or 3 (at an additional cost).
- Once the tickets have been issued, no changes or refunds are accepted.
Booking and cancellation policy
These are the applicable conditions:
-
- Cancellations or rescheduling made 30 days in advance are eligible for 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).
From: $155.00
Related Tours
-
Free Tour Cusco Afternoon 03:30 PM
-
City Tour in Cusco
From: $13.00 -
Free Tour Cusco Midday 1:00 PM
-
Free Tour Cusco Morning 10:30 AM
From: $1.00 -
Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour
From: $33.00 -
Sacred Valley of the Incas
From: $35.00 -
Humantay Lake Tour From Cusco
From: $34.00 -
Maras, Moray and Salt Mines
From: $24.00 -
Machupicchu Full Day
From: $250.00 -
7 Lakes of Ausangate
From: $35.00 -
Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Tour
From: $40.00 -
Waqra Pukara Excursion
From: $45.00
Comprar Tour
Machu Picchu by Car 2D/1N
From: $155.00
