Machupicchu By Car 2 Day
From US$100 per person
Hidroeléctrica | Hike to Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu
Trip Summary
Why Pick This Tour
This is the most affordable and adventurous way to visit the World Wonder. The 2-Day Car Tour is ideal for travelers looking to significantly reduce costs while enjoying a scenic drive through the Cloud Forest. The experience includes a flat, scenic 7.5-mile (12 km) hike (approx. 3 hours) along the train tracks, providing a unique immersion into the Amazonian landscapes before arriving at Aguas Calientes.
The best part of the tour: Guided tour of Machupicchu By Car 2 Day
Over View – Machu Picchu By Car 2 Days
This 2-day tour is designed to immerse you in a journey of contrasts, traveling from the Andes to the stunning Amazonian landscapes. Day 1 begins with pickup in Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) and a 6 to 7-hour drive in our tourist minibus to Hidroeléctrica, the final point of the vehicular route. Once at Hidroeléctrica, you will enjoy a Local Lunch (included) before starting the famous flat hike of 3 to 3.5 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. On Day 2, after an overnight stay, you will go up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour (the ascent can be made on foot or by bus, depending on your purchase). The trip ends with the return to Hidroeléctrica (walking or by train, cost not included) and the final bus transfer back to Cusco.
Itinerary – Machu Picchu By Car 2 Days
Day 1 : Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Hike to Aguas Calientes
On the first day of the Machu Picchu by Car 2-day tour, also known by many international travelers as Machu Picchu by car, we begin with pickup at one of the two meeting points in Cusco: Plaza de Armas (McDonald’s entrance) or Plazoleta Regocijo, between 6:00 and 6:15 AM.
For passengers choosing to join from Ollantaytambo, the meeting point will be at the ATM on the main plaza, with pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 AM.
Our journey begins aboard the tourist van on the famous alternate route to Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica, considered one of the most affordable ways to reach Machu Picchu. The drive takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, crossing stunning Andean landscapes and the spectacular Cloud Forest, where travelers can enjoy panoramic views of mountains, rivers, and lush nature.
We will arrive at our terminal in Hidroeléctrica, which is the final point of transportation for those taking the Machu Picchu by car tour. There, our staff will be waiting for you to check in on the passenger list before enjoying an included local lunch.
After lunch, one of the travelers’ favorite experiences begins: the hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, also known as the Machu Picchu hike along the train tracks.
The route is approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) and takes between 3 and 3.5 hours. It is an easy and mostly flat hike, following the train tracks and surrounded by impressive tropical forest vegetation, rivers, and mountains — a very popular experience among backpackers and travelers seeking a budget Machu Picchu tour.
Upon arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes, you should head to the main plaza, where our transfer will be waiting to guide you to the hotel where you will spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
In the evening, at approximately 7:00 PM, you will have a meeting with the professional guide, along with a delicious included dinner. During this meeting, the guide will explain all the important details for the second day of the Machu Picchu tour, including schedules, recommendations, and the guided visit to the historic sanctuary.
Day 2 : Machu Picchu – Hidroeléctrica – Return to Cusco
The second day of this Machu Picchu by Car 2-day tour, also known by many international travelers as Machu Picchu by car or the alternate route to Machu Picchu, begins very early to make the most of the visit to this famous Inca citadel. After breakfast in Aguas Calientes, travelers have two options to go up to Machu Picchu: take the bus to Machu Picchu (ticket not included, approximately $12 USD per way) or hike to Machu Picchu via the pedestrian trail. Those who choose to hike up should begin the ascent around 4:50 AM, as the route is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing arrival at the main entrance around 6:50 AM. The meeting point for all travelers, regardless of their chosen transportation, will be at the Machu Picchu entrance at 7:00 AM, at which time the Machu Picchu guided tour will begin. During the guided visit to Machu Picchu, which lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, the professional guide will share the history, architecture, and secrets of this impressive Inca citadel declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most visited destinations in South America. After the guided tour, travelers will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on their own, take photographs, and enjoy the incredible views of the Urubamba River valley and the mountains surrounding the historic sanctuary.
After visiting Machu Picchu, the return begins following the popular Hidroeléctrica Machu Picchu route, considered by many backpackers as one of the most affordable ways to visit Machu Picchu. Travelers can walk back from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica or take the short train to Hidroeléctrica (approx. $36 USD, not included). The return hike is approximately 6.8 miles (11 km) and usually takes about 3.5 hours, again following the train tracks through the jungle. The recommended time to start the return hike is around 10:00 AM and no later than 10:30 AM, in order to arrive in time at the meeting point and board the tourist transport. Bus boarding at Hidroeléctrica will be between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM, from where we will begin the return trip to Cusco, once again crossing spectacular mountain and jungle landscapes. The drive takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, and the estimated arrival time in Cusco will be between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM, ending the tour at Plazoleta Regocijo or Plaza San Francisco, thus concluding this experience on the alternate Machu Picchu by car route, one of the favorite options for those seeking a budget tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
What’s Included
- Shared Tourist Transportation Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco Transfer by tourist bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (round trip), one of the most popular alternate routes to reach Machu Picchu. The route crosses stunning Cloud Forest landscapes and the Urubamba Valley, offering a unique experience for travelers seeking a budget tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
- Full Meals During the Tour The Machu Picchu 2-day tour via Hidroeléctrica includes meals during the trip:
- 1 Lunch (Day 1 at Hidroeléctrica)
- 1 Dinner (Day 1 in Aguas Calientes)
- 1 Breakfast (Day 2 before visiting Machu Picchu)
Meals are served at local restaurants in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes Includes 1 night of accommodation at a tourist hostel in Aguas Calientes, the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
- The lodging includes:
- Private room
- Private bathroom
- Central location near restaurants and train station
- The lodging includes:
Sleeping in Aguas Calientes allows you to visit Machu Picchu early in the morning and better enjoy the tour of the citadel.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket The package includes the official entrance ticket to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, issued by the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
This ticket allows you to visit the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru and South America.
- Bilingual Professional Guide at Machu Picchu Bilingual professional guide service (Spanish – English) for the guided visit inside Machu Picchu.
- The guide will accompany the group during the tour of the citadel, explaining:
- History of the Inca Empire
- Architecture and temples of Machu Picchu
- Cultural significance of the archaeological site
- The guide will accompany the group during the tour of the citadel, explaining:
Approximate duration of the guided tour: 1 to 1.5 hours.
What’s Not Included
- Consettur Buses: Does not include the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (ascent $14 USD / descent $14 USD).
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 2
- Hidroeléctrica Train: Does not include the train between Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes (optional, approx. $36 USD).
- Meals: Any meal not mentioned (e.g. lunch/dinner on Day 2).
- Guide on the Hike: The 7.5-mile (12 km) hike between Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes is unguided, but all safety and route information is provided.
- Travel Insurance: Not included.
Essential Recommendations
I. Logistics and Additional Costs
- Adventure Route: This route requires a flat 3 to 3.5-hour (7.5-mile/12 km) hike on Day 1 and the return hike on Day 2. Good physical fitness is required for this hike.
- Getting Up to Machu Picchu (Optional): The tour includes the hike up to the citadel, but if you wish to take the Consettur bus, you must purchase the ticket in Aguas Calientes ($12 USD per way).
- Time Saver (Optional): If you wish to avoid the return hike, you can purchase the train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica (approx. $36 USD).
The departure schedule of the return bus from Hidroeléctrica is strict, as buses leave at peak hours and the last one departs at 2:00 PM. If you arrive past the indicated time, your return will be at your own expense.
- Storage: Bring only a small backpack. You can leave larger luggage at the Hostel or on the bus.
II. Documentation and Payment
- Original Documents: It is mandatory to bring your original Passport/ID and, if applicable, your original Student ID for entry to Machu Picchu.
- Cash (Soles): Bring enough cash (soles) to cover optional buses, optional train, snacks, and any meals not included.
III. Essential Gear
- Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers for the long hikes.
- Versatile Clothing: Bring lightweight, breathable, quick-dry layers (moisture-wicking underwear and t-shirts). A waterproof jacket or plastic poncho is essential.
- Protection: Mosquito repellent (this is the Cloud Forest), sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Hydration: Water bottle.
2026 Rates – Machu Picchu By Car 2 Days
Our prices for 2026 and 2027 for this 2-day/1-night car tour are affordable and accessible for all types of travelers.
- Student: $100 dollars.
- Adult: $130 dollars
These prices are for a group service, which means you will join a group of travelers on the tour.
Additional Activities:
Additional activities such as hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes require separate entrance tickets and are subject to availability, so it is best to book in advance.
Additionally, if you wish to climb one of the mountains, it is best to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes. This will give you more time to explore Machu Picchu and complete the additional hikes without rushing. Staying an extra night will also allow you to have a more relaxed experience and time to enjoy the town and its surroundings.
Important Información About This Route:
- If traveling during the rainy season (November to February), it is important to know that this route is prone to landslides that may block the road, mudslides that may delay the circuit, or natural disasters. The company is not responsible for any extra costs such as transfers, changing vehicles to continue and reach our destination. These transfers are handled directly on-site if needed and cost 20 to 30 soles depending on the distance, as these transfers are carried out by local vehicles.
Student Pricing: How to Request it?
The student rate is available to all students worldwide, as long as they meet the requirements established by the Peruvian government. This discount will be applied when booking entrance to Machu Picchu.
The Following Requirements Must Be Met:
It is important that your student ID must be an original issued by the university in your country.
The student ID must have the following information printed on it:
- The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is only valid for one year. For example, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2026, the expiration date on your ID must be 2027 or 2028.
- The student discount is available only for students who are no older than 25 years of age.
- The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the requirements mentioned above.
- The only valid document for paying the student price is the original national ID (DNI) that meets the requirements established by the Peruvian government. Other documents such as certifications or virtual IDs are not accepted as proof of student status.
- To apply for the student price, you must send a photo of both sides of your ID to viajesperureservas@gmail.com when booking the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
To request any cancellation, change, or refund, you must send an email to viajesperureservas@gmail.com. Our team will review your request and make the necessary adjustments.
Cancellation and refund requests are handled exclusively by email and will be processed during our designated business hours. Please include all relevant details in your email to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
- Initial Deposit
- The initial deposit of $65 USD for this tour is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances. This includes cases of medical emergencies, as we do not accept medical notes or documentation as proof for refunds.
- This policy exists because the deposit is used to secure your permits and entrance tickets.
Important: There are no exceptions to this policy, so we recommend booking only when you are certain of your travel plans.
- Date Changes
- If you need to change the date of your tour, you must first verify availability on the tour calendar. Once availability is confirmed, a penalty of $65 USD per person will apply. This penalty covers the purchase of a new Machu Picchu ticket and the date change for train tickets.
Machu Picchu Ticket: This ticket is non-refundable, so a new ticket must be purchased for the new date.
Important: All tickets for Machu Picchu and associated add-ons are non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning any change will require the purchase of new tickets. We strongly recommend confirming your travel plans before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions – Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days
What is the Machu Picchu by Car 2-day tour?
The Machu Picchu by Car 2-day tour is an alternate and budget-friendly route from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica by tourist transport. From there, travelers hike to Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu the following day.
Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu by car?
Yes, traveling to Machu Picchu by car is safe when done with experienced drivers. This route is very popular among backpackers and travelers seeking a budget option.
How long is the drive from Cusco to Machu Picchu by car?
The drive from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica takes approximately 6 to 7 hours by car. Afterward, there is a 2 to 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes.
Is the Machu Picchu by car tour cheaper than the train?
Yes, the Machu Picchu by car tour is one of the most affordable ways to reach Machu Picchu, compared to the train from Ollantaytambo.
What does the Machu Picchu by Car 2-day tour usually include?
- Generally, the tour includes:
- Transportation Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco
- 1 night of hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Professional tour guide
Is the hike from Hidroeléctrica difficult?
The hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes is approximately 6.2 miles (10 km) and usually takes 2 to 3 hours. It is an easy hike because the path is flat following the train tracks.

