Machu Picchu By Car 3 Days
From US$120 per person
Hidroeléctrica | Hike to Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu
Trip Summary
Why Pick This Tour
This is the most affordable and flexible way to visit Machu Picchu. Unlike the 2-day tour, this option gives you a full free afternoon in Aguas Calientes after your visit to the citadel (Day 2). Enjoy time to explore the town, visit the hot springs (not included), or simply relax and save energy before the long return trip. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who value a more relaxed pace.
The best part of the tour: Guided tour of Machu Picchu By Car 3 Days
Over View – Machu Picchu By Car 3 Days
This 3-day adventure combines a scenic drive through the Cloud Forest with an immersive Machu Picchu experience and a full day of flexibility. Day 1 is dedicated to the transfer: a 6 to 7-hour drive in our tourist minibus to Hidroeléctrica. After a Lunch (included), you will enjoy the popular flat hike of approximately 7.5 miles/12 km (3 hours) to Aguas Calientes. After checking into your Hostel, you will have a Dinner (included) and a briefing with the guide. Day 2 is for the Wonder: You will ascend to Machu Picchu (on foot or by bus, per your choice) for the meeting with the Bilingual Guide and the tour of the citadel. The great advantage of this tour is that, after your guided visit, you will have the rest of the day free to explore Aguas Calientes at your own pace before spending the second night. Day 3 starts with breakfast. You will have the morning free before beginning the return hike to Hidroeléctrica (deadline 10:00 AM to start the hike) to board the return bus to Cusco in the afternoon.
Itinerary – Machu Picchu By Car 3 Days
Day 1 : Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Hike to Aguas Calientes
The first day begins with pickup at one of the two meeting points in Cusco (Plaza de Armas – McDonald’s entrance or Plazoleta Regocijo) from 6:00 to 6:15 AM. If picked up in Ollantaytambo, the time will be between 8:00 – 8:30 AM (ATM on the Plaza). Our journey begins comfortably aboard the transport vehicle with a 6 to 7-hour drive passing through the Cloud Forest, with stunning views, until arriving at our private terminal in Hidroeléctrica.
Once there, the staff will be waiting for you to check in on the list and then enjoy your included local lunch. After our lunch, our adventure continues with a 3 to 3.5-hour hike of approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. The hike is on flat terrain, alongside the train tracks. Once you arrive, head to the plaza, where our transfer will contact you and direct you to the hotel where you will spend the night. At 7:00 PM you will meet with the guide and enjoy a delicious included dinner, at which time the guide will provide all the necessary details for the second day.
Day 2 : Exploring the Citadel of Machu Picchu – Half Day Free in Aguas Calientes
The second day is made for exploring Machu Picchu. You have the option to go up to the citadel by bus (ticket not included, $12 USD) or by hiking. Those who choose the hiking option should begin their ascent at 4:50 AM after breakfast to arrive at the main entrance by 6:50 AM (the hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours). The meeting point for everyone will be at the Machu Picchu entrance at 7:00 AM.
Your guide will take you on a tour of the Inca site and share all its history. After the guided visit, you will have free time to explore the area on your own. After visiting the citadel, you can leisurely make your way down to the town of Aguas Calientes to spend the second night. Take the opportunity to explore the town more deeply, as you will have plenty of time.
Day 3 : Aguas Calientes – Hike to Hidroeléctrica – Return to Cusco
After breakfast provided at the hotel, you will have the morning free. You will begin your return journey by hiking, or you can take the train at a cost of $36 USD for the return (not included) to Hidroeléctrica.
The appropriate time to start your hike on Day 3 from Aguas Calientes is around 9:00 AM, no later than 10:00 AM, to be able to complete the 3.5-hour hike and arrive at Hidroeléctrica in time to board the return bus to Cusco. Boarding time is from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Our return trip from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, with an estimated arrival time in Cusco between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM at Plazoleta Regocijo or Plaza San Francisco.
What’s Included
- Shared Tourist Transportation: Tourist bus from Cusco/Ollantaytambo to Hidroeléctrica (round trip).
- Meals: 1 Lunch (Day 1 at Hidroeléctrica), 1 Dinner (Day 1 in Aguas Calientes).
- Accommodation: 2 nights at tourist hostel in Aguas Calientes.
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Included in the tour.
- Bilingual Professional Guide: For the guided visit at the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Assistance: Coordination and guidance at all meeting points.
What’s Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast Day 1, Lunch and Dinner Days 2 and 3.
- Getting Up to Machu Picchu (Optional): If you wish to avoid the hike up to the citadel, you must purchase the Consettur bus ticket in Aguas Calientes ($12 USD per way).
- Return Deadline: You must start the return hike from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica no later than 10:00 AM on Day 3 to board the return bus to Cusco on time.
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 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 Finances
- 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 and trains, admission to the hot springs (if applicable), and 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, and quick-dry layers. 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 3 Days
Our prices for 2025 for this 3-day/2-night car tour are affordable and accessible for all types of travelers.
- Student: $120 dollars.
- Adult: $140 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 2026 or 2027. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2025, the maximum allowed expiration date is 2027.
- 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, entrance tickets, campsites, hotels, and train reservations, all of which are non-refundable to us once purchased.
- 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.
- These charges are not imposed by us, but are necessary to process your new reservation, as your original tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable and will be forfeited.
- Additional Tickets Such as Wayna Picchu
- If you added additional tickets, such as for Wayna Picchu, please note that these tickets are also non-refundable and non-transferable. The Ministry of Culture does not allow changes or refunds on Machu Picchu-related tickets. If you change the date or cancel your reservation, you will also lose these additional tickets.
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 3 Days
What is the best way to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
The most popular way to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by taking the train from Ollantaytambo or using the alternate route via Hidroeléctrica, known as Machu Picchu by car, a popular option for those seeking a budget Machu Picchu tour.
What does a Machu Picchu 3-day/2-night tour usually include?
A 3-day Machu Picchu tour generally includes transportation from Cusco, hotel in Aguas Calientes, entrance to the archaeological site, a Machu Picchu guided tour, and some meals.
Do I need to book my Machu Picchu ticket in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure access to Machu Picchu.
Can you hike up to Machu Picchu?
Yes, from Aguas Calientes many travelers take the Machu Picchu hiking route, a hike of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours up to the Machu Picchu entrance.
How much does the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu cost?
The bus to Machu Picchu that goes up from Aguas Calientes to the sanctuary entrance costs approximately $12 USD per way.
What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Many travelers prefer to enter early to enjoy the experience of visiting Machu Picchu in the early morning, avoiding crowds and having better views of the historic sanctuary.
Where do you sleep during the Machu Picchu tour?
Most 3-day/2-night Machu Picchu tours include accommodation in Aguas Calientes, the tourist town located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
What should I bring to visit Machu Picchu?
To visit Machu Picchu, it is recommended to bring your passport, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, comfortable hiking shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket.

