Machu Picchu by Car – 3 Days / 2 Nights

4.8 (800 reviews)
  • Departures
    Availability Daily departures
  • Hotel pickup
    Transporte Hotel pickup
  • Tour guide
    Tour Guide Tour guide included
  • Languages
    Available languages Spanish, English & Portuguese
  • Group
    Service type Shared service
  • Cancellation
    Cancellation policy Non-refundable
  • Difficulty
    Difficulty Moderate

This tour offers you an alternative route to Machu Picchu, traveling mainly by road (with some walking sections) instead of the traditional train. It allows you to enjoy a gradual journey from the high Andean region to the high jungle, passing through mountain landscapes, cloud forests, and lush jungle valleys.

It is ideal for travelers who prefer to move by vehicle, enjoy the scenery along the way, and arrive in Aguas Calientes at a more relaxed pace, allowing for a calm and unhurried visit to the citadel the following day.

Itinerary

Day 01 Cusco – Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

The day begins early with hotel pickup in Cusco usually between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. followed by a road transfer toward the northern part of the Sacred Valley, passing through places such as Ollantaytambo and then ascending to Abra Málaga (approx. 4,316 m / 14,160 ft above sea level).

 

From there, the route descends into the high jungle, crossing areas of ecological transition until reaching the town of Santa Teresa, where there is a stop for lunch. Afterwards, the vehicle drops you off at the Hydroelectric station, from where you will hike for approximately 2–3 hours (depending on the route) to the town of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the town and relax at your accommodation.

Day 02 Visit to Machu Picchu

We will start very early to head to the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu. The journey from Aguas Calientes can be done by bus (optional) or on foot via the access trail. Upon entering the archaeological site, you will take a guided tour of approximately 2 hours, exploring the main temples, terraces, and viewpoints.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, take photos, or simply enjoy the scenery from one of the most iconic sites in the world.

 

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel in Aguas Calientes. You can take the opportunity to relax, visit the town, or enjoy a thermal bath if available (additional cost). The night is for rest, preparing for the return journey the next day.

Day 03 Aguas Calientes – Hydroelectric – Cusco

On the last day, after breakfast, you will begin the return journey to the Hydroelectric station, either walking from Aguas Calientes or using a combination of transport as arranged. From Hydroelectric, you will board the vehicle that will take you back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon or evening, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

 

This return journey gives you a chance to reflect on the experience while crossing once again from the high jungle back to the Andean landscape. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be dropped off at your hotel or a central point in the city, concluding an unforgettable itinerary.

Important note: Schedules are for reference only. One day before the tour, our operations team will contact you to reconfirm the schedules.

Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Transportation from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and return to Cusco.
  • 2 nights of accommodation: one in Aguas Calientes, another in a basic accommodation en route (or Santa Teresa/Hidroeléctrica depending on operator). Machu Picchu Peru Tour
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Professional guide for visiting Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu Peru Tours
  • Food as specified in the program (normally breakfast, lunch and/or dinner on certain days).
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What’s Not Included

  • Hydroelectric train transportation ↔ Aguas Calientes (if you choose to walk).
  • Bus up/down Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu (optional). Machu Picchu Peru Tours
  • Entrance fees to additional activities (such as thermal baths).
  • Personal expense, meals not indicated, travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difficulty level of the tour?

Considered of moderate difficulty, since it includes long hours of transportation and sections on foot (although it is not intense trekking). Additionally, altitude can affect.

What is the maximum altitude reached on the car route?

The route includes Abra Málaga (4,316 meters above sea level) as the high point of the route.

Is previous experience necessary for this tour?

Advanced trekking experience is not required, but good attitude is required for long trips, road transport and some hiking.

At what ideal time to do it?

Yes, the best time is during the dry season (April-October) when weather conditions are most stable.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu mountain with this tour?

In general, the climb to Huayna Picchu mountain is not included in this basic package; may require additional reservation and alteration of the itinerary.

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Traveler experiences

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4.9 out of 5 from more than 1,200 reviews
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Carmelo G.

jun. 2026 • Parejas

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Fue una linda experiencia y un servicio muy profesional de la agencia.

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Agostina Z.

ago. 2026

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Lucianna B.

ago. 2026

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Agostina Z.

ago. 2026

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Hermosa experiencia en familia. Tanto el traslado, el hotel como el guía fueron excelentes!

Mónica B.

ago. 2026

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