Cusco to Machu Picchu Bus – Machu Picchu By Car

Your first day on the Cusco to Machu Picchu tour by car begins early in the morning. We will be picking you up from your accommodation in Cusco. We start the drive toward Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca town nestled in the Sacred Valley.

The drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes roughly 1.5 hours (90 minutes), covering a distance of approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers). Here, you’ll get a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a quick snack, and admire the striking Inca town.

After the break, we’ll continue our journey toward Abra Malaga. We’ll climb up to an elevation of around 14,160 feet (4,316 meters) at this mountain pass. The views here are truly spectacular. They provide perfect photo opportunities.

Following the visit to Abra Malaga, we will wind our way down through lush cloud forests and tropical jungle. Along the way, we pass through charming villages such as Santa Maria and Santa Teresa. Each village provides a unique glimpse into local Peruvian life.

From Santa Teresa, we’ll drive on to Hydroelectrica. This stretch takes about 1.5 hours (90 minutes) to cover a distance of 12 miles (19 kilometers). Once at Hydroelectrica, we’ll have a break for lunch.

After lunch, it’s time to embark on the hike to Aguas Calientes. The hike is approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers), taking about 2-3 hours to complete. It’s a beautiful walk along the railway tracks, with the towering mountains and the roaring Urubamba River as your companions.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon, we’ll check into our accommodation. You’ll have the evening to relax, explore this quaint town, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. As night falls in Aguas Calientes, you can rest up for the next day’s exploration of Machu Picchu.

Your second day on the Cusco to Machu Picchu tour by car begins bright and early in Aguas Calientes. You’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for the day’s adventure.

Following breakfast, it’s time to make the ascent to Machu Picchu. The trek takes about 1.5 hours (90 minutes) and covers a distance of 5 miles (8 kilometers). The walk up is challenging but extremely rewarding, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

If desired, you can upgrade the experience by taking a 30 minutes bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. 

Once you reach Machu Picchu, a guided tour of about 2 hours awaits you. You will learn about the history and culture of this iconic Inca site, exploring its many terraces, temples, and plazas.

After the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to further explore Machu Picchu. If you have booked the climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu peak, our guide will be available to assist you. They will direct you to the respective trailhead.

Alternatively, you can hike to the Sungate. It is the point of entrance to the citadel for those hiking the esteemed Inca Trail. You can also relish a panoramic view of the citadel from here. 

Then, it’s time to descend back to Aguas Calientes. The walk down takes roughly 1 hour, covering the same 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail.

Hike to Hidroelectrica: 

Once back in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have a chance to grab a quick lunch. After lunch, we will then begin the hike back to Hydroelectrica. This hike is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) and takes around 2-3 hours, retracing our steps along the railway tracks.

Upon arrival at Hydroelectrica, we’ll get back in the car and begin the drive back to Cusco. This journey takes us through the same picturesque villages we passed on the way in, including Santa Teresa and Santa Maria.

The drive from Hydroelectrica to Cusco takes approximately 6 hours, covering a distance of 120 miles (193 kilometers). We’ll drop you off at your accommodation in Cusco, bringing your two-day tour to a close. It’s been a memorable journey, and we hope you’ve enjoyed every moment.