Cusco to Machu Picchu By Car 2 Days

Traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu by car can be an exciting and scenic journey. Over the course of two days, visitors’ll witness the transition from the Andes to the Amazon, with opportunities to explore the Sacred Valley and retrace the steps of Hiram Bingham III‘s discovery of the famous Incan citadel. The trip includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, accommodation, and entrance to Machu Picchu, allowing travelers to focus on soaking in the breathtaking vistas. But the real highlight? The chance to hike to the Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu for unparalleled panoramic views that’ll leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This 2-day trip includes a scenic drive from Cusco through the Sacred Valley and a 2.5-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
• Travelers will witness the transition from the Andes to the Amazon and have opportunities to enjoy the changing landscape.
• Accommodation and meals are included in Aguas Calientes, with options for standard, superior, and deluxe accommodations.
• The tour includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu, with the option to hike to the Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu.
• Pricing starts at $205 per person and includes round-trip transport, guide, meals, and Machu Picchu entrance, but excludes train tickets and some optional hikes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Journey Overview

Travelers embark on a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, witnessing the captivating transition from the Andes to the Amazon during this 2-day Cusco to Machu Picchu car trip.

Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to stop and enjoy the changing landscape.

The journey culminates in a 2.5-hour hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, retracing the path taken by Hiram Bingham III on his famous discovery of Machu Picchu.

After an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, travelers will enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel, with options to hike Huayna Picchu or the Sun Gate for breathtaking views of the ancient ruins.

Included in the Trip

The 2-day Cusco to Machu Picchu car trip includes round-trip transport from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, as well as a bilingual guide fluent in both English and Spanish.

Travelers will enjoy 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast during the journey. One night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes is also provided.

The trip includes entrance to Machu Picchu, as well as bus transportation from Aguas Calientes to the iconic site and back. Hikers can choose to explore Huayna Picchu or the Sun Gate for stunning views.

However, the cost of train tickets from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu tickets, and personal expenses aren’t included in the price.

Hiking From Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes

From Hidroeléctrica, travelers trace the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III on a 2.5-hour hike to Aguas Calientes, taking in the changing scenery from Andes to Amazon along the way.

The trail follows the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Hikers should come prepared with proper hiking gear, as the terrain can be challenging at times.

The hike is an excellent opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the region and to appreciate the history behind Machu Picchu’s rediscovery.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, travelers can look forward to resting and refueling before the next day’s exploration of the iconic Inca citadel.

Accommodation in Aguas Calientes

After completing the hike from Hidroeléctrica, travelers will spend 1 night in Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. The accommodation included in the tour package is a comfortable hotel or hostel in Aguas Calientes, providing a place to rest and recharge before the next day’s visit to the iconic Inca citadel. The accommodations offer a range of amenities to make the overnight stay pleasant:

Amenity	Standard	Superior	Deluxe
Room Type	Double/Twin	Private Bath	Suite
Meals	Breakfast	Breakfast, Dinner	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wifi	Basic	High-Speed	Complimentary
Amenities	Shared Bathroom	Private Bathroom	Private Balcony
Rating	2-3 Stars	3-4 Stars	4-5 Stars

This overnight stay in Aguas Calientes ensures travelers are well-rested and prepared to make the most of their Machu Picchu experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Machu Picchu

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, visitors can embark on a guided tour that provides insights into the Inca citadel’s architectural wonders and rich history.

The tour, led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, typically lasts around 2 hours and covers the most significant structures, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the Royal Quarters.

Visitors can then choose to hike up to the Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu for breathtaking views over the ancient ruins.

The guided tour allows travelers to fully appreciate the site’s cultural and historical significance, while the optional hikes offer a chance to witness Machu Picchu from different vantage points and enjoy the stunning Andean landscape.

Optional Hikes

Along With the guided tour, visitors can choose from several optional hikes that offer stunning views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andean peaks.

One popular option is the trek up to the Sun Gate, which provides a panoramic outlook over the iconic Inca citadel.

Alternatively, adventurous travelers can tackle the strenuous hike up to Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountain that looms over the ruins. This challenging ascent rewards hikers with unique perspectives of the citadel and the Sacred Valley below.

For those seeking a less demanding option, the hike to the Inca Bridge offers beautiful vistas without the same level of difficulty.

Whichever trail visitors choose, these optional hikes enhance the Machu Picchu experience with unparalleled vistas.

Pricing and Inclusions

The 2-day Cusco to Machu Picchu car trip costs from $205.00 per person and includes round-trip transport from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, a bilingual guide, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast, 1 night’s accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and entrance to Machu Picchu with a bus from Aguas Calientes to the site and back.

While the train tickets from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes and back aren’t included, the package does cover the hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.

Entrance to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu tickets, other personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance are also excluded.

Travelers can check availability, reserve their spot, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking and Flexibility

Travelers can check availability to see starting times for the 2-day Cusco to Machu Picchu car trip. They can also reserve their spot and pay nothing today, thanks to the option to book now and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility ensures travelers can plan their trip with confidence, even if their plans change.

Whether they’re booking months in advance or just a few days before, they’ll have the freedom to adjust their plans as needed without penalty. The Cusco to Machu Picchu car trip provides a hassle-free way to explore this stunning region of Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the trip. The package includes some meals, but you’re welcome to supplement with your own provisions. However, be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the tour operator.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Trip?

The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers to change their plans without penalty.

How Can I Arrange for Special Dietary Requirements?

Travelers can arrange for special dietary requirements by contacting the tour operator in advance. The operator will work to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions to ensure an enjoyable experience throughout the journey.

Is There an Option to Extend the Stay in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes. The tour package allows for flexibility, and guests can add additional nights in Aguas Calientes to explore the town and surroundings at their own pace.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Gear or Equipment for the Hikes?

For the hikes, travelers should bring proper hiking shoes, a day pack, water, snacks, sun protection, and rain gear. Layering clothing is recommended to accommodate the changing weather and temperatures during the day.

Recap

The journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu by car offers a scenic and memorable experience.

With round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, meals, accommodation, and entrance to Machu Picchu, travelers can fully enjoy the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

Whether hiking to the Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu, this two-day trip provides unparalleled opportunities to explore the iconic Inca citadel and its breathtaking surroundings.

You can check availability for your dates here: