MachuPicchu By Car 2 Days/1 Night

Machu Picchu, the renowned Inca citadel, has long captivated the imagination of travelers worldwide. Now, there’s an opportunity to experience this iconic site without the hefty price tag of the train. The 2-day tour from Cusco offers a cost-effective alternative, reaching the ancient ruins by car. Travelers will enjoy exclusive sunrise access, a guided tour, and ample time to explore the site independently. Along the way, they’ll enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley and hike to the charming town of Aguas Calientes. While the itinerary may seem straightforward, the true allure lies in the chance to uncover the mysteries and grandeur of Machu Picchu at a pace that suits one’s preference.

Contents hide

7 Departure and Return

8 Accommodation

9 Frequently Asked Questions

10 Recap

Key Points

This 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco offers a cost-effective alternative to the expensive train, reaching the site by car.
The tour includes exclusive sunrise access to Machu Picchu and a 2.5-hour guided tour, providing an unforgettable experience.
The first day involves a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, a hike to Aguas Calientes, and an overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.
On the second day, guests will take an early morning bus to Machu Picchu for the sunrise visit, followed by free time to explore independently.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide services, Machu Picchu entrance, meals, and bus tickets, with some exclusions like the return train fare.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco offers travelers a cost-effective alternative to the expensive train, allowing them to reach the iconic site by car instead.

The tour includes exclusive sunrise access to Machu Picchu, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Participants will depart Cusco early in the morning, traveling through the scenic Sacred Valley before hiking for 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes, where they’ll overnight.

The next day, they’ll rise early for a bus ride to Machu Picchu, where they’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour and free time to explore the ancient ruins.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, and most meals, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the wonders of Machu Picchu.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Aguas Calientes.

Itinerary Day 1

The tour departs Cusco early in the morning, between 6:30 and 7:30 AM, as travelers embark on their journey to Machu Picchu. Along the way, they’ll pass through the Sacred Valley, stopping for lunch in the charming town of Santa Maria. After lunch, the group will begin a 3-hour hike to Aguas Calientes, where they’ll spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

Activities	Duration
Depart Cusco	6:30-7:30 AM
Travel through Sacred Valley	–
Lunch in Santa Maria	–
Hike to Aguas Calientes	3 hours

This efficient itinerary allows travelers to bypass the expensive train and experience the beauty of the Andes firsthand.

Itinerary Day 2

After an early morning (05:30 AM) breakfast, travelers will board the bus to Machu Picchu for a sunrise visit and 2.5-hour guided tour of the renowned Inca citadel.

Following the guided tour, they’ll have free time to further explore Machu Picchu on their own before making the return journey to Cusco, where they’re expected to arrive around 09:30 PM.

This provides ample opportunity to enjoy the ancient wonder and capture breathtaking photos at different times of day. The comprehensive itinerary ensures a well-rounded Machu Picchu experience, from the magical sunrise to the freedom to wander the captivating ruins independently.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, allowing for a seamless start to the journey. Tourist transport between Cusco, Hydroelectric, and Cusco is provided, along with the services of a bilingual guide to enhance the experience.

Entrance to Machu Picchu is covered, ensuring access to the renowned Inca citadel.

The tour also includes:

1 night’s stay at a 3-star hotel, providing comfortable accommodations.
2 lunches, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast, catering to the traveler’s dining needs.
Bus tickets for the round-trip journey between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, facilitating the visit to the iconic site.

Plus, the package offers guidance and support throughout the tour, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

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Exclusions

While the tour package covers many essentials, it doesn’t include extra or personal expenses incurred by travelers. Plus, any meals not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions aren’t part of the package.

The return train fare from Machu Picchu to Cusco isn’t included, requiring travelers to arrange this transport separately.

Travelers should budget for any additional activities, souvenirs, or other personal spending during the tour. The package only covers the listed meals, so any other food and drinks will be at the traveler’s own expense.

Plus, the return journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco isn’t provided, and travelers will need to book their own train ticket for this leg of the trip.

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Restrictions

Certain participants aren’t suitable for this Machu Picchu tour, including:

Children under 6
Individuals with respiratory issues or seasickness
Those lacking the requisite fitness level
Travelers over 70
Pregnant women with pre-existing conditions

This tour involves hiking for 3 hours to reach Aguas Calientes, so a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Plus, the high altitude and strenuous activities may exacerbate existing respiratory conditions or cause seasickness.

The tour also isn’t recommended for:

Children under 6 years old
Individuals with respiratory problems or prone to seasickness
Travelers over 70 or with pre-existing medical conditions

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

Departure and Return

This Machu Picchu tour departs from Cusco between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM, ensuring an early start to the day’s adventures. Travelers will travel through the Sacred Valley, stopping for lunch in Santa Maria, before embarking on a 3-hour hike to reach the town of Aguas Calientes, where they’ll overnight.

On the second day, guests will wake up early for a 5:30 AM breakfast and bus ride to Machu Picchu, where they’ll witness the stunning sunrise and enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour. After, they’ll have free time to explore the ancient ruins before returning to Cusco, expected to arrive around 9:30 PM.

Departure	Return
Cusco (06:30-07:30 AM)	Cusco (expected 09:30 PM)
Aguas Calientes (05:30 AM)	Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu (sunrise)

Accommodation

Travelers on this 2-day Machu Picchu tour will spend 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of the Machu Picchu site.

The hotel provides a comfortable stay with standard amenities:

Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms.
On-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
Complimentary breakfast to fuel the day’s activities.

The hotel is conveniently situated, allowing easy access to the bus that transports visitors up to the Machu Picchu ruins.

After a full day of exploring the ancient citadel, travelers can return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and prepare for the journey back to Cusco the following day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour operator often allows travelers to customize the itinerary to suit their preferences. They’ll work with you to adjust the activities, accommodations, and transportation to create a personalized experience that meets your needs and interests.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco is not specified. Group sizes can vary, but most small-group tours typically accommodate between 2 to 12 participants to provide a more personalized experience.

Do I Need a Passport or ID for This Tour?

You’ll need a valid passport for this Machu Picchu tour. An ID alone won’t suffice, as you’ll be crossing borders and entering historic sites that require official identification. Be sure to have your passport on hand throughout the entire trip.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu After the Tour?

Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Machu Picchu after the tour. However, they’ll need to make their own arrangements for accommodations, meals, and transportation back to Cusco, as the tour package only covers the scheduled itinerary.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour operator offers occasional special offers and discounts, such as group rates or early-bird pricing. Travelers should inquire about any current promotions when booking to potentially save on the tour cost.

Recap

This 2-day car tour from Cusco to Machu Picchu offers a cost-effective alternative to the train, providing exclusive sunrise access and a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel.

Travelers will enjoy a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley, a hike to Aguas Calientes, and an overnight stay in a 3-star hotel, making this an unforgettable experience for those seeking a more budget-friendly way to visit Machu Picchu.