Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days Tour | Llamitas Travel Perú

About the Tour

The most adventurous, scenic, and budget-friendly alternative to reach the Inca citadel.

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Abra Malaga, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Hidroelectrica, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Discover the magic of Machu Picchu with an itinerary full of adventure and stunning landscapes. This Machu Picchu By Car (2 Days / 1 Night) tour is the perfect budget-friendly option for adventurous travelers and backpackers who prefer an alternative route to the traditional train. Our car journey will take us through the Sacred Valley until reaching 14,160 ft (4,316 m) at the imposing Abra Malaga pass, then drastically descending into the lush cloud forest in Santa Teresa.

The real adventure begins at the Hidroelectrica station. From here, we will embark on a fascinating 3-hour flat hike surrounded by the Amazon jungle, following the train tracks until we reach Aguas Calientes. The next day, we will crown our effort with an uphill hike (or bus option) to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, where we’ll have an unforgettable guided tour. The return will follow the same hiking and transport route, giving you an immersive and adrenaline-filled experience.

Cusco

The imperial city of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, in the Andes Mountains. It sits at over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level and was the former capital of the Inca Empire. Today, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America.

Day by Day

Detailed Trip Itinerary

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Day 1 (Morning)

Cusco – Abra Malaga – Santa Teresa

We start with pick up from your hotel in Cusco between 06:30 and 07:00 a.m. We will cross the Sacred Valley and ascend to Abra Malaga (4,316 m) to observe snow-capped mountains. Then we will descend into the high jungle (Santa Teresa) where we will have a delicious lunch at noon.

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Day 1 (Afternoon)

Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes Hike

After arriving at Hidroelectrica at 02:00 p.m., we will begin a flat hike of about 3 hours following the train tracks, surrounded by dense vegetation. We will arrive in Aguas Calientes at 05:00 p.m., settle into the hotel, and have a group dinner. Hotel night.

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Day 2 (Morning)

Hike and Machu Picchu Visit

We will have breakfast at the hotel very early. At 07:30 a.m., we will start the uphill hike to the citadel (approx. 1 hour and 30 min). At 09:00 a.m., we will enter Machu Picchu for a 2-hour guided tour exploring its mysteries and architecture.

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Day 2 (Afternoon)

Return to Hidroelectrica and trip to Cusco

At 12:30 p.m. we will descend to Aguas Calientes and walk 3 hours back to Hidroelectrica. Between 03:00 and 03:30 p.m. we will board the return transport. We will stop for lunch in Santa Teresa and continue to Cusco, arriving between 09:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

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Included

Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
Round-trip tourist transport (Cusco – Hidroelectrica – Cusco).
Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Inca citadel.
Bilingual professional guide in Machu Picchu.
1 Night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes town.
1 Breakfast at the hotel.
2 Lunches (Day 1 and Day 2 in Santa Teresa).
1 Group dinner in Aguas Calientes (Day 1).

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Not Included

Train tickets (Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes and vice versa).
Consettur bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu and vice versa).
Breakfast on the first day.
Snacks, bottled water, or personal expenses.
Tips (optional).

Tour duration

2 Days / 1 Night.

Max altitude

14,160 ft / 4,316 m (Abra Malaga pass).

Difficulty

Moderate. Includes 3-hour hikes each way on flat terrain.

Route Weather

Cold at the mountain pass, and warm/humid jungle weather in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes.

Tour type

Adventure, Trekking, and Nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer your doubts

The 3-hour hike is flat and surrounded by jungle. However, if you wish to avoid it, you can opt to pay for the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (and vice versa). This has an additional cost of approximately $40.00 USD each way.

No, the standard itinerary is designed for adventurers and contemplates walking up (approx. 1.5 hours on stone stairs). If you prefer to avoid this physical effort, you can purchase Consettur bus tickets optionally (approx. $15.00 USD each way).

We will arrive in the city of Cusco between 09:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on the second day. For this reason, we strongly recommend not booking return flights for that same night.

The route is winding as it crosses the Andes mountain range and then descends into the jungle. Our service uses modern vehicles (Sprinters or similar) with highly experienced drivers on this specific route to ensure your total safety.

Recommendations

Tips for the Hidroelectrica route

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Trekking Shoes

You will walk about 6 hours in total (round trip along the train tracks). Wear comfortable, light sneakers already broken into your feet.

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Mosquito Repellent

The whole area from Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu is high jungle. There are many mosquitoes, so repellent and long clothes are mandatory.

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Headlamp

If you decide to walk up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning (before sunrise), a headlamp or flashlight will be very useful.

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Lightweight rain gear

The weather is hot but rains are unforeseen in the jungle. Bring very light clothing for the hike and a good rain poncho in your backpack.

Machu Picchu by Car 2
Days