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Machu Picchu By Car
The Machu Picchu by Car tour is the ultimate budget-friendly adventure route to reach Aguas Calientes. Travel from Cusco through the Sacred Valley, crossing Abra Malaga mountain pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft) down into the high jungle of Santa Teresa and Hidroelectrica. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour hike along the railway line to Aguas Calientes and explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide. Reserve now!
2 days / 1 night
Departures: Daily Departures at 7:30am
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Machu Picchu By Car
Looking for the most exciting and affordable route to visit the world wonder? Our Machu Picchu by Car tour is the favorite overland alternative for backpackers and adventurous travelers.
Departing from Cusco by tourist transport, you will ascend through the dramatic Abra Malaga pass at 4,316 m (14,160 ft) past Mount Veronica and Salkantay before descending into the lush high jungle of Santa Teresa and Hidroelectrica. From there, embark on a scenic 3-hour flat hike bordered by exotic tropical flora and the roaring Urubamba River straight to Aguas Calientes. This full package includes hotel accommodation, meals, an expert guided tour inside the citadel of Machu Picchu, and return transport to Cusco. Safe, accessible, and professionally organized by Inca World Travel.
Detailed Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1:
Cusco – Abra Malaga Pass – Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
06:00 AM – 06:20 AM – Hotel Pickup & Departure into the Sacred Valley:
Pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Cusco. Drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast and last-minute supplies.
09:30 AM – Crossing Abra Malaga Pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft):
Ascend to the highest mountain point surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Mount Veronica before descending into the high jungle of La Convencion province.
12:30 PM – Arrival in Hidroelectrica & Lunch:
Pass through Santa Teresa village and arrive at Hidroelectrica train station. Enjoy a delicious local lunch and rest before the trek.
02:00 PM – Scenic Hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes:
Begin the 3-hour flat hike (10 km / 6.2 miles along the train tracks following the Urubamba River) toward Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Optional afternoon train ticket available at extra cost.
05:15 PM – Hotel Check-In, Dinner & Evening Briefing:
Arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner and a safety briefing with your guide regarding next day's tour of Machu Picchu. Free time to relax or visit the local hot springs.
Included
Transportation: Cusco – Hidroelectrica
Train: Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Bilingual guide
1 lunch and 1 dinner
First aid kit
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (according to availability)
One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Not included
Breakfast on the first day
Entrance to hot springs
Meals not mentioned
Day 2:
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Citadel – Hidroelectrica – Return to Cusco
05:00 AM – Ascent to Machu Picchu Sanctuary:
Early morning breakfast. Walk up the stone steps (approx. 1.5 hours) or take the optional Consettur shuttle bus (25-minute ride).
07:00 AM – Guided Tour at Machu Picchu Citadel:
Enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu with your expert guide for a 2-hour tour along the designated circuit (visiting temples, main plazas, and agricultural terraces).
10:30 AM – Descent to Aguas Calientes & Lunch:
Return to Aguas Calientes on foot or by bus to enjoy lunch before starting the journey back.
12:30 PM – Hike Back from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica:
Hike 3 hours back along the train tracks to Hidroelectrica station.
02:30 PM – 03:00 PM – Board Tourist Bus Back to Cusco:
Board the tourist bus waiting at Hidroelectrica for the return trip to Cusco.
09:30 PM – Arrival in Cusco:
Arrive back in Cusco with drop-off near Plaza San Francisco or Plaza de Armas. End of services.
Included
Bus: Hidroelectrica – Cusco
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (according to booked circuit)
Guide
1 breakfast
1 lunch
1 dinner
Accommodation
First aid kit
Not included
Lunch (Day 2)
Bus: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (optional)
Extra expenses
Why choose us?
- Quality tour service.
- Creating personalized experiences.
- Free advice from an expert team.
- Permanent customer service.
- Guaranteed departures.
Remember! request a quote and modify this experience with the destinations you want.
Aditional information about this service:
Tips:
Plan your budget-friendly journey to the Inca wonder via the Hidroelectrica route with this essential guide:
1. Route Summary & Specifications
| Aspect | Detail / Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Bus Ride Duration | Approx. 6 hours each way (winding mountain roads over Abra Malaga). |
| Hidroelectrica Walk | 10 km / 6.2 miles on flat terrain (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours walking time). |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate (Suitable for travelers in fair physical condition). |
| Mandatory Document | Original physical passport required at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. |
2. What to Pack in Your Daypack
- Pack light: Bring only a small backpack (30L max) for the 2-day trip. Leave large luggage in storage at your Cusco hotel.
- Layered clothing: The high jungle is warm and humid, while Abra Malaga is cold. Pack a windbreaker jacket, breathable short and long-sleeve shirts, and a rain poncho.
- Comfortable footwear: Sturdy sneakers or trail running shoes with cushioning for walking along railroad ties and dirt paths.
- Insect repellent & sun block: High-DEET mosquito repellent is mandatory for Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes, along with SPF 50+ sunscreen.
- Headlamp or flashlight: Useful if you walk back to Hidroelectrica early in the morning or at dusk along the tracks.
3. Pro Safety & Reservation Tips
- Book tickets far in advance: Secure your Machu Picchu entry ticket weeks or months ahead due to strict daily visitor limits per circuit.
- Motion sickness medication: If you are prone to car sickness, take motion sickness pills 30 minutes before ascending the winding Abra Malaga pass.
FAQ
We are committed to providing top-tier experiences and safety in every destination. Plan your dream trip with the confidence of Inca World Travel!
Q: What is the Deposit Payment Process?
Pre-arrival deposits are required for tours in order to reserve tickets, entrances, and lodging. The amount may vary but is generally around 50% and can be paid in a variety of methods depending on your location. These methods include payment by credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, and Western Union.
Q: Can I Join or Leave a Tour During its Duration?
If you are interested in only a segment of a tour package, it is more recommendable reserve individual day tours and transport, or to request one of our tour specialists to create a custom itinerary for you. (Read our terms and conditions)
Q: Are There Age Restrictions on the Tours?
The only restriction is that you must be at least 18 years old if you are traveling independently, otherwise you must be traveling with an adult. There is no upper age limit, but please disclose any health or mobility concerns so that we can ensure that your trip is as comfortable and pleasurable as possible.
Q: How can I change or cancel my reservation?
Any cancelation or change of services should be requested in writing, via email to the specialist making your arrangements. Regardless, it is important to remember that there exist cancelation and modification policies for each program, for which we invite you to review the general terms and conditions.
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