Want a Machu Picchu trip that feels like a real journey, not a rushed day? Machu Picchu Tour by Car + Sacred Valley + Cocalmayo Hot Springs 3 Days is built for travelers who want more scenery, more local stops, and a smoother pace, without spending the whole trip on trains. Explore the Sacred Valley (alpacas, viewpoints, Pisac, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo), then head into the green jungle side of the Andes to soak at Cocalmayo before walking the Hidroelectrica trail into Aguas Calientes.
Finish with a guided Machu Picchu tour, then return by Expedition train and private transport to Cusco with small groups and 24/7 support from start to finish.
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Activities
Cultural, Car, Trekking
Average Group Size
12 people
Accommodation
Hotel
Tour Language
English, Spanish
Destinations
Sacred Valley, Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Machu Picchu
Starts/Ends
Cusco / Cusco
Overview of Machu Picchu by car 3 days
This Machu Picchu by Car tour is one of the best-value ways to see Machu Picchu + the Sacred Valley + hot springs in just three days—while still keeping the trip comfortable and well organized.
Instead of doing only a train-based Machu Picchu visit, you get:
- A full Sacred Valley day with the “must-see” sites plus Moray and Maras
- A real reset at Cocalmayo Hot Springs (warm pools in a jungle valley)
- A scenic and easy Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes walk (mostly flat, along the river)
- A guided Machu Picchu visit with the best available circuit and time slot at booking
- A smooth return by Expedition train, then a comfortable van back to Cusco
It’s the perfect mix of culture, landscapes, comfort, and adventure, without the stress of planning all the moving parts yourself.
Tour Highlights
- A 3-day Machu Picchu journey with Sacred Valley + hot springs + guided citadel visit
- Full Sacred Valley experience: Pisac, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo
- Overnight in Ollantaytambo, so Day 2 starts calm and efficient
- Cocalmayo Hot Springs stop to relax before the Machu Picchu portion
- Easy, scenic hike: Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes (mostly flat)
- Round-trip bus included for Machu Picchu (easy morning, smooth return)
- Return by Expedition train, plus comfortable van to Cusco
- Small-group service + 24/7 support from TreXperience
Machu Picchu by Car Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco → Sacred Valley → Ollantaytambo
Pickup around 7:00 a.m. for a full Sacred Valley day: alpaca center, Taray viewpoint, Pisac ruins and market, buffet lunch in Urubamba, Moray terraces, and Maras Salt Mines. Arrive in Ollantaytambo by late afternoon to check in and explore the Inca town.
• Walking: Light walking at sites • Difficulty: Easy
• Highest point: ~3,300 m / 10,925 ft (Sacred Valley viewpoints, approx.)
• Sleep: Hotel in Ollantaytambo (2-star)
• Meals: Lunch included (buffet)
Day 2: Ollantaytambo → Cocalmayo Hot Springs → Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, drive into greener Andes scenery. Relax at Cocalmayo Hot Springs with enough time to enjoy the pools, then lunch and a mostly flat riverside walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. Hotel check-in, dinner, and a clear Machu Picchu briefing.
• Walk: ~11 km (6.8 mi) • Time: ~3–3.5 hrs • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
• Lowest point: ~1,800 m / 5,905 ft (hot springs / Hidroelectrica area, approx.)
• Sleep: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (POR DEFINIR)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day 3: Machu Picchu → Expedition Train → Cusco
Early bus to Machu Picchu for a guided 2–3 hour tour of key areas, history, and best viewpoints, plus time for classic photos. Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if pre-booked. Return to Aguas Calientes, take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, then private transfer to Cusco.
• Guided tour: ~2–3 hrs inside Machu Picchu • Difficulty: Easy
• Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Plan: Bus up + guided tour + bus down + train + private transport
• Meals: Breakfast included • Hotel: Not included
Note: Times can change due to weather, road conditions, ticket schedules, and group pace.
Included
- Hotel pickup (Cusco) on Day 1
- Transportation for the Sacred Valley tour (Day 1)
- Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish) for the Sacred Valley (Day 1)
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba (Day 1)
- 1 night in a 2-star hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Breakfast at the hotel (Day 2)
- Transportation Ollantaytambo → Hidroelectrica (Day 2)
- Entry ticket to Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Lunch (Day 2)
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes ([POR DEFINIR])
- Dinner (Day 2) + briefing for Machu Picchu
- Breakfast (Day 3)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (best available circuit + time slot at booking)
- Professional guide for Machu Picchu (Day 3)
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Expedition train: Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
- Comfortable private transport: Ollantaytambo → Cusco
- 24/7 support and trip coordination from TreXperience
Not Included
- Dinner on Day 1 (Ollantaytambo has great local restaurants)
- Lunch on Day 3 (after the Machu Picchu tour)
- Extra snacks and drinks
- Optional hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra tickets required)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get great value and attentive service with a 100% Peruvian company.
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professional and fluent in English.
- Premium logistics: chef meals + proper picnic setup (tables/chairs).
- Small groups for a calmer pace and better guidance.
- Transparent pricing and simple booking (deposit + secure payment).
- Want more? We also offer the Machu Picchu tour 2 days by train from Cusco
Full Itinerary of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 3 day tour
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 a.m. and head into the Sacred Valley for a full day of culture, views, and incredible Inca sites, without feeling rushed.
First, stop at an alpaca center to see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos up close (and learn the difference). Then we continue to the Taray viewpoint, one of the best places for wide, classic Sacred Valley photos.
Next is Pisac, where your guide walks you through the main sections of the archaeological site and explains how the Incas built and lived here. Afterward, enjoy some free time at the Pisac market, perfect for browsing textiles, snacks, and local crafts.
In Urubamba, we stop for a buffet lunch, then continue to Moray, the famous circular terraces that still feel like a mystery. We finish with the stunning Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds create a bright white patchwork across the mountainside.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Ollantaytambo, a beautiful living Inca town. You’ll have time to walk the old stone streets, settle into your hotel, and enjoy dinner wherever you like.
- Walking: Light walking at sites
- Driving: Full-day route with stops
- Highest altitude: ~3,300 m / 10,925 ft (approx.)
- Meals: Buffet lunch included
- Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 2: Ollantaytambo – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, we start the scenic drive toward the greener side of the Andes. The change in landscapes is one of the best parts of this day, high valley views fade into warm, jungle-like scenery as we move toward Santa Teresa / Hidroelectrica.
Around late morning, we arrive at Cocalmayo Hot Springs. This is not a quick photo stop, you’ll have time to actually enjoy it. The pools sit in a jungle valley, surrounded by mountains, and the warm water feels amazing before the afternoon walk.
After soaking, we stop for lunch, then continue to Hidroelectrica, where the walk to Aguas Calientes begins. The trail is mostly flat, follows the river, and feels relaxed—more like a scenic nature walk than a tough hike.
By early evening, you arrive in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner. Later, your guide will give you a clear briefing for the Machu Picchu visit so you know exactly what to expect in the morning.
- Walking: ~11 km / 6.8 mi
- Walking time: ~3–3.5 hours (mostly flat)
- Lowest altitude: ~1,800 m / 5,905 ft (approx.)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes ([POR DEFINIR])
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (long travel day + flat hike)
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Expedition Train – Cusco
Today is the big moment. After an early breakfast, we take the bus up to Machu Picchu (included), so you arrive with energy and in a good mood.
Inside Machu Picchu, your guide leads a 2 to 3-hour tour focused on the main highlights, the history behind the temples and stonework, and the stories that help the place make sense—not just “look pretty.” You’ll have time for the classic photos and panoramic viewpoints included in your circuit.
After the guided visit, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. If you have extra tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this is when you’d do them (tickets are limited and must be booked in advance).
Later, you board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our team will be ready to transfer you in a comfortable vehicle back to Cusco.
- Guided tour time: ~2–3 hours
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Return: Expedition train + private transport
- Estimated arrival in Cusco: ~7:00–8:00 p.m. (approx.)
- Difficulty: Easy
Important ticket note: Machu Picchu entry is organized by official circuits and time slots. We reserve the best available option at the moment your booking is confirmed. If your first-choice circuit is sold out, we secure the best available alternative for your date.
Price of 3 days Machu Picchu Tour by Car + Sacred Valley + Cocalmayo Hot Springs
We run small-group tours for a more personal experience. If you want the trip to be completely private, we can arrange a private service, just contact us for a custom quote.
Price per Person
- Shared group service: US$[POR DEFINIR] per person
- Private service: Available on request (price depends on group size)
Booking & Payment
- Deposit: US$[POR DEFINIR] per person (to secure your spot)
- Balance: Pay online or at our Cusco office using credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer (contact us for alternatives).
- Required traveler info: Full name exactly as on passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, nationality.
- Dietary needs: Please inform us in advance of vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary restrictions.
Student Discount
- [POR DEFINIR] (If applicable, enter your student/child discount policy here.)
If you’re booking as a student group or family group, contact us and we’ll help you find the best option.
Packing List Machu Picchu by car 3 days
You’ll travel across different climates in just three days, cool valley mornings, warm and humid jungle air, and mild conditions in Machu Picchu. Pack smart and keep it simple.
Bag Setup (Important)
- Daypack: carry your daily essentials (recommended 20–30L)
- Overnight bag: you keep your own bag (no porters on this tour)
- Extra luggage can be stored at your Cusco hotel or arranged with TreXperience (ask in advance).
Must-Bring Essentials
What to Wear (Layering Works Best)
Daypack Checklist
Duffel Bag Checklist
This is your own overnight bag, any small duffel or carry-on works.
TreXperience Provides
Travel Information of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 3 day tour
Machu Picchu Tickets & Availability
Machu Picchu tickets are limited and often sell out, especially for morning entry times and peak months. Booking early gives you the best options
Passport Requirements (Do Not Book With Nicknames)
Your Machu Picchu ticket must match your passport details exactly. Bring your original passport for entry and for the train.
Pre-Tour Confirmation & Briefing
You’ll receive final details and clear instructions before departure, including pickup time and what to expect each day.
Altitude & Comfort
Day 1 includes higher points in the Sacred Valley (up to around 3,300 m / 10,925 ft, approx.). Take it easy, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy drinking the night before.
Weather & Seasons (Be Ready for Changes)
Weather can change quickly. In general:
- Wet season: November to March (more rain; occasional road impacts)
- Dry season: April to October (clearer skies, cooler nights)
The Hidroelectrica Walk (What It’s Like)
The hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes is mostly flat and follows the valley. It’s not a steep trek, but it’s still a few hours—comfortable shoes make a big difference.
Machu Picchu Visit + Optional Mountain Hikes
Your visit includes a guided tour inside Machu Picchu on the best available circuit at booking. Optional hikes (extra ticket required) include:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain (limited permits)
- Machu Picchu Mountain (limited permits)
You can only hike one, and tickets sell out fast.
FAQs - Machu Picchu Tour by Car + Sacred Valley + Cocalmayo Hot Springs 3 days tour
Is this tour “by car” or “by train”?
Both. You travel by road on Day 2 and walk into Aguas Calientes, then return by Expedition train after Machu Picchu.
Do we hike back to Hidroelectrica?
No. After Machu Picchu, you return by train, so the trip ends more smoothly and comfortably.
How hard is the Hidroelectrica hike?
It’s easy to moderate. The trail is mostly flat, but it’s still a few hours of walking. If you’re comfortable walking for 3–3.5 hours, you’ll be fine.
Are the Cocalmayo Hot Springs included?
Yes. Entrance is included. Bring a swimsuit, sandals, and a towel (a quick-dry towel is perfect).
Where do we sleep?
Night 1 is in a 2-star hotel in Ollantaytambo. Night 2 is a hotel in Aguas Calientes: [POR DEFINIR].
Is the Machu Picchu bus included?
Yes. This version includes round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
We book the best available official circuit and time slot at the moment your booking is confirmed.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but you need extra tickets, and they sell out quickly. Reserve as early as possible.
Will I have cellphone signal?
You’ll have signal in towns like Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. On the road route and parts of the valley, the signal can be limited.
Is tipping required?
Tipping is optional and always up to you. If you’d like guidance on what’s common for guides and drivers, just ask during the tour.