Take the scenic route to Machu Picchu and enjoy a more complete 2-day journey. This 2-day Machu Picchu by car experience blends a beautiful drive from Cusco over the high Andes at Abra Málaga, down into the lush cloud-forest gateway to the Amazon, and a pleasant hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
More than just a transfer, this trip lets you unwind in the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo in Santa Teresa, spend the night in Aguas Calientes, and explore Machu Picchu early the next morning with a professional guide. After your visit, return more comfortably by train on day 2, making this a perfect choice for travelers who want adventure, scenery, and an easier way back.
Duration 2 days / 1 night
Activities Car, Trekking, Swimming, Cultural
Average Group Size 12 persons
Accommodation Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Destinations Cocalmayo Hot Springs, Machu Picchu
Starts/Ends Cusco / CuscoOverview of Machu Picchu by car 2 days
The Machu Picchu Tour by Car via Hidroelectrica is a more scenic and rewarding way to visit Machu Picchu in 2 days. Instead of taking the full train route, you leave Cusco early and travel by road through dramatic Andean landscapes, high mountain passes, deep valleys, and lush cloud forest, then follow the beautiful trail from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes on a gentle walk surrounded by nature.
Your journey begins with a 4:30 a.m. departure from Cusco and breakfast included in Ollantaytambo before continuing across Abra Málaga and down into the cloud forest toward Santa Teresa, where you can relax in the natural Cocalmayo Hot Springs. After spending the night in a comfortable hotel, you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu early the next morning for a guided tour with fewer crowds, then return in comfort on the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo and continue by van to Cusco.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic drive from Cusco across Abra Málaga into the cloud forest
- Relax in the natural Cocalmayo Hot Springs in Santa Teresa
- Beautiful hike from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes through lush scenery
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes for an easier early start to Machu Picchu
- Early guided tour of Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Comfortable return by Expedition train + van to Cusco
- Premium service with smooth logistics from start to finish
2-Day Machu Picchu by Car Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco → Abra Málaga → Santa Teresa → Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes
Early pickup at 4:30 a.m. for a full road trip across the Andes. Stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast, then continue over Abra Málaga and down through the green cloud-forest side of the Andes. Later, arrive in Santa Teresa to enjoy the natural Cocalmayo Hot Springs, have lunch at Hidroelectrica, and continue on a scenic 11 km walk to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a comfortable 3-star hotel and get ready for your early Machu Picchu visit.
• Walk: 11 km (6.8 mi) • Time: ~3 hrs walking • Difficulty: Easy
• Highest point (drive): ~4,300 m / 14,100 ft (Abra Málaga, approx.)
• Sleep: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Day 2: Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo (Train) → Cusco
After breakfast, head up to Machu Picchu for an early visit and enjoy a 2–3 hour guided tour of the main temples, viewpoints, and most important areas of the citadel. After the tour, you may have time for photos or pre-booked mountain hikes. Later, return to Aguas Calientes and travel back in comfort on the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a van to Cusco.
• Guided tour: 2–3 hrs • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (early start + optional stairs)
• Option: Bus up/down (optional) or hike up (free, but steep)
• Meals: Breakfast included • Hotel: Not included
Note: Times can change due to weather, road conditions, official ticket schedules, and group pace.
Included
- Pickup and drop-off (Cusco or Sacred Valley)
- Transportation by comfortable tourist vehicle (Cusco → Hidroelectrica)
- Visit to Santa Teresa + time at Cocalmayo Hot Springs
- Breakfast in Ollantaytambo on Day 1
- Lunch on Day 1
- Dinner on Day 1
- 1 night in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Professional tour for 2 days
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (best available circuit/time slot at the moment of booking)
- Expedition train ticket (Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo)
- Comfortable van transfer (Ollantaytambo → Cusco)
- Taxes included
Not Included
- Lunch on Day 2
- Snacks and drinks
- Optional hikes: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (require extra tickets)
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Travel with a trusted 100% Peruvian tour operator known for reliable service and well-organized trips.
- Expert Tour Guides: Our professional guides bring Machu Picchu to life in clear, fluent English.
- TreXperience always has a solution: If this route is not the right fit, we can help you choose the best Machu Picchu option for your trip.
- Want more comfort?: We can also provide a Private Observatory Vistadome train to Machu Picchu Tour
Full Itinerary of Machu Picchu by car tour from Cusco
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa Teresa (Cocalmayo Hot Springs) – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Your adventure begins early with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from Cusco. We travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy breakfast included before continuing deeper into the Andes. From there, the drive becomes even more scenic as we climb to Abra Málaga, surrounded by mountain views, then descend into the warmer, greener cloud-forest side on the way to Santa Teresa.
In Santa Teresa, you’ll stop at the beautiful Cocalmayo Hot Springs, the perfect place to relax, stretch, and enjoy the natural pools after the drive. After some time to unwind, we continue to Hidroelectrica for lunch and prepare for the final walk to Aguas Calientes.
The walk to Aguas Calientes is scenic, easy to follow, and surrounded by thick green mountains as you get closer to Machu Picchu. It’s a lovely way to arrive, with the feeling that you are truly reaching the citadel step by step. Once in town, we’ll take you to your comfortable 3-star hotel, where you can freshen up, enjoy dinner, and receive a full briefing for your early Machu Picchu visit the next morning.
- Walking distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi (Hidroelectrica → Aguas Calientes)
- Walking time: ~3 hours (depending on pace)
- Highest altitude (drive): ~4,300 m / 14,100 ft (Abra Málaga, approx.)
- Hotel altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft (Aguas Calientes)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Comfortable 3-star hotel (private room)
- Difficulty: Easy walk / Moderate overall (long travel day)
Day 2: Machu Picchu Guided Tour, Return to Cusco (Train + Van)
After an early breakfast, we head up to Machu Picchu on the included shuttle bus, making the start of the day smooth and easy. Arriving early gives you a calmer visit and a better chance to enjoy the atmosphere of this extraordinary place. Once inside, your guide will lead a 2 to 3-hour tour through the most important temples, viewpoints, and sacred spaces included in your circuit.
After the guided tour, you’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the setting at your own pace. If you booked extra tickets in advance, this is also when you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Later, take the included bus back down to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a more comfortable journey back with the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo, where our team will meet you for the van transfer to Cusco.
- Machu Picchu guided time: 2–3 hours
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (walking inside the site + some stairs)
- Return: Included bus down to Aguas Calientes + Expedition train + van transfer to Cusco
Important ticket note: Machu Picchu has limited daily entry and different official circuits. We secure the best available circuit and time slot we can get at the moment your booking is confirmed. If the most requested option is sold out, we book the best alternative available for your travel date.
Price of Machu Picchu by car and Hidroeléctrica tour - 2 Days
This tour is designed for travelers who want maximum value without losing the “real Machu Picchu experience.” We run shared small-group departures for smooth logistics and a friendly atmosphere. Private service is also available if you want something more exclusive.
Group tour: Price per person
- From US$ 560 - Adults
- From US$ 530 - Children and students
Private tour: Price per person
- 1 participant: US$980
- 2 participants: US$660
- 3 participants: US$590
- 4 participants: US$570
- 5 participants: US$560
- 6 participants: US$550
- 7 participants: US$540
- 8 participants: US$530
- 9+ participants: Contact us for a special rate
Student Discount
- US$ 30 off
Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
- ISIC cards are not valid.
The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate. Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.
Booking and payment
- Deposit: US$ 200 per person (to reserve your spot).
- The remainder can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us to see alternative payment options.
Packing List of Machu Picchu Tour by Car 2 Days from Cusco
You’ll travel around Peru with bigger luggage, but for this trip, remember one key thing: you will carry your own bag during the Hidroelectrica walk. Pack light and keep it simple.
Bag Setup (Important)
- Daypack / small backpack (recommended 25–35L): Carry your daily essentials and your overnight items (you’ll have it with you during the walk).
- Extra luggage: Leave it at your hotel in Cusco (or store it safely before departure if needed).
Must-Bring Essentials
What to Wear
Layering works best because you’ll feel cold in the mountains and warmer later.
Daypack Checklist
Overnight Bag Checklist
Travel Information of Machu Picchu by Car 2 días alternative route
Tickets & Availability
Machu Picchu has limited daily entry and fixed circuits/time slots. The best options sell out first. Booking early gives you the best chance of a great entry time and a strong circuit.
Passport Requirement
Your Machu Picchu ticket is tied to your passport details, so your booking info must match your passport exactly. Bring your original passport on the trip.
This is a Long Road Trip
The biggest challenge isn’t the walking, it’s the travel time on Day 1. If you don’t mind a full day of scenic driving, you’ll love the value and the landscapes.
The Hidroelectrica Walk Is Easy, But It’s Still a Walk
The route is mostly flat and not technical, but it takes a few hours. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and pack only what you really need overnight.
Weather & Seasons
Weather can change fast: sun, mist, and rain can all happen in one day. In general:
- Dry season: April to October (clearer weather)
- Wet season: November to March (more rain and humidity)
Bring rain protection no matter the month.
Bus vs Hiking Up + Optional Mountain Hikes
- Bus: Saves time and energy (optional, paid locally).
- Hike up: Free, but steep and sweaty—especially early in the morning.
Optional hikes after the guided tour require extra tickets and limited spaces: - Huayna Picchu (extra ticket required)
- Machu Picchu Mountain (extra ticket required)
FAQs - Machu Picchu Tour by Car 2 Days from Cusco
Is this tour really “by car”?
Yes. We drive from Cusco to Hidroelectrica by tourist vehicle. The only walking part is the route between Hidroelectrica and Aguas Calientes. You return by train + van for a more comfortable finish.
How hard is the walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes?
It’s generally easy because it’s mostly flat. The main challenge is simply the distance. Comfortable shoes and a light bag make it feel straightforward.
Do you guide the walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes?
This walk is usually self-guided. We give clear instructions, timing guidance, and support so it feels simple and stress-free.
Is the Machu Picchu guide included?
Yes. Your guided visit inside Machu Picchu is included, and the tour is typically 2 to 3 hours, depending on your circuit.
Which Machu Picchu circuit will I get?
We book the best available circuit and time slot at the moment your reservation is confirmed. Circuits depend on official availability for your date.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but those require extra tickets and have limited spaces. If you want one of them, reserve as early as possible.
Is the Machu Picchu bus included?
Not by default. You can hike up for free or add the bus ticket as an option (paid in Aguas Calientes).
Where do we sleep?
You’ll stay in a standard, comfortable 3-star tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room). The exact hotel depends on availability for your date.
What time do we arrive back in Cusco?
Usually around 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., but it depends on the train schedule, road conditions, and group timing.
Who is this tour best for?
Travelers who want the most value, don’t mind a long travel day, and like the idea of reaching Machu Picchu through big scenery, hot springs, and an easy walk into Aguas Calientes.