Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days: From Cusco via Abra Málaga & Hidroeléctrica
2 Days / 1 Night
Daily Departures- Drive over Abra Málaga (4,316 m)
- Walk 11 km along the railway
- Sleep in Aguas Calientes
- Visit Machu Picchu with a guide
- Return by Expedition Train
Can you drive to Machu Picchu? Not all the way. No road connects Cusco with Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the citadel. That is exactly what makes this route special: you travel by road through the Sacred Valley, over the Abra Málaga pass and down into the cloud forest to Hidroeléctrica, then walk 11 km along the railway to Aguas Calientes. The next morning you visit Machu Picchu with a professional local guide and return by Expedition Train.
It is a more scenic, more active and more affordable way to reach Machu Picchu than the traditional train both ways. It is a shorter 2-day alternative to the Inca Jungle trek.
Starting / Ending Point
The city of Cusco
Maximum elevation
4,316m / 14,180ft - Abra Malaga
Walking Distance
Aprox. 11 km - Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes
Accommodation
3-stars Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Return
Expedition Train - Transport
Essential Information: Machu Picchu By Car (2D/1N)
The Machu Picchu By Car route is a rewarding, budget-friendly journey, but it is significantly different from the traditional train itinerary. Please read this essential information to ensure you are fully prepared for the demands of this adventurous option.
Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days: Quick Facts
| Tour Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night |
| Start and end | Cusco |
| Destination | Machu Picchu |
| Route | Cusco – Abra Málaga – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu |
| Highest point | 4,316 m / 14,160 ft (Abra Málaga) |
| Walk | 11 km along the railway, about 3–3.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Hotel | 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Meals | Day 1 lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast |
| Tour Type | Group or Private |
| Return | Expedition Train + transfer to Cusco |
| Best for | Budget travelers and adventure seekers |
- Schedules may change with train and road conditions.
Tour Highlights
- Cross the Abra Málaga mountain pass, the highest point of the trip
- Drive through Santa María and Santa Teresa as the landscape turns from Andes to cloud forest
- Walk the railway route from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes
- Sleep in Aguas Calientes, steps from the Machu Picchu shuttle bus
- Explore Machu Picchu with a bilingual local guide
- Return on the Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo
Is This Tour Right for You?
Ideal for: budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, couples and friends, adventure seekers, and anyone comfortable walking about 3 hours on flat, uneven terrain.
Not ideal for: travelers who want a luxury or fastest-possible route, who dislike long road journeys, or who have difficulty walking several hours.
Prefer more comfort? See our Machu Picchu Luxury Tour 2 Days or the Machu Picchu Day Trip
Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days: Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Abra Málaga – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes.-
Drive through the Andes into the cloud forest. Then walk 11 km along the railway to Aguas Calientes.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.-
Visit Machu Picchu with your guide. Return by Expedition Train and transfer to Cusco.
Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes.
Travel through the Andes and the cloud forest, then walk the railway to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
06:15 AM – Pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
Meet our team and board your shared tourist transport.
06:30 AM – Drive from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica.
Travel through the Sacred Valley and over the Abra Málaga pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft). Then descend into the cloud forest through Santa María and Santa Teresa. Enjoy mountain views, winding roads and Andean villages along the way.
01:00 PM – Lunch stop (approximate).
Relax and recharge before the final stretch.
03:00 PM – Arrival at Hidroeléctrica.
This is the starting point of your walk. Prepare your backpack and enjoy the tropical forest around you.
03:05 PM – 11 km railway walk to Aguas Calientes.
Walk about 3 hours (up to 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace) along the railway. You are surrounded by green mountains, rivers and tropical vegetation. The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow.
06:00 PM – Arrival in Aguas Calientes and hotel check-in.
Your guide will take you to your hotel. Rest in a comfortable 3-star hotel with a private bathroom, hot shower and Wi-Fi. Get a good night’s sleep and be ready for Machu Picchu tomorrow.
07:00 PM – Dinner and Machu Picchu briefing.
Enjoy dinner with your guide. Get all the details for tomorrow: entrance ticket, circuit, schedule and meeting points.
– Meals: lunch and dinner
– Overnight: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
– Walking: about 11 km
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
Explore Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a professional local guide.
07:00 AM – Breakfast at your hotel.
08:00 AM – Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu.
Ride 25–30 minutes up the winding mountain road. Enjoy views of the mountains and cloud forest.
09:00 AM – Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Your guide leads a tour of about 2 hours. See temples, terraces, ceremonial spaces and panoramic viewpoints while learning about Inca history and culture. Afterwards, enjoy free time for photos, according to your assigned circuit and the site rules.
12:00 PM – Return to Aguas Calientes.
Take the shuttle bus down. Have lunch at a local restaurant (not included) and relax before your train.
02:00–03:00 PM – Train to Ollantaytambo.
Ride the train along the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley. Train times are confirmed at booking.
Transfer to Cusco.
Our team meets you at Ollantaytambo station. A tourist vehicle takes you back to Cusco.
Approx. 07:30 PM – Arrival in Cusco.
Drop-off at your hotel. End of services.
– Meals: breakfast
– Highlights: Machu Picchu guided tour, scenic train ride, Sacred Valley return
Your Machu Picchu Ticket and Circuit.
Your entrance ticket is included. The Ministry of Culture assigns the circuit and route by date and availability:
- Circuit 1 – Panoramic,
- Circuit 2 – Machupicchu Classic, or
- Circuit 3 – Machupicchu Realeza.
We confirm your assigned circuit as soon as your ticket is issued, before departure. Daily capacity is limited and popular dates sell out well in advance, so we recommend booking early. Read our [Machu Picchu tickets and circuits guide]
What’s Included
Transport
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Shared tourist transport from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Assigned circuit and route, according to ticket availability
- Professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide
Hotel and meals.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Private room with private bathroom
- Day 1: lunch and dinner
- Day 2: breakfast
Support.
- Pre-tour briefing
- Local team assistance during the trip
What’s Not Included.
– Day 1 breakfast
– Day 2 lunch
– Snacks and extra drinks
– Travel insurance
– Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
– Personal expenses
– Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs
– Optional mountain tickets (see upgrades below)
– Anything not listed under “Included”
Where Will You Stay?
You spend one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes, close to the Machu Picchu shuttle bus. Rooms are private, with a private bathroom. The hotel name may vary with availability. Want a different category? Contact us before booking.
Optional Upgrades
Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$70 per person.
Add a steep climb to the peak that rises behind the Inca citadel and enjoy views from above.
Machu Picchu Mountain: US$70 per person.
Hike to a high viewpoint for panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains.
Mountain tickets are limited and can sell out. Tell us when you book so we can request yours.
Train Instead of Walking: US$ 50
Skip the 11 km railway walk and take the train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes. Subject to availability.
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs.
Relax in the town’s thermal baths after your visit. Entrance fee not included.
What to Pack, Difficulty and Altitude
Bring a small backpack with:
Original passport, walking shoes, rain jacket or poncho, water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medication and some cash. Ask us about luggage storage in Cusco for large suitcases. Full list: Machu Picchu packing list
Difficulty: easy to moderate. The walk is mostly flat along the railway, but you need to be comfortable walking 3–3.5 hours on uneven terrain in warm, humid weather. Spend 1–2 days in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize, and drink plenty of water. If you have health concerns about altitude, consult your doctor.
Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days: Price
Group Tour: US$345 per person
Join a small shared tour and save. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, friends and budget-conscious adventurers.
Price is per person, based on a double or twin room.
Private Tour: from US$345 per person
Travel with your own group and enjoy more flexibility. The more travelers, the lower the price per person.
Private Service
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
| 2 Travelers | US$490 |
| 3 Travelers | US$390 |
| 4 Travelers | US$370 |
| 5+ Travelers | US$345 |
Single Room Supplement: US$25 per person.
Prefer your own room? Add the single supplement. Willing to share with a traveler of the same gender? You may avoid the supplement, subject to availability.
What Your Price Includes.
Transport, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, professional guide, 1 night in a 3-star hotel, 3 meals and the Expedition Train. [See the full list of inclusions]
How to Reserve.
Pay a 30% deposit to confirm your booking. Pay the remaining 70% when you arrive in Peru.
Prices are in US dollars. We reconfirm the final price when you book, since hotel, train and ticket availability can change.
Essential Information for Your Machu Picchu by Car Tour
A little preparation makes this 2-day adventure more enjoyable. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Pre-Tour Briefing
Before departure, our team reviews with you:
– Your confirmed pickup time and meeting point
– The itinerary and transport arrangements
– What to pack and how to prepare
– Any last-minute questions
What to Pack
Travel light. You walk 11 km from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, so bring a small backpack with only what you need for two days:
– Original passport
– Comfortable clothing for changing weather
– Walking shoes
– Rain jacket or poncho
– Headlamp or flashlight
– Water bottle
– Sunscreen and insect repellent
– Personal medication
– Camera or smartphone
– Some cash for personal expenses
Traveling with a large suitcase? Ask us about luggage storage in Cusco. Full list: [Machu Picchu packing list]
Route and Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Day 1 starts with a scenic drive from Cusco through the Sacred Valley, over Abra Málaga and into the cloud forest, then on to Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica. From there you walk about 11 km along the railway to Aguas Calientes. The walk takes 3–3.5 hours depending on your pace.
There are no steep climbs like on the Inca Trail, but you should be comfortable walking several hours on uneven terrain. In some seasons the walk may finish after sunset, so keep your headlamp handy.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Cusco sits at high altitude, while most of this route descends to warmer, more humid areas. If you arrive from a lower altitude, spend 1–2 days in Cusco before the tour.
– Drink plenty of water
– Take it easy on your first day
– Rest well before departure
– Avoid heavy alcohol and big meals
– Tell your guide if you feel unwell
Altitude affects everyone differently. If you have health concerns, consult a doctor before your trip.
Safety and Support
Our local team coordinates your transport, hotel and Machu Picchu visit. Weather, traffic and road conditions can occasionally change schedules. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Food
Your package includes lunch and dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2. Day 1 breakfast and Day 2 lunch are not included, so you can choose where to eat in Aguas Calientes before your return.
Respect Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please follow your assigned circuit, stay on the marked paths, listen to your guide, respect the ruins and take your trash with you.
Booking Information
Tickets, trains, hotels and transport are limited, and popular dates sell out well in advance. To reserve, we need:
– Full name as shown on your passport
– Passport number
– Date of birth
– Nationality
– Travel date and number of travelers
– Deposit to confirm your booking
Once confirmed, we send your pickup details and preparation guide. See [price and deposit details].
Additional Information for Your 2D/1N Trip
The "Machu Picchu By Car" route is a rewarding adventure that requires specific preparation. Keep these essential details in mind:
Best Time to Take the Machu Picchu by Car Tour
You can do this tour all year, but the weather changes a lot between seasons.
Dry Season (roughly May to September)
Clearer skies, better views and more comfortable walking.
– Higher demand, so book early
– Colder mornings in the Andes
– Strong sun, so bring sunscreen
Rainy Season (roughly November to March)
Green landscapes and fewer crowds in some periods.
– Rain can make the railway walk wetter
– Road conditions can change
– Weather can be unpredictable
Shoulder Seasons (April and October)
A balance between weather, scenery and crowds.
In every season, bring a rain jacket or poncho. Weather in the Andes and the cloud forest changes quickly. See our full guide: [Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu]
Is Machu Picchu by Car Safe?
Yes. It is a popular route run by local tour operators. Your trip includes organized transport, professional guides and local assistance from our team.
Like any mountain travel, road and weather conditions can change travel times. To stay safe and comfortable:
– Follow your guide’s instructions
– Keep your passport and valuables secure
– Tell your guide about any health concerns
– Check the weather before departure
– Carry travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Our local team supports you before and during the trip.
Why Book Machu Picchu by Car With Us?
We a local operator based in Cusco, specializing in Machu Picchu and trekking tours.
- Local expertise.- We know the route, the road conditions and the Machu Picchu ticket system.
- Professional guides.- Bilingual local guides explain the history and meaning of the citadel.
- Clear inclusions.- You see exactly what is and isn’t included, with no hidden fees.
- Flexible options.- Choose a group or private tour, and add upgrades such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Direct support.- Ask us anything before booking, by WhatsApp or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive to Machu Picchu?
No. No road reaches Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu. This tour uses road transport to Hidroeléctrica, then a railway walk, and a shuttle bus to the citadel.
Is Machu Picchu by Car worth it?
Yes, if you want a more scenic, active and affordable alternative to the train both ways.
How long is the walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes?
About 11 km, usually 3-3.5 hours depending on your pace. Hidroeléctrica is also written Hydroelectric or Hidroelectrica.
Is the tour difficult?
Easy to moderate. The main challenge is the 3-hour walk. There are no steep climbs like on the Inca Trail.
Is the Machu Picchu ticket included?
Yes. Your circuit and route depend on date availability and are confirmed once the ticket is issued.
Is the train included?
Yes, the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. If you prefer not to walk, a train from Hidroeléctrica can be added at extra cost.
Where do I sleep?
In a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes with a private room and bathroom. The hotel name may vary.
Which meals are included?
Day 1 lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast. Day 1 breakfast and Day 2 lunch are not included.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, for US$70 per person each, subject to permit availability. Book early.
What if it rains?
The tour operates in the rain. Bring a poncho and follow your guide’s instructions.
Can children join?
Yes, but consider the long drive and the 11 km walk.
Is it private or group?
Both options are available.
Can I add an extra night?
Yes, on request, subject to hotel availability.
Machu Picchu By Car Map
