GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Starting point: Cusco (pickup from your hotel).
Finishing point: Cusco historic center (late evening; not always back at the hotel).
Travel style: Hiking and cultural (alternative road route, without the tourist train).
Difficulty: Moderate (long transfers, two walks along the railway, and stairs at Machu Picchu).
Car ride duration: About 6 hours on day 1 + about 6 hours on the return on day 2.
Hiking duration: About 2.5 – 3 hours on day 1 (Hydroelectric → Aguas Calientes) + 2.5 – 3 hours on day 2 (Aguas Calientes → Hydroelectric).
Hiking distance: About 10 km each way (about 20 km in total).
Tour dates: Daily, subject to Machu Picchu entrance availability.
Altitudes (approx.):
• Cusco: 3,400 m a.s.l. (Main Square)
• Malaga Pass: 4,330 m a.s.l.
• Santa Teresa: 1,650 m a.s.l.
• Hydroelectric station: 1,750 m a.s.l.
• Aguas Calientes: 2,040 m a.s.l.
• Machu Picchu: 2,430 m a.s.l.
Map of Machu Picchu by Car 2D
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
This 2-day excursion allows you to reach Machu Picchu through the Hydroelectric route, an economical alternative to the traditional train access. The journey combines transportation from Cusco, Andean landscapes, cloud forest areas, and a hike alongside the Urubamba River until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes.
On the first day, we travel approximately 6 hours from Cusco to Hydroelectric, crossing the Abra Málaga Pass (4,330 ft above sea level / 14,206 ft ) and descending into the high jungle region. From Hydroelectric, we begin a hike of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Aguas Calientes, following the train tracks along the Urubamba River and enjoying the natural scenery of the area.
The following day, we visit Machu Picchu accompanied by an official tourism guide, who provides information about the history, architecture, and main areas of the archaeological site. After the visit, we walk back to Hydroelectric to take the transportation service back to Cusco.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR:
- Reach Machu Picchu through the Hydroelectric route, an access route by road and hiking that crosses the cloud forest region.
- Travel from Cusco by transportation with views of valleys, the Abra Málaga Pass, mountain peaks, and the high jungle vegetation.
- Hike approximately 10 km (2.5 – 3 hours) from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes, following the train tracks alongside the Urubamba River.
- Guided visit to the Machu Picchu archaeological site
SHORT ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO CITY – MALAGA PASS – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN:
- One-way private transport from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica station.
- Hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: lunch and dinner.
- Accommodation: hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Aguas Calientes.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN – MACHU PICCHU – HYDROELECTRIC – MALAGA PASS – CUSCO CITY:
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Guided visit to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Hike from Puente Ruinas to Hidroeléctrica station.
- Private transport from Hidroeléctrica back to Cusco.
- Meals: breakfast.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO CITY– MALAGA PASS – SANTA TERESA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES TOWN
Departure is scheduled at 7:00 a.m. from Plaza Regocijo by private transport. The route passes through the town of Ollantaytambo and continues along a paved road for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to the Málaga Pass (4,330 m.a.s.l. / 14,200 ft), the highest point of the route, where we make a stop.
We continue by transport for another 2 hours and 30 minutes descending toward the cloud forest zone to the town of Santa Teresa, arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. From Santa Teresa we continue for 50 more minutes to the Hidroeléctrica station, where we stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch the guide provides instructions for the afternoon hike. From Hidroeléctrica we walk approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes, following the railway line along the Urubamba River. The section passes through a mountain forest zone with bromeliads and various species of orchids.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,562 ft) at around 5:30 p.m. There is the option to visit the town’s thermal baths. Dinner is included at 8:00 p.m. at a local restaurant. During dinner the guide will provide information about the following day’s program.
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – HYDROELECTRIC – CUSCO CITY
Breakfast at 5:00 a.m. At 5:30 a.m. we leave the hotel and walk 5 minutes to the bus station. From there we take the bus for 25 minutes up the winding road to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l. / 7,874 ft).
The guided tour begins at 6:30 a.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with explanations of the history and architecture of the site provided by the guide.
After the visit we take the bus down for 20 minutes to Puente Ruinas. From there we begin the return hike of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes back to Hidroeléctrica station, where transport will be available between 2:00 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.
At Hidroeléctrica there is the option to have lunch at your own expense at a local restaurant. The return transport departs at 2:40 p.m. toward Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 9:30 p.m. at the historic center of the city.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco on the first day.
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to the Hydroelectric Station.
- Guided hike from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (approximately 10 km / 2.5–3 hours).
- Professional tour guide (shared service).
- Meals: 1 lunch and 1 dinner on Day 1, and 1 breakfast on Day 2.
- Vegetarian option at no additional cost (other dietary requirements must be requested in advance and cannot always be guaranteed).
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (circuit and entry time subject to availability; does not include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain).
- Bus tickets for the uphill and downhill route between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a room with a private bathroom.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen carried by the guide.
- Return hike from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric (approximately 10 km / 2.5 – 3 hours).
- Tourist transportation from Hydroelectric back to Cusco (arrival at the Historic Center in the evening).
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and beverages not mentioned in the inclusions. Lunch on Day 2 (at your own expense). Train ticket from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (for travelers who do not wish to hike, this can be purchased separately at their own expense). Entrance to the Aguas Calientes thermal baths.
- This is optional and costs approximately S/ 20 – 25, payable directly at the ticket office.
- Tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO TAKE TO THIS TOUR
Please check this list and remember that everything is very important to the success of your trip.
Documents
- Passport.
- Printed or digital Tour voucher, issued by our company.
Essential
- Small backpack.
- Bottle of water and some snacks such as: cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals, fruits, among others.
- Extra cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs.
Clothes and shoes
- Jacket for the cold.
- Waterproof clothing: rain jacket and/or rain poncho.
- Hat to cover yourself from the Sun.
- Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers.
- Swimwear, only if you want to visit the Aguas Calientes Thermal Baths.
- Small towel.
Pharmaceutical products
- Mosquito repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip cream.
Personal hygiene items
- Wet wipes.
- Toilet paper.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush.
Other articles
- Sunglasses.
- Rubber-tipped walking sticks (optional).
- We recommend prior acclimatization, at least arriving in Cusco City Tour 1 day before this Tour.
* If you have any Questions or Queries about the Items you should bring to the Tour, please contact us at WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. WHAT IS THE ROUTE LIKE FOR THE TOUR BY CAR TO MACHU PICCHU?
WThe trip starts in Cusco with tourist transportation to Hidroeléctrica. From there, you will take an approximately 2 to 3-hour walk to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. The next day, you will visit Machu Picchu and then return along the same route.
2. DO I NEED TO BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION FOR THIS TOUR?
Yes, a basic level of fitness is recommended, as the tour includes a walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes and a visit inside Machu Picchu. It is not a difficult route, but it does require several hours of walking.
3. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?
Yes, only if you want to buy some snack such as: cookies, Yes, only if you want to buy snacks such as: cookies, dried fruit, chocolates, candies or an additional drink such as soda, beer or an energy beverage, for it is possible to purchase these products in small stores in the area. Also, if you want to buy some souvenirs or handicrafts from the trip, you can buy them directly from local artisans.
4. WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE ROUTE?
The best time to visit the area, especially Machu Picchu, is during the dry season, from April to November.
During the rainy season, it may be difficult to fully appreciate these wonders in all their splendor, as they may be covered by clouds.
5. WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO CUSCO CITY?
The tour return time is scheduled for the second day at 9:00 pm. This coming back time is only a reference, for there may be some unexpected delays that affect the arrival time such as: traffic, a traveler may have suffered a setback, poor road conditions, among others; so there may be the possibility of arriving later.
6. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?
Booking this tour with us is very safe, easy, and convenient. We also offer flexible payment options, such as the possibility of paying for your tour up to 1 day before the tour begins.
To book this tour, follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the booking form
Complete the form found in the “Book Now” link.
2. Pay for the tour
We accept all major cards. You can use a credit or debit card from any bank and in any currency: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, UnionPay, among others.
3. Receive your travel voucher
We will send you your voucher immediately after your payment has been completed.
Other payment methods
If you would like to pay through another method, such as PayPal, Western Union, bank deposit, bank transfer, or another payment option, please let us know so we can send you all the necessary information.
7. IF I ALREADY PAY MY TOUR AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REIMBURSED (A)?
We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, therefore, we have designed a Refund Plan in case you want to Cancel the Tour.
Therefore, we will make refunds if you wish to cancel your tour. These refunds will be subject to the date of the trip cancellation that you decide, and will be applied in relation to the date before the Start of the Tour, according to the table below:
| CANCELLATION DATE OF THE TOUR BY THE CUSTOMER | PERCENTAGE TO BE |
| From 0 to 4 days before the Tour | 0% |
| From 5 to 30 before the Tour | 50% |
| From 31 or more days before the Tour | 75% |
In addition to this, and in our desire to always seek the best for you, consider that if you wish to change the Date of your Excursion, you can do so without any additional cost, up to 15 days before..
8. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
- Excellent Location of Our Travel Office
Our office is located in the Historic Center of the city of Cusco, allowing better coordination between you and our team at any time, before and during your trip. - Authorized Peruvian Travel Agency
We are an authorized Peruvian travel agency made up of 100% local workers. We are proud to be Peruvian and to share our culture with you. We have more than 15 years of experience organizing tours to the most amazing tourist destinations in our region. - Authorized and Reliable Tour Operator
We have all our documentation updated and in order, complying with the procedures and requirements of the local government. We are recognized as an “Authorized Regional Tour Operator,” which gives you support, safety, and confidence in our services. - The Best Price for Your Trip, With No Hidden Fees
We offer fair and affordable prices with no hidden fees. As direct local tour operators, we manage costs locally and work with local staff, avoiding intermediaries and providing you with better value for your trip. - Travel With Local Experts
We have highly trained tour guides, cooks, drivers, and support staff. Our team is prepared to assist groups, families, couples, friends, and travelers who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. - Excellent Meals Included
During our treks, we include fresh, high-quality meals. Our cooks prepare food with natural ingredients, without using canned or dehydrated products. We also offer vegetarian options or special diets according to your needs, at no additional cost. - Safe and Guaranteed Departures
We guarantee our departures and operate 100% of our treks. Even if there is only one traveler for a specific date, the trip will operate with the listed prices and no additional charges. We usually work with small groups of 4 to 8 people. - Commitment to Our Staff and Local Communities
We treat our team with respect and responsibility. We provide accommodation, transportation, uniforms, good meals, and health insurance for our staff. We also support social projects in local communities, especially in health and education for children. - Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
We are a company committed to the environment and the responsible use of natural resources. We promote eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable products, and we take part in cleanup campaigns on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. - Personalized Service and Support
Whenever you contact us, we will always be available to answer your questions. Our goal is to provide personalized attention, constant support, and reliable service at every stage of your trip.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- We recommend booking your Tour as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great experience.
- If, there is no longer availability for your tour date, you can search for other similar excursions.
- If you are interested in doing this route and want to book, or would like more information, please contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
PRICES
Our rates are fixed and include no hidden fees. We are committed to offering the best service at the best price.
For this tour we offer 2 types of service:
PRICES IN GROUP SERVICE
Traveling with other people in the same group (Maximum 19 travelers).
| Per person: | USD 160 |
PRICES IN PRIVATE SERVICE
Traveling and enjoying only with your friends and/or family, according to the number of people that make up your group.
| From 2 to 3 people: | USD 440 for each person |
| From 4 to 5 people: | USD 420 for each person |
| From 6 to 7 people: | USD 400 for each person |
| From 8 to 10 people: | USD 380 for each person |
| From 10 to more people: | USD 360 for each person |
OPTIONAL SERVICES
If you want, for an additional cost you have the option of adding to this tour some extra services, such as:
- A pair of hiking poles for the route (Can be rented at our Main Office for USD 10).
- Pick up from Cusco City airport and transfer to your hotel for USD 5 per person.
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for USD 5 per person.
TO CONSIDER:
- Prices are shown in American dollars (USD)
- Our passion is group travel, so if you are coming with friends or family, get in touch to offer our promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups. Contact us to receive our offers.
- For your peace of mind and comfort, our tours do not have any hidden charges or expenses.
- If you are interested in doing this route and would like to reserve, or want more information, please contact us:
- Cell phone: +51 984 525 006
- WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047
- E-mail: info@incredibleperutours.com
