Machu Picchu by Bus from Cusco (2 Days)

Traveler in the citadel of Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu in the background
Machupicchu Travel Cataleya travelers at the Machu Picchu viewpoint, with Huayna Picchu in the background
Group of travelers sitting at the Machu Picchu viewpoint, waving in front of the citadel
Two travelers looking at the citadel of Machu Picchu from the viewpoint
Family with children at the Machu Picchu viewpoint
DURATION 2 Days / 1 Night
DEPARTURE Hotel in Cusco – 3 Blocks from the Main Square
GROUP SIZE 1 - 10 people
MAX. ALTITUDE 4316 m.a.s.l.
DIFFICULTY Easy
Updated every 30 minutes

Machu Picchu ticket availability

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Source: official availability of the Ministry of Culture of Peru · last reading 24 Oct · 23:30 (Peru time)

The beginning of the journey

This tour offers you the most affordable alternative for visiting Machu Picchu, saving you the cost of train tickets to Machu Picchu Pueblo and the bus ticket from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Machu Picchu. Get ready to hike through the Peruvian jungle, following the same route taken by the renowned American professor Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu!

  • During the journey, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and changing climates, from the highlands to the cloud forest.
  • The hike from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu Pueblo is easy, scenic, and has no steep inclines.
  • At Hidroeléctrica, you have the option of taking the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (not included) or hiking for approximately 3 hours along a trail surrounded by flora and fauna. You may have the opportunity to spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock and walk alongside the Vilcanota River while enjoying the jungle scenery.
  • On the first day, we will travel by car, followed by a hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where we will spend the night. On the second day, we will hike up to Machu Picchu.
  • Explore the magic and mysticism of Machu Picchu: Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Incas as you explore the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. Experience the grandeur of this historic gem as you uncover its secrets and legends on a guided tour filled with fascinating details.
  • Includes a semi-buffet lunch in Hidroeléctrica and one night of basic accommodation and dinner in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • This tour is ideal for people seeking adventure, enjoying trekking, and wanting to connect with the natural beauty of the jungle.

Itinerary

Between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and travel by minibus to the Hidroeléctrica area. During the approximately 5- to 6-hour journey, you will enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and cross the Abra Málaga Pass (3,256 m / 10,682 ft), ascending to 4,316 meters above sea level, where you can admire one of the most spectacular views of the Peruvian landscape.

After a descent through the jungle, we will arrive at Santa María (1,250 m) and then continue to Santa Teresa, where we will make a short stop to have lunch at a local restaurant at around 1:30 PM.

After lunch, we will begin an approximately 3-hour hike along the railway tracks until we reach the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). There, you will stay in basic accommodation with a private bathroom. If you wish, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax.

In the evening, our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to provide details about the following day's itinerary. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

We will wake up early and have breakfast at around 4:00 AM. After breakfast, we will begin the ascent to Machu Picchu. This hike takes approximately one and a half hours and follows a section of the Inca Trail to the entrance of the citadel. If you prefer to avoid the hike, you can take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs USD 12 per way.

Upon arriving at the entrance to Machu Picchu, our guide will assist you with the admission process. It is important to have your original passport and entrance ticket readily available to access the citadel. Once inside, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately two and a half hours, visiting the main areas of Machu Picchu and learning more about its history and architecture.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore. If you have booked a trek to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, please inform our guide so they can direct you to the corresponding entrance. Alternatively, you can hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), a viewpoint offering spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the entrance point for travelers following the Inca Trail. This round-trip hike takes approximately two hours.

At the indicated time, you will walk back to Aguas Calientes and then continue to Hidroeléctrica. Our vehicle will depart from Hidroeléctrica at 3:00 PM, and the return to Cusco is scheduled for approximately 10:00 PM, where you will be dropped off near Cusco’s Main Square.

What's included

Included

  • Hotel pick-up. Hotel pick-ups start from 7:00 AM.
  • Transportation from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and back.
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, and 1 Breakfast.
  • 1 Night of basic accommodation with a private bathroom in Aguas Calientes.
  • Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
  • Professional and experienced tour guide, licensed in Tourism (Spanish and English).
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Machu Picchu entrance tickets (Circuit 2 or 3, subject to availability).

We recommend that travelers make their reservation at least 3 months in advance to enjoy Machu Picchu Route 2, which allows you to explore Machu Picchu for approximately 2.5 hours, visit the agricultural sector (where you can take some of the best photos), and take the classic postcard photo from the Guardian’s Hut. In addition, by booking in advance, we can secure a train ticket for you with a better schedule and better views.

Not Included

  • Access to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain (an additional $60.00 USD applies, subject to availability). If you would like a guide to accompany you to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain, an additional $60.00 USD per group of 1 to 10 people going up the mountain will apply.
  • Optional bus ticket to Machu Picchu from Machu Picchu Pueblo, either one-way up or down.
  • Entrance to the hot springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • Lunch on the second day.
  • Snacks.
  • Tips (optional).

Recommended to bring

Recommended to Bring

  • Passport, identification document, or DNI (for Peruvians).

Identification documents are required to enter Machu Picchu.

  1. Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  2. Sunglasses and sunscreen.
  3. 1 personal backpack.
  4. Cash for personal expenses.
  5. Appropriate clothing. If the weather is cold and windy, we recommend bringing a jacket, a long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt, and long pants.
  6. Insect repellent.
  7. Good walking shoes.
  8. 1 bottle of water.
  9. Peruvian soles (cash).

Frequently asked questions

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Historic Sanctuary of Peru, and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.

  • Its majestic and ingenious architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
  • Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Pachacútec and his people around the year 1460.
  • After being forgotten for many years, in 1911, the American Hiram Bingham arrived at Machu Picchu on an expedition and introduced the site to the world.
  • The most important structures at Machu Picchu are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
  • In 1913, Machu Picchu received worldwide attention when the National Geographic Society dedicated its entire April issue to the newly discovered city.