Budget tour to Machu Picchu via Hydroelectric Route

Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco 2 Days

Experience Machu Picchu by car from Cusco and discover the Inca citadel on an affordable and adventurous route. Travel by road to Hydroelectric, hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo, and visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide, accommodation included, and an ideal option for travelers who want to save money without missing one of Peru’s most famous wonders.

Book tour View itinerary

2 days / 1 night Tour duration

Hydroelectric Route Bus + hike

Budget option No main tourist train

Home » tours » Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco 2 Days

Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco

Discover Machu Picchu through the affordable Hydroelectric Route

Enjoy the Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco tour and reach the Inca citadel through an affordable and adventurous route. Travel by road to Hydroelectric, hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo, and visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide, accommodation included, and an ideal experience for travelers who want to save money without missing one of Peru’s most famous destinations.

Affordable 2-day tour from Cusco

An accessible and adventurous way to reach Machu Picchu

The Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco tour is an ideal alternative for travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu on a more affordable budget. Unlike the traditional train route, this experience combines tourist transportation by road, a hike from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Pueblo, and a guided visit to the Inca citadel.

On the first day, you will travel from Cusco to Hydroelectric, passing through mountain landscapes, cloud forest areas, and Andean routes. Then you will hike to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. On the second day, you will visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco along the same overland route.

Machu Picchu by bus from Cusco via Hydroelectric

Machu Picchu via Hydroelectric 2-day tour

Main highlights of the tour

Hydroelectric Route Affordable alternative to reach Machu Picchu

Scenic journey Road trip from Cusco toward the cloud forest

Hike to Aguas Calientes Walking route from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Machu Picchu Pueblo Overnight stay before visiting the citadel

Machu Picchu Guided visit to the Historic Sanctuary

Return by bus Overland return from Hydroelectric to Cusco

Details

Duration 2 days / 1 night

Tour type Affordable and adventurous

Route Cusco - Hydroelectric - Machu Picchu

Transportation Shared tourist bus

Hike Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes

Difficulty Moderate due to the hike and travel duration

Hydroelectric Route to Machu Picchu

Itinerary for the Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco tour

The Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco tour takes place over 2 days and 1 night. This route is designed for travelers who prefer a more affordable option than the traditional tourist train, combining road transportation, a hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo, and a guided visit to the Inca citadel.

Hike from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes

Day 1: Cusco, Hydroelectric, and hike to Aguas Calientes

Departure from Cusco: we will start the tour with pickup from your hotel or a previously coordinated meeting point. Departure is usually early to make the most of the day.

Road trip: we will travel in tourist transportation along a scenic route that connects Cusco with the Hydroelectric area, passing through Andean landscapes, valleys, and cloud forest zones.

Route to Hydroelectric: during the journey, the route passes through areas such as Ollantaytambo, Santa María, and Santa Teresa, depending on the transport schedule and road conditions.

Arrival at Hydroelectric: upon arrival in the Hydroelectric area, you will receive the necessary instructions to begin the hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Hike to Aguas Calientes: you will walk from Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. This hike usually takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the group’s pace.

Arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo: upon arrival in town, you will check in at the assigned accommodation and have time to rest after the trip and hike.

Briefing meeting: in the evening, the guide will coordinate the details for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu, including departure time, recommendations, and meeting point.

Day 2: Visit to Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

Early start: the second day will begin very early so you can head to the entrance of Machu Picchu according to the time assigned on your ticket.

Ascent to Machu Picchu: you can go up from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the citadel by tourist bus or on foot, depending on the service booked and the traveler’s preference.

Guided tour in Machu Picchu: you will explore the Inca citadel with a professional guide, following the circuit available on your entrance ticket.

Time for photos: you will have time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and visit the main sectors allowed within the assigned circuit.

Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo: after the visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes to continue with the journey back to Hydroelectric.

Hike back to Hydroelectric: you will walk once again from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Hydroelectric to take the return transportation.

Return to Cusco: from Hydroelectric, you will travel by tourist transportation back to Cusco. Arrival is usually at night, depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.

Included and not included services

What is included and what is not included?

The Machu Picchu by Car from Cusco tour includes the main services to complete the Hydroelectric Route, spend one night in Machu Picchu Pueblo, and visit the Inca citadel. Some additional expenses depend on the type of service chosen by the traveler.

Included

Day 1: Cusco, Hydroelectric, and Machu Picchu Pueblo

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or a previously coordinated meeting point.
Tourist transportation Cusco - Hydroelectric in shared service.
Travel assistance to guide you along the route to Hydroelectric and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Guided or assisted hike to Aguas Calientes, depending on the group organization.
1 night of accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes.
Briefing meeting with the guide to coordinate the visit to Machu Picchu on the second day.

Day 2: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, subject to availability and the circuit assigned at the time of booking.
Professional guide in Machu Picchu to lead the tour inside the Inca citadel.
Assistance for the return to Hydroelectric after the visit to Machu Picchu.
Tourist transportation Hydroelectric - Cusco in shared service.

Important: included services may vary depending on the selected option. Before booking, confirm whether the package includes meals, the bus up to Machu Picchu, and other additional services.

Not included

Day 1: Expenses not included on the route to Hydroelectric

Breakfast on the first day, unless otherwise indicated at the time of booking.
Lunch or dinner not specified in the tour program.
Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes train, an alternative option for those who do not want to hike.
Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses during the route.

Day 2: Expenses not included in Machu Picchu

Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, if it is not included in the booked option.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, optional routes with an additional ticket and limited availability.
Lunch after visiting Machu Picchu, snacks, drinks, or additional purchases.
Entrance to the hot springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Travel insurance, personal expenses, and tips, as they are optional and depend on each traveler.

Useful tips

Recommendations to enjoy the route better

Bring your physical passport

It is required to enter Machu Picchu and validate your ticket.

Wear comfortable sneakers

You will walk between Hydroelectric and Machu Picchu Pueblo for several hours.

Travel with a small backpack

Avoid carrying heavy luggage during the hike to Aguas Calientes.

Bring a rain poncho

The route may experience rain, especially between November and March.

Use insect repellent

The Machu Picchu Pueblo area and the Hydroelectric Route have a more humid climate.

Bring sunscreen

During the trip and the hike, you will have sections exposed to the sun.

Carry cash in soles

It will be useful for meals, restrooms, snacks, drinks, optional bus service, or personal expenses.

Bring water and snacks

The hike can be long, so it is convenient to bring something light for the route.

Respect your entrance time

Entrance to Machu Picchu works according to defined schedules and circuits.

Check the season before traveling

During the rainy season, the road route may vary due to weather conditions.

#1 Ranked Free Tour in Cusco, Peru

Click here to read +40 reviews on TripAdvisor!

Proudly born in Cusco, we have guided more than 5,000 travelers since 2019.

Our tours

Explore Cusco with unforgettable experiences

Choose your next adventure and discover the most incredible destinations in Cusco with routes designed for travelers seeking comfort, culture, and unique landscapes.