Machu Picchu by bus 2D1N
Machu Picchu Classic
7 972 f.a.s.l. (2 430 m)
Nature, landscape, adventure, ruins, history
Moderate
Group tour
English & Spanish
2 days / 1 night
Hidroeléctrica, Aguas Calientes y Machu Picchu












You are about to learn the most adventurous way of visiting Machu Picchu, while discovering landscapes surrounded by nature.
This alternative and affordable route to Aguas Calientes starts from the hostel in Cusco in the morning to begin the trip.
You will tour the entire Sacred Valley and travel on roads that connect the Peruvian Andes to the tropical jungle, visiting picturesque towns until you reach the Hidroelectrica Power Plant.
After a short break you will start this beautiful walk toward Aguas Calientes next to the train tracks.
Upon arriving at your lodging in Aguas Calientes, you will have time to explore the town and rest.
The next day you will be ready to climb the mountain and reach the Incas’ Sanctuary, where you’ll meet the guide who will tell you the history and myths of Machu Picchu’s legendary ruins.
After enjoying touring the ruins, you will return to Aguas Calientes on foot. Around noon we will walk back to Hidroeléctrica down the same path we left on. At the agreed time, the bus will be waiting for you to start the return trip to Cusco. You will arrive in the city at night.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Book your tour and get confirmation in less than 24 hours
Why to book this tour with What a Trip?
• It is the most affordable option to reach Machu Picchu and at What a Trip we offer you the best prices.
• You will travel on safe and comfortable tourist transportation, the best alternative to get to the Hidroeléctrica.
• We pick you up from your hotel in downtown Cusco to travel directly to the Hidroeletrica.
• You will walk the famous Hidroeléctrica–Machu Picchu route.
• You will enjoy different landscapes and see much of the Andean nature.
• You can be one of the first groups of the day to visit Machu Picchu.
• You will arrive in the city of Cusco before 10 pm.
Day 1:
• We pick you up at the hostel in Cusco so you can take the bus to Hidroelectrica (approx. 7h). During the tour, we will make a stop for lunch.
• We arrive at Hidroelectrica and you start the walk toward Aguas Calientes (3 h).
• Once in Aguas Calientes, you head to your lodging to register.
• The guide's assistant arrives at the lodge to guide you through the steps to follow on this tour.
• You will have free time to walk around the town and rest.
Day 2:
• You have a good breakfast at your lodging.
• You meet the guide at the time and place arranged the night before.
• You go walking or by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (bus ticket not included).
• When you arrive at the citadel entrance gate, the main guide will be waiting for you.
• You start the guided tour visiting all of Machu Picchu (3 h).
• You have free time to walk around the ruins and take incredible pictures.
• You start the trip back to Aguas Calientes by bus (20 min) or on foot (about 1 h 30 min). (bus ticket not included).
• From Aguas Calientes, you start your walk back to Hidroelectrica (about 2 h).
• You arrive at Hidroelectrica (make sure you arrive on time).
• You return to Cusco by bus (the bus leaves at the agreed time).
• You arrive in downtown Cusco full of memories of your adventure at approx. 10:00 p.m.
• Cusco-Hidroelectrica round-trip transportation.
• 1 night at shared lodging.
• 1 entrance ticket to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
• Bilingual guide who will accompany you on your trip to Machu Picchu.
• Bus route with views of the Sacred Valley.
• Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes bus ticket.
• Entrance ticket to the mountain or Huayna Picchu.
• Travel insurance.
Food and beverages.
• Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
– Save time and energy on the way up and down.
• Varied local lunch in Aguas Calientes from 12 pm to 4 pm:
– Unlimited buffet lunch at one of the best hotels in Aguas Calientes.
(Only applies if you return by train).
• Entrance ticket to Wayna Picchu (limited spots).
– The whole activity lasts about 3 hours.
– Rarely seen archaeological remains.
– Exceptional views of Machu Picchu.
– Panoramic views of the ruins of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (limited spots).
– For hiking lovers.
– The whole activity lasts about 4 hours.
– Higher views of the ruins of Machu Picchu and the valley.
• Private hotel room.
– Private room with double bed.
– Choice of breakfast.
– Private restroom.
• Train trip back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
– You will get to Ollantaytambo in 2 hours.
– You can enjoy views of the Sacred Valley.
– You will travel on comfortable seats.
• Additional night in Aguas Calientes.
– It will allow you to visit Machu Picchu the next day without the need for a tight itinerary.
– You will have more time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes.
– You can then return to Cusco, according to the itinerary scheduled below and the options
you choose (bus or train).
• Bring a light backpack with insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat/cap and a waterproof jacket.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring cash for local purchases.
• Bring your passport to enter the ruins of Machu Picchu.
• During the rainy season, dress in waterproof clothes.
• It’s important to be on time at the meeting with the guide.
• Carry motion sickness pills with you.
• Do you have any special recommendation?
Yes! It is recommended that you return by train. This way you will have more time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Otherwise, you can only stay in Machu Picchu until approximately 10:30 a.m. since you must walk back to Hidroelectrica and then ride the bus to Cusco (the last bus leaves at 3:00 p.m.). Depending on the season, there are times when it’s difficult to find admission at 6 or 7 am, Machu Picchu’s first hours, so when returning by train you don’t have much time pressure. The other option is to sleep 2 nights in Aguas Calientes.
• Will I have a guide on the walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes?
You will not have a guide, but this path is easy to navigate and there are usually groups of people doing the same route, so you will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world along the way.
• Does it include lunch or dinner when we arrive at Hidroelectrica?
It does not include food, but in the area you will find several options to choose from.
• How long does the bus ride from Cusco to Hidroelectrica take?
It takes approximately 7 hours.
• How long does the walk from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes take?
It takes between 2 h 30 min and 3 h.
• How long does it take to walk from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
It takes between 1 h 30 min and 2 h of walking up stairs.
• The entrance price to Machu Picchu, train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu vary depending on the nationality and age of the passengers.
• The climb up Huayna Picchu is considered one of the best short walks in the world and you climb it up ancient steps and Inca trails with an excellent view of the valley and mountains. The climb takes about 1 hour. Wayna Picchu is also known as the young mountain and it’s where the Temple of the Moon is located. The Huayna Picchu mountain is located north of Machu Picchu.
• The Machu Picchu mountain is also known as the old mountain and is higher than the Huayna
Picchu mountain. It is located south of Machu Picchu. This mountain offers unique views of the entire Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The climb takes about 2 hours. The path has a lot of vegetation, wild orchids and flatter trails.
• The Spanish never found Machu Picchu, which is why it is also known as the lost city of the Incas.
• Flexible: Cancela este tour con más de 7 días a la fecha de inicio del tour y obtén un reembolso del 50% del valor pagado. Dentro de los 7 días cobramos el 100%.
• Review our terms and conditions here:
• Review our risk acceptance policy here.
*The information and itinerary detailed in this guide may change without prior notice with the intention of providing a better service or regulatory changes in each destination.
Map of the Tour
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