Machu Picchu, final destination of the tour by car via Hidroeléctrica
BUDGET OPTION ADVENTURE

Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days / 1 Night (via Hydroelectric)

  • 2 Days / 1 Night
  • Cusco · Santa Teresa · Hidroeléctrica · Machu Picchu
  • From $220 USD ≈ S/ 759
Andean valley on the Abra Málaga route
Abra Málaga road winding down to the high jungle
Machu Picchu citadel between mountains and cloud forest

The budget-friendly, adventurous route to Machu Picchu: a mountain road over Abra Málaga and through Santa Teresa, a hike along the railway to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of the citadel.

DURATION 2 Days / 1 Night
MAX ALTITUDE 4,316 m (Abra Málaga, by vehicle)
DIFFICULTY Moderate
GROUP SIZE Shared group (max. 16)
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Experience Overview

The Machu Picchu by car tour (also known as Machu Picchu via Hydroelectric) is the most affordable way to reach the Inca citadel. Instead of the train, you travel in a tourist vehicle along a mountain road that crosses Abra Málaga pass (4,316 m above sea level), descends into the high jungle of Santa María and Santa Teresa and reaches Hidroeléctrica station. From there you walk about 2.5 to 3 hours on flat terrain beside the railway tracks and the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.

It is ideal for backpackers, budget travelers and anyone who loves ever-changing scenery: snowcapped peaks, valleys, coffee, banana and cacao plantations, and the lush cloud forest that surrounds Machu Picchu.

What does the experience include?

  • Views of Mount Verónica and the Sacred Valley on the climb to Abra Málaga.
  • Approx. 11 km hike along the railway, with views of the back side of Machu Picchu.
  • A night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of the citadel the next day.
  • Hike back to Hidroeléctrica and drive to Cusco.

Good to know

The drive takes roughly 6 to 7 hours each way, with winding and unpaved stretches. If you get carsick easily, bring motion sickness tablets. In the rainy season (January to March) delays can occur due to road conditions.

What to bring

  • Original passport, a light backpack of 20 liters max and a water bottle.
  • Comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket and light quick-dry clothing.
  • Insect repellent (there are mosquitoes around Hidroeléctrica), sunscreen and a hat.
  • A flashlight or headlamp if you want to hike up to Machu Picchu early.

Signature Highlights

The most affordable way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
High mountains, high jungle and coffee plantations all in one journey.
Scenic hike beside the railway tracks and the Urubamba River.
A night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of the citadel.
Round-trip tourist transportation with a driver experienced on the route.
STEP BY STEP

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Each day has been carefully planned to optimize acclimatization and avoid peak tourist hours.

DAY 01

Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

⛰ 4,316 m a.s.l. (by vehicle) 🚶 11 km on foot ⏱ 6 to 7 hrs by vehicle + 2.5 to 3 hrs hiking ⛺ Hotel in Aguas Calientes

We leave Cusco early in the morning and cross the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. The road then climbs to Abra Málaga, with views of Mount Verónica, before descending into the high jungle through Santa María and Santa Teresa. We stop for lunch (not included) and continue to Hidroeléctrica station. From there we hike approx. 11 km along a flat trail beside the railway and the Urubamba River, spotting birds, orchids and the back side of Machu Picchu. We reach Aguas Calientes at dusk; dinner and overnight.

DAY 02

Machu Picchu – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco

⛰ 2,430 m a.s.l. 🚶 11 km on foot ⏱ 2-hr visit + 2.5 hrs hiking + 6 to 7 hrs by vehicle ⛺ Return to Cusco

Very early we head up to Machu Picchu by bus (not included) or on foot via the stone steps from Puente Ruinas (approx. 1 hr 30 min). We tour the citadel with our official licensed guide for about 2 hours. Then we descend to Aguas Calientes and hike back to Hidroeléctrica, where we must be by 14:00 – 14:30 to board the vehicle back to Cusco. Estimated arrival between 21:00 and 22:00.

FULL TRANSPARENCY

What's Included in the Expedition

✓

Included Luxury Services

  • Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and tourist transportation Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco.
  • 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom.
  • Dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the available circuit.
  • Official licensed guide during the visit.
  • Assistance in Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes.
✕

Not Included

  • Consettur bus (approx. US$ 12 each way; you can also hike up).
  • Lunch on day 1 and day 2.
  • Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes train (optional, instead of hiking).
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Tips and travel insurance.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Optional Upgrades & Perks

Complement your journey with exclusive comfort experiences and panoramic summits.

Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes Train

Skip the 11 km hike on one of the legs.

+ $39 USD ≈ S/ 135

Round-Trip Consettur Bus

Save yourself the hike up and down from Aguas Calientes.

+ $24 USD ≈ S/ 83

Huayna Picchu Hike

Add-on ticket with an assigned entry time; spots are limited.

+ $75 USD ≈ S/ 259
WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days / 1 Night (via Hydroelectric)

Is the road to Hidroeléctrica safe?

It is a winding mountain road with gravel sections. We work with drivers experienced on the route and well-maintained vehicles. In the rainy season we monitor road conditions closely.

How hard is the hike to Aguas Calientes?

It is a mostly flat trail of approx. 11 km (2.5 to 3 hours). No trekking experience is needed, just comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

Can I return by train instead of by car?

Yes, you can switch your return to the Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo train plus transfer to Cusco by paying the difference. Ask us about availability.

What time do I get back to Cusco on day two?

The vehicle leaves Hidroeléctrica between 14:30 and 15:00 and arrives in Cusco around 21:00 to 22:00.