2 Day Machu Picchu Tour by Bus from Cusco

Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, on a 2 day tour from Cusco. The Amazon Route is the budget alternative to the train: longer, and mostly by road and on foot.

The journey begins with a bus transfer from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica bus station. The drive crosses the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then high Andean country, and drops into humid cloud forest. In the afternoon you will enjoy a delicious lunch before arriving at Hidroeléctrica around 2:30 PM. From here the walk to Aguas Calientes begins: 25 minutes on the flat, a 10 minute climb, and about 2 more hours along the railway. We arrive between 5:30 and 5:50 PM and check into our assigned hotel. In the evening you will savor a warm and welcoming tourist dinner, with vegetarian options available. At 8:30 PM you will meet your Machu Picchu guide for an informative briefing about the next day’s visit, then request your breakfast at reception before resting for the big day ahead.

On the second day we wake up early at 5:00 AM to enjoy breakfast and prepare for our ascent to Machu Picchu. The hike takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the entrance gate, although there is the option to take a bus for 25 minutes at an additional cost, with the first departure at 5:30 AM. At the entrance, you will meet your local guide and the rest of the group to begin a fascinating two hour guided tour of the most important areas of the citadel, learning about its history, architecture and cultural significance. After the guided portion you have free time until 11:20 AM.

Following your visit, we begin the return journey with a 45 minute downhill walk to Puente Ruinas, continuing on a flat trail back to Hidroeléctrica. The minibuses wait between 2:00 PM and 2:20 PM for the drive back to Cusco, arriving at Plaza San Francisco around 9:45 PM.

1. Day 1

   Day 1: Journey to Aguas Calientes

   • Departure from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica: Start the journey by bus from Cusco toward Hidroeléctrica.
   • First Rest Stop at Local Restaurant: Take a break and enjoy refreshments along the way.
   • Pass Through Ollantaytambo: Drive past the historic Sacred Valley town.
   • Lunch Stop at Hidroeléctrica: Pause for lunch before beginning the trek.
   • Trek to Aguas Calientes (11 km): Hike along scenic train tracks surrounded by lush landscapes to reach Aguas Calientes.
   • Hotel Check-In & Free Time: Arrive at your hotel and relax or explore the town at leisure.
   • Dinner: Enjoy a hearty meal after the trek.
   • Evening Briefing with Guide: Attend a guide-led briefing to prepare for the Machu Picchu visit the next day.
2. Day 2

   Day 2: Machu Picchu Adventure and Return to Cusco

   • Breakfast: Start the day with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
   • Walk to Puente Ruinas: Begin the walk from town toward the entrance of Machu Picchu.
   • Hike to Machu Picchu Entrance: the climb to the citadel gate on foot.
   • Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Explore the historic Inca sanctuary with a professional guide, learning about its architecture, history, and significance.
   • Begin Return Hike to Hidroeléctrica: Trek back along the same trail toward Hidroeléctrica.
   • Bus Departure to Cusco: Board the bus for the journey back to Cusco.
   • Arrival in Cusco – Plaza San Francisco: Conclude the tour with arrival and drop-off at Plaza San Francisco.