Machu Picchu Tour By Bus 2 Days

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Machu Picchu, Cusco

Duration

2 days

Max People

Min Age

Pickup

Airpot

Destinations: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Abra Málaga Pass – Santa María – Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Citadel.

Looking for an incredible, budget-friendly, and scenic alternative to the traditional train route? The 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by Bus is the perfect choice. This overland adventure takes you through a dramatic shift in landscapes—from the high, snow-capped Andean peaks of Abra Málaga to the lush, semi-tropical cloud forests of the Cusco Amazon brow.

On Day 1, you will enjoy a breathtaking drive to Hidroeléctrica, followed by a scenic flat hike along the railway lines surrounded by towering canyon walls. After spending a relaxing night in an Aguas Calientes hotel, Day 2 is fully dedicated to exploring the majestic Inka sanctuary. Accompanied by our expert private guide, you will uncover the historic secrets of the citadel before returning back to Cusco overland.

The Cusco Land Expeditions Advantage: We ensure your adventure is smooth and secure. Our overland tours utilize modern, air-conditioned transport with professional drivers experienced on mountain roads. Like our premier services, we secure your official Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets well in advance so you can grab the iconic panoramic postcard photos without stress.

Trip Details

Highest Elevation (Pass): 4,316 meters / 14,160 feet
Service: Small Group / Private Options Available
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night (Overnight in Aguas Calientes)
Trek Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (Flat terrain)
Transportation: Semi-Tropical Bus Tour & Shuttle Bus

Recommendations

Be prepared for a long, winding drive with spectacular panoramic jungle views.
Wear sturdy running shoes or light hiking shoes for the 3-hour walk along the flat railway.
Stay hydrated! The weather along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes is warm and humid.
Pack a small carry-on backpack for the night and leave your heavy luggage at your hotel in Cusco.

What to Bring

Original Physical Passport (Strictly required for entering Machu Picchu).
High-grade mosquito repellent (essential for the Amazonian brow segment).
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat.
Light rain jacket or poncho (weather changes rapidly in the cloud forest).

Tour Plan

Day 01 Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and Scenic Trek to Aguas Calientes

06:00 AM – Departure from Cusco & Ascent to the Andes

We pick you up early from your hotel or designated meeting point in Cusco. Our journey begins by climbing out of the Cusco valley, crossing the breathtaking scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, and reaching the highest point of our drive at the spectacular Abra Málaga pass (4,316 meters).
10:30 AM – Descent into the Semi-Tropical Jungle

From the high mountain pass, we begin a stunning overland descent into the high Amazon basin. Watch the landscape transform rapidly from jagged icy mountains to dense green cloud forests. We will pass through the mountain towns of Santa María and Santa Teresa.
01:00 PM – Lunch at Hidroeléctrica

We arrive at the Hidroeléctrica checkpoint station where we will enjoy a delicious, energizing local lunch and a brief rest before setting off on foot.
02:00 PM – Scenic Walk along the Train Tracks

We begin our flat, 10-kilometer (3-hour) hike following the railway path to Aguas Calientes. This pleasant trail winds directly through the jungle valley, flanked by colossal green mountains, the Vilcanota River, and diverse native wildlife. (Note: Optional local train transfers from Hidroeléctrica to town can be arranged on-site if you prefer not to walk).
05:30 PM – Arrival in Aguas Calientes & Overnight

Upon walking into Aguas Calientes town, you will check into your comfortable hotel. In the evening, you will meet with your expert tour guide for a thorough briefing on tomorrow’s tour, followed by a cozy dinner and overnight rest.

Day 02 Exploring Machu Picchu Sanctuary and Return to Cusco

06:00 AM – Shuttle Bus up to Machu Picchu Citadel

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we board the official eco-shuttle bus for a 25-minute ride climbing up the mountain slopes to the archaeological park gates.
07:00 AM – Private Guided Tour of the Inka Sanctuary (Circuit 2)

Pass through the security gates and enter the magnificent ancient citadel. Your local private guide will walk you through Circuit 2—the ultimate postcard route. You will explore key locations including the Guardian’s House, Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Intihuatana, capturing unbeatable panoramic pictures while learning about the engineering and secrets of the Inkas during a comprehensive 3-hour tour.
11:00 AM – Return Descent to Hidroeléctrica

After completing your unforgettable sanctuary tour, you will take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes. From there, you will begin your return walk along the railway lines back to the Hidroeléctrica station.
02:00 PM – Departure Drive Back to Cusco

Our private transport will meet you at Hidroeléctrica. We will embark on the return drive, tracing back up through the cloud forest, over the mountain passes, and returning you comfortably right back to your hotel or center point in Cusco around 09:30 PM.

INCLUDED

Briefing about the tour one day before in our office.
Tourist transportation Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco.
01 Lunch, 01 Dinner (Day 1) and 01 Breakfast (Day 2).
01 Night in Hostel in Aguas Calientes (Private room with bathroom and hot shower)
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Professional tour guide in Machu Picchu

NOT INCLUDED

Meals not mentioned as the first breakfast and the last lunch (You have places to buy food).
Train Hidroeléctrica – Aguas calientes – Hidroeléctrica (US$ 31 each way)
Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (US$ 12 each way)

OPTIONAL:

Extra Night in accommodation in Aguas Calientes US$ 20.00 (only room) this allow you stay a hole day in Machupicchu on second day then go back to sleep a second night in Aguas Calientes and come back on third day to Cusco in the same time (there is not transportation before or after); this is a good option for those who would like to climb Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machupicchu Mountain (These are extra hikes of 2 and a half and 3 and a half hours, you can choose only one of them, any of those have an extra cost of US$ 25.00).