Embarking on a two-day Machu Picchu adventure by car offers travelers an exciting and culturally immersive experience. Priced at $158 per person, this tour provides convenient hotel pickup, transportation, meals, a knowledgeable guide, and all necessary entrance fees. Guests can look forward to a scenic hike, an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, and a guided exploration of the iconic Inca citadel. With a small group size, the tour promises personalized experiences, though feedback suggests there may be room for improvement in certain areas. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to witness the breathtaking Andean landscapes, this excursion promises a memorable journey that’s sure to leave you captivated.
Key Points
- This 2-day tour provides a comprehensive Machu Picchu experience with transportation, meals, guide, and UNESCO World Heritage site access.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, a scenic hike to Aguas Calientes, and an overnight stay in basic accommodations.
- On day 2, participants can choose to hike or take a bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to hiking requirements.
- Customer reviews are mixed, with some citing issues with transportation, meal quality, and scheduling, but overall the tour offers a cultural experience at Machu Picchu.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Pricing Details
- Itinerary for Day 1
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Itinerary for Day 2
- Included and Excluded
- Important Notes
- Customer Feedback
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
- How Much Time Is Spent at Machu Picchu?
- Is There an Option to Take the Train Instead of Hiking?
- Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More 2-Day Experiences in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The "Machu Picchu by Car" tour offers a 2-day excursion that provides an opportunity to explore the renowned Inca citadel.
Priced at $158 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, meals, a professional guide, and entrance to Machu Picchu.
The small-group experience is limited to 15 participants and features live tour guides available in English and Spanish.
Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, ensuring flexibility for travelers.
Whether you’re seeking an immersive cultural experience or simply want to witness the iconic Machu Picchu, this tour promises a comprehensive and convenient way to discover this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Cusco
Pricing Details
At $158 per person, the "Machu Picchu by Car" tour offers a competitively priced 2-day excursion.
This includes hotel pickup, transportation, meals, a professional guide, entrance to Machu Picchu, and an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.
The small group size, limited to 15 participants, ensures a more personalized experience.
With the tour available in both English and Spanish, it caters to a diverse audience.
Itinerary for Day 1
The tour begins with a morning pickup from the participant’s hotel, usually around 6:00 a.m.
Travelers then head to Hidroelectrica for lunch. After the meal, they’ll embark on a 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. This scenic journey offers a chance to take in the stunning Andean landscape.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you will check into a basic hostel for an overnight stay.
This first day lays the groundwork for the next day’s main event: the guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, travelers check into a basic hostel for their overnight stay.
The accommodations are simple but comfortable, providing a place to rest before the early morning trek to Machu Picchu. Rooms are shared, with bunk beds and basic amenities. Travelers should expect basic facilities, as this is a budget-friendly option.
The hostel is conveniently located, allowing easy access to the bus that takes visitors to the Machu Picchu entrance.
After a long day of hiking, the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes provides a chance to recharge and prepare for the exciting exploration of the ancient Inca citadel the following day.
More Great Tours NearbyItinerary for Day 2
After a restful night in Aguas Calientes, travelers will wake up early for breakfast. They’ll then have two options to reach Machu Picchu – hike up or take a bus. The guided tour of the ruins will last approximately 2.5 hours, providing ample time to explore this iconic site.
| Activity | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Early morning | Fuel up for the day |
| Hike or Bus | Morning | Reach the Machu Picchu entrance |
| Guided Tour | 2.5 hours | Discover the history and mysteries of the site |
| Lunch | Afternoon | Enjoy a meal in Aguas Calientes |
| Return Journey | Afternoon | Walk back to Hidroelectrica, then transportation to Cusco |
The tour will conclude with the return journey to Cusco, arriving near the Plaza de Armas.
Included and Excluded
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation between Cusco, Hidroelectrica, and Aguas Calientes, lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast on the second day.
It also includes a professional guide and entrance to Machu Picchu.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users.
Participants should bring their passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, cash, a daypack, and personal medication.
Alcohol, drugs, sprays, aerosols, and littering aren’t allowed.
The tour has received mixed reviews, with some positive feedback on the hiking experience and accommodations, but negative comments about the return bus condition, food quality, and scheduling issues.
Important Notes
What’s important to know about this Machu Picchu by Car tour?
First, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users.
Secondly, bringing the essentials like a passport, sunglasses, sun hat, and comfortable clothes is a must.
Lastly, certain items are strictly prohibited, such as alcohol, drugs, sprays, and aerosols, as well as littering.
Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience exploring the iconic Machu Picchu site.
-
This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or wheelchair users.
-
Bring your passport, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, cash, and personal medication.
-
Alcohol, drugs, sprays, aerosols, and littering are strictly prohibited.
Customer Feedback
Customers appear to have mixed experiences with the Machu Picchu by Car tour. The overall rating is 2.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the enjoyable hiking experience and basic but acceptable accommodations in Aguas Calientes.
However, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with the return bus condition, the quality of the provided meals, and scheduling issues.
Prospective travelers should consider these points when deciding whether the tour suits their needs and preferences.
While the tour offers a convenient way to visit Machu Picchu, the mixed reviews suggest room for improvement in certain areas of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children. It involves a 3-hour hike along the train tracks and is not recommended for those with heart problems or mobility issues. Parents should consider the itinerary’s physical demands before booking the tour with children.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the Machu Picchu tour, but they’re not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs. It’s best to bring snacks, water, and any necessary medications in a daypack for the hike and tour.
How Much Time Is Spent at Machu Picchu?
The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2.5 hours, during which the tour guide provides an in-depth overview of the ancient Inca citadel. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the site and take in its breathtaking views.
Is There an Option to Take the Train Instead of Hiking?
The tour itinerary doesn’t mention an option to take the train instead of hiking. The hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes is a key part of the 2-day experience, and there’s no indication of a train alternative.
Can I Extend My Stay in Aguas Calientes?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Aguas Calientes. The tour includes one night’s accommodation, but additional nights can be booked separately to explore the town and surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days
“Very good 2-day excursion. The hike along the rails is very pleasant. We also had a very warm welcome in Aguas Calientes. We had a private room and…”
Recap
The "Machu Picchu by Car 2 Days" tour offers a well-rounded experience, providing transportation, accommodation, meals, and a guided exploration of the iconic Inca site. While customer feedback suggests room for improvement, the tour’s itinerary and inclusions make it a reasonably priced and accessible option for those seeking a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu’s history and landscape.
You can check availability for your dates here:
