Peru's national tour operator

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Machu Picchu by car hike 2 days tour

The most complete Machu Picchu tour via the Amazon Route from Cusco, featuring breathtaking cloud forest landscapes, a scenic hike to Aguas Calientes, and a guided visit to the legendary Inca citadel.

From:

$185USD

per person

Secure your spot with only 50%

20 + verified reviews

Confirmation

Immediate

Duration

2 days

Difficulty

Easy

Daily departures

365 days a year

Trip type

Group or private

Save your spot with only 50%

Machu Picchu by car hike 2 days tour

La forma más aventurera de llegar a Machu Picchu desde Cusco por la ruta alternativa vía Hidroeléctrica.

Recorre paisajes andinos y de selva alta, camina junto a la vía férrea y descubre Machu Picchu en un viaje de 2 días.

Group Tour

Private Tour

Tour Overview Machu Picchu by car hike 2 days tour

Your Experience at a Glance:

Day 1

Machu Picchu via the Amazon Route

Day 2

Machu Picchu via the Amazon Route

Total Hotel Nights

Cusco

1 Night

Expert Travel Tips

Who Is the 2 Day Machu Picchu Amazon Route from Cusco Ideal For?

It is an excellent option for travelers who want to experience Machu Picchu in a more adventurous way and enjoy the journey rather than limiting the experience to the Inca citadel itself.

Along the route, you’ll discover Andean landscapes, cloud forest, and small towns before reaching Aguas Calientes.

What Makes the 2 Day Machu Picchu Amazon Route from Cusco Special?

What makes this experience special is the variety of landscapes you’ll encounter throughout the journey.

You’ll travel from the mountains of Abra Málaga into the lush vegetation of the cloud forest, passing through Santa María and Santa Teresa before continuing toward Machu Picchu.

Is the 2 Day Machu Picchu Amazon Route from Cusco Worth It?

Yes. It is an attractive alternative for travelers who want to combine Machu Picchu with adventure, hiking, and diverse landscapes in the Cusco region.

By traveling over two days, you’ll have more time to enjoy the journey and experience a completely different route from the traditional train option.

Your Experience at a Glance:

6:00 AM

Hotel pickup in Cusco

8:30 AM

Abra Málaga (4,316 m.a.s.l.)

9:00 AM

Descent into the cloud forest

12:00 PM

À la carte lunch

2:00 PM

Hike from Hydroelectric
to Aguas Calientes

5:30 PM

Arrival in Aguas Calientes

6:30 PM

Briefing with your guide and free time

6:00 a.m. - Hotel Pickup in Cusco

We begin our Machu Picchu Amazon Route Tour at 6:00 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco.

From there, we’ll head toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas to begin the adventure.

8:30 a.m. - Abra Málaga (4,316 m.a.s.l.)

After a couple of hours on the road, we’ll reach Abra Málaga, the highest point of our route.

From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and mountains surrounding the area.

9:00 a.m. - Descent into the Cloud Forest

We’ll continue our journey by descending into the cloud forest, where the landscape gradually changes, revealing more abundant vegetation and a warmer climate.

Along the way, we’ll pass through small towns, including Santa María and Santa Teresa, where we’ll make brief stops so you can purchase fruit, drinks, or snacks if you wish (not included).

12:00 p.m. -Arrival at Hydroelectric & Lunch

After approximately 6 hours of travel by van from Cusco, we’ll arrive at Hydroelectric.

Before beginning the hike, you’ll have time to recharge at a local restaurant, where you can choose from a selection of dishes on the menu.

2:00 p.m. - Hike from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes 12 km

From Hydroelectric, we’ll begin the 12 km (7.5 mi) hike to Aguas Calientes, following a scenic route surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains.

You can complete this section independently or travel accompanied by a guide from Cusco, depending on the option you choose. (Pricing details are provided below.)

5:30 p.m. - Arrival in Aguas Calientes

After approximately 3.5 hours of hiking, we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into your hotel with a private bathroom and hot water.

6:30 p.m. - Briefing with Your Guide & Free Time

Once you’re settled in, our Machu Picchu based guide will contact you to provide important instructions and explain the plan for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy dinner, explore Aguas Calientes, or relax in the town’s hot springs if you prefer (admission is optional).

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Included

    • Transportation from Cusco to Hydroelectric.
    • Professional Spanish/English-speaking guide (additional fee applies for guide accompaniment; pricing details are provided below).
    • Lunch in Santa Teresa.
    • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (details provided below).

Not Included

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Optional Add Ons

One night hotel stay in Aguas Calientes (pricing details are provided below).

*Check in: 12:00 PM

Area Information

Maximum Altitude

4,316 m.a.s.l. / 14,160 ft

Minimum Altitude

1,800 m.a.s.l. / 5,905 ft

Maximum Temperature

28°C / 82°F

Minimum Temperature

0°C / 32°F

Expert Travel Tips

Is It Worth Visiting Machu Picchu via the Amazon Route?

Yes. Traveling to Machu Picchu via the Amazon Route is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to make the journey itself part of the adventure.

The route combines mountain and cloud forest landscapes with the hike from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes, offering a different experience before visiting the Inca citadel.

What Makes the Amazon Route to Machu Picchu Special?

The Amazon Route to Machu Picchu stands out for combining road travel, nature, and hiking in a single journey.

As you descend from the Andes into the cloud forest, you’ll experience noticeable changes in climate, vegetation, and scenery, making the journey to Machu Picchu an important part of the overall experience.

Is the Amazon Route to Machu Picchu Recommended if I Don’t Like Hiking?

No. It is not the most suitable option if you want to reach Machu Picchu with as little physical effort as possible.

The Amazon Route to Machu Picchu includes a hike between Hydroelectric and Aguas Calientes, making it better suited for travelers who enjoy walking, being surrounded by nature, and experiencing a more adventurous journey.

Choose the Schedule That Works Best for You

Option 1

4:00 AM – Hike to Machu Picchu

Option 2

5:30 AM – Bus Ride to Machu Picchu

Return to Cusco: Option 1

Hike via Hydroelectric

Return to Cusco: Option 2

Tourist Train

Option 1: Hike to Machu Picchu – 4:00 a.m.

If you prefer a more adventurous experience, you can wake up at around 4:00 AM and begin the hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.

Our program includes the bus ride up to and down from Machu Picchu. If you choose to hike both ways instead, USD 24.00 can be deducted from the tour price. To request this change, contact one of our travel advisors using the green WhatsApp button.

Option 2: Bus Ride to Machu Picchu – 5:30 a.m.

If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can take the first bus departing at 5:30 AM for Machu Picchu.

Our program includes both the bus ride up to Machu Picchu and the return journey to Aguas Calientes. If you prefer to hike both ways, USD 24.00 can be deducted from the tour price.

Contact one of our travel advisors using the green WhatsApp button to arrange this option.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Approximately 3 Hours Once inside Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy a private guided tour through the temples, plazas, and panoramic viewpoints of the Inca citadel. The exact places visited will depend on the Machu Picchu circuit assigned to your entrance ticket.

The earlier you book this itinerary with us, the better the chance of securing one of the most complete circuits available. Contact your travel advisor through the WhatsApp button for more information.

Time at Machu Picchu With us, you’ll enter Machu Picchu with your guide and complete the visit accompanied by the same guide.

Our team will be there to answer your questions, explain the history of the site, and help you take memorable photos so you can make the most of your visit to this world famous Inca wonder.
Hike Back to Aguas Calientes Approximately 1.5 Hours After your guided visit, you can choose to descend on foot to Aguas Calientes. This approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) downhill hike takes around 1.5 hours.

Our program already includes the bus ride up and down. If you decide to hike both sections instead, USD 24.00 can be deducted from the program price. Contact one of our travel advisors through the green WhatsApp button to request this change.

Return to Cusco – Option 1: Hike via Hydroelectric

The essence of the Machu Picchu Amazon Route is combining your visit to the Inca citadel with a hiking adventure.

From Aguas Calientes, you can hike back to Hydroelectric, where our driver will be waiting to begin the return journey to Cusco.

Arrival is scheduled for approximately 10:00 PM at Plaza Regocijo, located one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

Return to Cusco – Option 2: Tourist Train

If you prefer a faster and more comfortable return journey, you can choose the The Voyager or Expedition tourist train when making your reservation.

This option allows you to combine the hiking experience of the Amazon Route with a scenic train journey, arriving back in Cusco at approximately 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, depending on availability and how far in advance you book.

Mapi by Car la alternativa que todo viajero debe vivir get in peru

Included

  • Transportation from Hydroelectric to Cusco (Option 1: Hiking Route).
  • The Voyager or Expedition tourist train (Option 2: Train).
  • Professional private Spanish/English-speaking guide inside Machu Picchu.

Not Included

  • Meals in general.

Area Information

Maximum Altitude

4,316 m.a.s.l. / 14,160 ft

Minimum Altitude

1,800 m.a.s.l. / 5,905 ft

Maximum Temperature

28°C / 82°F

Minimum Temperature

16°C / 60°F

Distance

15 km / 9.3 mi

Climate

Usually humid and warm

Expert Travel Tips

What Makes the Second Day of the Machu Picchu Amazon Route Special?

The second day is the most anticipated part of the journey, as you’ll finally visit Machu Picchu after completing the Amazon Route.

Starting early allows you to make the most of the morning and enjoy your experience inside the Inca citadel at a more comfortable pace.

Is It Better to Hike or Take the Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

Both options are good and depend on your travel style. Hiking adds more adventure and allows you to experience the natural surroundings, while taking the bus helps you save energy for exploring Machu Picchu.

If you want to make the most of your guided visit, the bus is usually the more comfortable option.

Should I Hike Up to Machu Picchu if I’m Not in Good Physical Condition?

No. It is not the most recommended option. The hike from Aguas Calientes includes many stairs and a considerable elevation gain, which can be physically demanding before entering Machu Picchu.

If you prefer to save your energy for exploring the sanctuary, taking the bus is the more convenient choice during your Machu Picchu Amazon Route experience.

¿Porqué este tour es diferente?

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Reserva con confianza

Días
Horas
Minutos
Segundos

LATAM   SKY   JETSMART   DELTA   COPA

Lima – Cuzco

Desde

82.00 USD

Miami – Lima

Desde

520.00 USD

Precios ida y vuelta para viajar en determinados meses, cotiza otros destinos.

© Aplican terminos y condiciones

Included
  • 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
  • Transportation from Cusco to Hydroelectric.
  • Professional Spanish/English-speaking guide at Machu Picchu.
  • Lunch in Santa Teresa.
  • Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (details provided below).
  • Transportation from Hydroelectric to Cusco (Option 1: Hiking Route).
  • The Voyager or Expedition tourist train (Option 2: Train).
  • Professional private Spanish/English-speaking guide inside Machu Picchu.
  • Tips for the guides.
  • Dinner on the first day.
  • Lunch on the second day.
  • Dinner on the second day.
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Travel insurance (Peruvian regulations recommend entering Peru with travel insurance purchased in your country of origin).
  • We work with selected clinics and can help you arrange medical assistance if needed. The clinics can process the travel insurance you purchased beforehand; however, they do not provide travel insurance themselves.
  • Additional entrance tickets or optional activities.
  • Personal medications.
  • A clear photo of your passport.
  • Small daypack (preferably with a rain cover).
  • Water (we recommend bringing 1 liter per day).
  • Rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
  • Extra snacks.
  • Hiking shoes and pants.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Lip balm.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, long-sleeved shirts, etc.).
  • Cash in Peruvian soles (PEN).

AVOID SCAMS!

GET IN PERU only requires a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.

The remaining balance must be paid 3 days before your departure.

Contact your travel advisor for more information or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.

Travel Your Way

Price per person

Rates that include a hotel night in the lower town are calculated based on a minimum of two people, in a double, matrimonial, or triple room. If you are traveling alone, the price will vary—please contact us and we’ll plan the perfect trip together.

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Additionals to your trip

1 night Hotel 2*

+18.00 USD ⓘ

1 night Hotel 3*

+33.00 USD ⓘ

Tour guide from Cusco

+148.00 USD ⓘ

Belong to CAN?

-25.00 USD ⓘ

cusco

Tour Privado, conoce todos estos increibles destinos teniendo más tiempo y llevandote las mejores fotos con nuestros guías especializados a tu disposición, valores aplican de 2 a más personas..

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More than 7500+ Happy Travelers

Shera Zad - Panama
Shera Zad - Panama
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We are from the Shera Zad group. Our experience with GET IN PERU was great! They gave us the best attention and service. We had an excellent tour and tour guide. They met our expectations, and we had a great vacation. Thank you...
Nicole - Colombia
Nicole - Colombia
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Highly recommended agency, everyone was very kind and always willing to help and answer questions. All the organization and logistics for each of the places we visited were perfect, on time, and exactly as described in each itinerary. Excellent service!
Bibiana - Ecuador
Bibiana - Ecuador
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GET IN PERÚ made our trip to Peru unforgettable. From the moment we were looking at options and itineraries, until the moment they dropped us back off at the airport, they were looking out for us and always ready to help. Highly recommended, I still have several places left to visit and I would definitely return with them.
Adriana - Colombia
Adriana - Colombia
Verified Traveler
I had the pleasure of traveling with a group of friends to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain under the guidance and advice of David and his team. One of the best travel experiences, they were always very attentive, willing to resolve any questions, and ready to help you with photos so you could take home great memories; they turned the trip into an unforgettable adventure full of professionalism and camaraderie. I hope to return to Cusco for more amazing trips... 100% recommended.
Juliet - France
Juliet - France
Verified Traveler
We took a tour of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain and it was a great and wonderful experience. They were very attentive and their assistance was highly personalized. When I return, I will definitely call them again 😊
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Jadhyra M. - USA
Verified Traveler
My partner and I had a great time with the organization of GET IN PERÚ. We loved how flexible they were with us since my boyfriend is a heavy sleeper. They were always willing to help and are, without a doubt, highly trustworthy. Very attentive and also very gentlemanly.
Miguel - Mexico
Miguel - Mexico
Verified Traveler
From the very beginning of the trip, everything was excellent. The support with making payments and their punctuality upon our arrival gave us a lot of peace of mind, as it was our first experience in another country. All the guides were very well-prepared and great people, very kind. Everything was on time and there was never a single setback. Honestly, this was a fundamental part of making it an incredible experience. Highly recommended, thank you for everything!!!

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Everything You Need to Know
Before You Travel

The Machu Picchu Amazon Route is an alternative way to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco, combining overland transportation and hiking. The route crosses Abra Málaga, descends into the cloud forest, and continues to Hydroelectric, where you’ll begin the hike to Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the following day.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: It’s an excellent alternative for travelers looking to combine Machu Picchu with adventure, hiking, and landscapes that transition from the Andes to the cloud forest.

📍 Did You Know? During the journey, you’ll travel from Abra Málaga at 4,316 m (14,160 ft) above sea level into areas with a much warmer climate and more tropical vegetation.

The 2 Day Machu Picchu Amazon Route Tour from Cusco begins at approximately 6:00 AM with pickup from your hotel. On the first day, you’ll cross Abra Málaga, descend into the cloud forest, and, after lunch, continue to Hydroelectric before hiking to Aguas Calientes.

The second day is dedicated to visiting Machu Picchu, with the option to begin the hike from Aguas Calientes at 4:00 AM or take the bus at approximately 5:30 AM.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: Get a good night’s rest in Aguas Calientes, as the second day starts very early.

📍 Did You Know? The Amazon Route allows you to experience high-Andean landscapes, cloud forest, and lush tropical vegetation all in the same journey.

One of the main hiking sections of the Machu Picchu Amazon Route is the trail between Hydroelectric and Aguas Calientes. On similar routes via Hydroelectric, this section is approximately 10 to 11 kilometers (6.2 to 6.8 miles) and usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your walking pace.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, carry enough water, and use a lightweight backpack to make the hike more enjoyable.

📍 Did You Know? Much of the route to Aguas Calientes follows relatively flat terrain surrounded by lush vegetation.

The hike from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes is generally considered easy to moderate, as much of the route has little elevation gain. However, the distance and weather conditions can make it more challenging for travelers who are not used to walking for several hours.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: Maintain a steady pace and avoid carrying unnecessary luggage. A small, lightweight backpack will make the hike much more comfortable.

📍 Did You Know? This hike has become one of the best-known alternative ways to reach Aguas Calientes without completing the entire journey by train.

Yes. The Machu Picchu Amazon Route is an alternative to the traditional journey made primarily by train. Instead of traveling directly to Aguas Calientes by rail, this route combines overland transportation from Cusco to Hydroelectric with a hike to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: Choose this route if you value adventure and hiking. If your priority is reducing physical effort and travel time, the train may be a more convenient option.

📍 Did You Know? The road journey crosses Abra Málaga before descending into the cloud forest, creating one of the most striking landscape contrasts along the route.

The overnight stay is in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. According to the itinerary, after hiking from Hydroelectric, you’ll arrive at approximately 5:30 PM, followed by a briefing with your guide at around 6:30 PM before enjoying some free time.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: Prepare everything you’ll need for Machu Picchu the night before. This will help you get ready quickly for the early start the following morning.

📍 Did You Know? Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes allows you to begin the journey up to Machu Picchu very early the next morning.

Yes. On our Machu Picchu Amazon Route itinerary, you can choose to begin the hike to Machu Picchu at approximately 4:00 AM. Alternatively, you can take the bus, with departures beginning at approximately 5:30 AM.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you plan to hike up, go to bed early and carry only the essentials to make the ascent easier and more comfortable.

📍 Did You Know? Hiking from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu requires considerably more physical effort than the previous day’s hike between Hydroelectric and Aguas Calientes.

After visiting Machu Picchu, the itinerary offers two options for returning to Cusco: hike back via the Hydroelectric Route or choose the tourist train return option.

This flexibility allows you to customize the second day according to your budget, available time, and preferred level of physical effort.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you prefer a less physically demanding journey after visiting Machu Picchu, consider returning by train.

📍 Did You Know? Your choice of return transportation can significantly change the experience of the second day, so it’s best to decide which option you prefer before your trip.

For the Machu Picchu Amazon Route, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, lightweight layered clothing, a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat or cap, water, snacks, personal documents, and a small backpack.

Due to the significant change in altitude between Abra Málaga and the cloud forest, you may experience very different weather conditions within the same day. For the route via Hydroelectric, we also recommend sun protection, rain gear, water, and footwear with good traction.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: Avoid carrying a heavy backpack. During the hike to Aguas Calientes, you’ll appreciate traveling with only the essentials.

📍 Did You Know? In just a few hours, this route descends from 4,316 m (14,160 ft) above sea level at Abra Málaga into the warmer, lush environment of the cloud forest.

Yes, especially for travelers who want to experience Machu Picchu from Cusco via a more adventurous route, combining road travel, Andean landscapes, cloud forest, and hiking via Hydroelectric.

Unlike an experience focused primarily on train travel, the 2 Day Machu Picchu Amazon Route makes the journey to the Inca citadel an important part of the adventure. Similar routes via Hydroelectric are known for combining nature, hiking, and less reliance on train transportation.

💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you enjoy hiking and want the journey to Machu Picchu to be part of the experience itself, this route can be an excellent choice.

📍 Did You Know? This route allows you to reach Aguas Calientes via Hydroelectric and visit Machu Picchu on the morning of the second day.

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