Machu Picchu by Car 2-Day Tour from Cusco via hidroeléctrica
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Cusco, Peru
- 2 days (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Many Machu Picchu tours rush the experience, shoving it into one long day, leaving you drained afterward. Take your time getting to the ancient site by booking this Machu Picchu by Car 2-Day Tour. Spend your first day traveling from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, and then stay overnight before heading to Machu Picchu for your guided tour. Some meals and one night of accommodations are included for a stress-free trip.
- Guarantee your entrance to Machu Picchu with an admission ticket
- Trek from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes for your overnight stay
- Hike to the top of Machu Picchu and go on a guided tour of the site
- Some meals and one night of accommodations is included
What's Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Round-trip transport Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Cusco
- 1-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour (English/Spanish)
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
The pick up service is provided from your accommodation, as long as it is located near the historic center. If your accommodation is outside this area, we will contact you by WhatsApp at least one day before to coordinate the meeting point. At the end of the tour, the transfer will end at Plaza San Francisco. Please Note: This service doesn't include pick up in private residencies, example; Airbnb or hotels that are outside the historic centre.
Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco - Hidroelectreica - Aguas Calientes
1 Stop
1
Aguas Calientes
12 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Lunch
Day 2
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Hidroelectrica - Cusco
1 Stop
1
Machu Picchu
6 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 99 reviews
Evan_L, Apr 2026
This trip is for the adventurous. You’re paying for a budget travel experience, so expect some bumps in the road and just trust that they will be sorted out. That’s part of the fun. We got everything that we wanted out of this trip and even a couple of unexpected upgrades along the way. Honestly, we had a great time. Our guide at Machu Picchu was great. We did have to miss out on the hiking part of this trip due to a weather-related closure on the Inca Trail (confirmed by national news), which meant we had to throw down a considerable amount of money for a train ride. But that’s no one’s fault, and the company handled the obstacle quite well. That said, I do think there are two things this company should let people know in advance to prevent travel anxiety (something me and my best friend/travel partner are both prone to):
*You will be picking up Machu Picchu tickets on the day before your visit. If you do the hike, then there is a possibility that you’ll pick up your tickets later in the day and you won’t get tickets for the most iconic route. The company told us this two months after we booked (and two weeks before our trip), which wasn’t great for our nerves. Maybe they can work on communicating that earlier and more efficiently.
*Bring ONLY a day pack when you leave Cuzco. We checked out of our hotel on the day we left for Aguas Calientes so that we wouldn’t be leaving behind an unused room,
but that proved to be a problem once we got on the bus and train, where there was little room for extra bags. This is another thing the company should communicate earlier in the booking process.
That’s all for my constructive criticism. Beyond that, I’d just like to thank Jose and this company for ensuring that we made it to Machu Picchu and back to Cuzco in one piece and with exhausted smiles on our faces.
Donna_T, Oct 2025
One thing that was not in the listing was that when you get dropped off near aguascalientes you have to hike five miles to get to the town. We had not expected this. The people were all very friendly and the guide provided us for the day of the tour was excellent. However, other communication was broken, so we didn't know about the hike. Also, the roads were very sketchy for the last two hours. There was supposed to be a bus ride provided back after the trip.But you had to rehike out and we were not prepared to do that.So we ended up purchasing separate train tickets.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We sincerely regret that some aspects of the trip were not what you expected.
We’re glad to hear you had a good experience with the local people and especially with your tour guide — we’ll make sure to pass along your feedback. At the same time, we truly appreciate you pointing out the issues with communication and transportation. We are currently reviewing the listing details and the pre-trip information to ensure future guests are better informed, especially regarding road conditions and return options.
Thank you again for your feedback. It helps us improve and provide a smoother experience for everyone.
Deborah_S, Jul 2025
I found myself in a bind when my original Machu Picchu tour was canceled just two days before. Thankfully, this team stepped in at the last minute and completely saved the day! They were incredibly caring, took the time to explain everything clearly, and made sure I didn’t miss the opportunity to see one of the world’s wonders.
YOS ESPECIALLY went above and beyond, helping me get my entrance ticket and guiding me all the way to Machu Picchu. My guide was not only helpful but also deeply knowledgeable about Inca history and culture. I learned so much and felt truly immersed in the experience.
I’m so grateful! Thank you, thank you for making it happen!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re truly happy we could step in and help when your original tour was canceled—sometimes those last-minute changes turn out to be the most memorable. Yos sounds like an amazing guide, and it’s wonderful to hear how much care and knowledge they brought to your visit. Machu Picchu is such a special place, and we’re glad you felt fully immersed in its history and culture. We appreciate your kind words and are grateful we could make your trip happen. Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead!
Kathleen_C, Jun 2025
The Macchu Picchu tour was Epic. Our tour guides Jose and Yoselin were super accommodating, professional, and personable. On the way there, there was a road that had been closed. This was out of everyone's control. They made it work and kept in constant contact with me to make our group feel safe. The tour was informative and they made sure we were taken care of. They were truly the best :)
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that Jose and Yoselin took such great care of you and your group, especially with the unexpected road closure. It’s wonderful that they kept you informed and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the tour. We’re glad the tour was both enjoyable and informative — your kind words mean a lot to us and the guides. Thanks again for your lovely feedback!
Can_K, Feb 2025
Jose contacted us ever since the booking and informed us very clearly, explained and organized everything even though we booked almost last minute. He was very positive the whole tour and gave us a lot of valuable information about the local culture. Definetly recommended !
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad Jose could provide clear communication and excellent organization, even with your last-minute booking. It’s wonderful to hear that his positive attitude and cultural insights made your tour special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more amazing experiences!
Marc_B, May 2024
We booked a tour to Machu Picchu through Viator for 350 euros, encountering several challenges from the outset. The tour operator, Jose, informed us the evening before the excursion that there were no tickets available. He suggested we could purchase them in Aguas Calientes for an additional 50 soles per person, which we declined. Despite initial miscommunication about ticket availability, Jose later confirmed they were available and assured he would cover their cost since our package was supposed to include them.
The day started with a satisfactory breakfast stop, but lunch and dinner were poorly organized; lunch had scant leftovers, and dinner was served cold and undercooked, with beverages available for purchase. During a three-hour trek to Aguas Calientes, our guide, Franclin, often moved ahead quickly and was frequently out of sight.
Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, we had to stand in line for three hours to purchase tickets—a task Franclin could have handled himself. Later, Franclin misled us regarding the purchase of bus tickets, directing us to buy tickets back to Cusco for an additional 200 dollars. This issue was clarified after contacting the tour leader.
The accommodations arranged by the tour were initially locked upon our arrival, requiring persistent knocking to gain entry, and were lacking in basic supplies like toilet paper.
Franclin introduced us to Edgar the next morning but left due to health issues and did not return as expected. Edgar, who was already present, took over and provided an excellent tour of Machu Picchu, greatly enhancing our experience.
The return journey involved confusion about Franclin's whereabouts, who was supposed to rejoin us. Eventually, we secured a bus directly to Cusco, but the drive was prolonged due to the driver's need for a safety break to prevent an accident.
Despite these logistical issues and poor meal management, the commendable efforts of Jose and the excellent guidance provided by Edgar at Machu Picchu made our visit memorable.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Dear valued guest,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent experience with Encuentros Peru Adventure on TripAdvisor. We sincerely apologize for the challenges you encountered during your tour to Machu Picchu. Your feedback is invaluable to us as it helps us identify areas for improvement and ensure that future guests have a smoother experience.
We are deeply sorry for the initial miscommunication regarding ticket availability and the inconvenience it caused. It is not reflective of the level of service we strive to provide. Rest assured, we are taking steps to ensure better communication and coordination in the future to prevent such issues from occurring again.
We also apologize for the subpar organization of meals and the lack of basic supplies at the accommodations. We understand the importance of providing quality meals and comfortable accommodations, and we are disappointed that we fell short in this regard. We will be reviewing our processes to address these shortcomings and ensure a higher standard of service moving forward.
Regarding the guidance provided by our tour guide Franclin, we appreciate your feedback and apologize for any dissatisfaction caused by his handling of the tour. We will be reviewing our guide training programs to ensure that all guides are equipped to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for our guests.
However, we are delighted to hear that despite these challenges, Edgar was able to step in and provide you with an excellent tour of Machu Picchu, enhancing your overall experience. We will be sure to pass along your compliments to him.
Once again, we apologize for the inconveniences you faced during your tour with us. We truly appreciate your understanding and patience, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for a much-improved experience.
Warm regards,
Ram.
Encuentros Peru Adventure Team
Martin_H, May 2024
I only booked this trip because the 2 day excursion I had previously paid for could not provide tickets for route 1 - the classic view overlooking Machu Picchu.
Viator recommended this one. The trip is not by car, but an extremely uncomfortable minivan ride, with very poor suspension,over a dirt road with a 1 km drop on one side.
I experienced extreme damage to my lower back which required me to consult a doctor who prescribed anti inflammatory and pain medication.
I could not risk taking the minivan return journey over the same road, due to high probability of further back pain, instead I paid 70 U.S dollars for the train. The operator offered me a 15 dollar refund which I never received.
The brightside was the tour guide Edgar who provided an enjoyable and highly knowledgeable experience on Machu Picchu.
I would not recommend this trip at all.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Dear Martin,
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your recent experience with Encuentros Peru Adventure through Viator. We are truly sorry to hear about the discomfort you experienced during the minivan ride and the subsequent impact on your health.
We understand your frustration regarding the transportation provided. While we aim to ensure the comfort and safety of all our guests, we acknowledge that the conditions of the minivan and the rough terrain of the dirt road fell short of expectations. Your feedback regarding the discomfort caused to your lower back is deeply concerning, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or distress this may have caused you.
In regards to the refund for the train ticket, we apologize for any miscommunication or oversight on our part. We strive to handle such situations promptly and fairly, and we regret any delay or inconvenience you may have experienced in receiving your refund.
We are pleased to hear that despite the challenges you faced, our tour guide Edgar was able to provide you with an enjoyable and informative experience at Machu Picchu. We will be sure to pass along your compliments to him.
Please know that your feedback is invaluable to us, and we will be reviewing our transportation options and safety protocols to ensure that such incidents are minimized in the future. We truly appreciate your understanding and patience in this matter.
Once again, we apologize for the discomfort and inconvenience you experienced during your trip with us. If there is anything further we can do to assist you or address your concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Warm regards,
Ram.
Encuentros Peru Adventure Team
Tuyen_P, Apr 2024
The tour Operator was extremely tentative throughout the changes in location since my Spanish was next to none. Guide Edgar for Machu Pichu was extremely informative and spoke excellent English. I highly recommend this Operator and though I only did the 2 day excursion I will be back for a longer expedition into the mountains of Peru. Thank you and see you again soon.
Craig_J, Sep 2023
Loved every minute of this trip. Due to a lack of research and planning I didn't realise how much a trip to Machu Pichu from Cusco would cost. I had reserved myself to the fact I wouldn't see it and then I found this trip on Viator. The trip down was spectacular with mountain views, rivers and waterfalls. The hike up to Agua Calientes following the river was beautiful with butterflies everywhere. Easy hike, virtually flat but there is a train option. I hadn't noticed that lunch and a 3 course dinner in the evening was included. The hostel was clean and the beds comfy. The hike up to Machu Pichu is a bit tougher, mainly steps, but done in 1hr 10 mins. Again there is the bus option (25 mins, $12). Jose met us at the entrance and after an overview left us to explore MP, amazing experience. I hiked back down to bus pick up but others took the bus and train option. I can't say much about the trip back as I slept for most of it. Thank you to Ecuentro Tours for providing a lower priced option. I looked at organising the trip myself but couldn't get it down to anywhere near what I paid ET. (and didn't include the meals!).
Yussef_N, Apr 2023
Bus driver does not stop to use the restroom unless he is stopping at a pitstop where his friends could collext from you to use the restroom. The entire bus had pleaded with him for a quick bathroom break and he refused …45 minutes later he finally stopped at his place of choice. Lunch buffet was no good. Overall poorly organized, wish i had just taken the train and booked everything on my own.
Marie_D, Mar 2026
Catastrophic. You will be accommodated in an unhealthy hotel, indicated closed on google. Notified the evening before the stay. You will have to hike 10 km alone without a guide. Dangerous high-rise bridges will have to be crossed. If you are not athletic or dizzy, it is impossible. My sister almost fell into the current. We didn't get our lunch box and the first day we were taken to a restaurant other than other travelers. A little rice and a piece of avocado was served.
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Response from Host, Mar 2026
Nous regrettons sincèrement que votre expérience n’ait pas été à la hauteur de vos attentes. Toutefois, il nous semble important d’apporter certaines précisions concernant votre commentaire.
Le service a été réalisé conformément à l’itinéraire communiqué à l’avance. De plus, il vous a été clairement indiqué que le groupe était composé de 19 participants. Dans ce type d’expérience, il est tout à fait normal qu’il y ait des rythmes différents (certaines personnes marchant plus vite que d’autres). C’est pourquoi le guide doit avancer à un rythme adapté afin de coordonner l’arrivée au point final. Comme expliqué, le guide vous a récupérés à la fin du trajet en bus et ne vous a en aucun cas abandonnés.
Concernant la randonnée, l’itinéraire emprunté est une route connue et habituelle pour ce type de tour d’aventure, et ne correspond pas à la description faite dans votre avis. Des indications ont été données tout au long du parcours.
En ce qui concerne l’hébergement, celui-ci correspond à une catégorie 3 étoiles, conforme au service proposé pour ce type de circuit. Nous regrettons qu’il n’ait pas été à votre convenance. Toutefois, aucune réclamation ne nous a été communiquée durant le déroulement du service, ce qui ne nous a pas permis d’intervenir à temps pour proposer une solution.
Concernant les repas, les services inclus ont bien été fournis. Néanmoins, nous allons vérifier en interne afin d’améliorer continuellement notre service.
Nous souhaitons également préciser que nous avons maintenu une communication constante avec vous tout au long du tour. Cependant, à la fin du service, vous avez exprimé plusieurs insatisfactions concernant le guide, l’hébergement et les repas, en demandant un remboursement total. Vous avez également indiqué que, si cette demande n’était pas acceptée, vous publieriez des avis négatifs sur les réseaux sociaux et déposeriez une plainte contre notre entreprise. Ce type de comportement est inacceptable et nous le rejetons totalement.
C’est la première fois que nous faisons face à une telle situation. Votre commentaire porte atteinte à notre réputation, que nous avons construite en offrant un service de qualité et une attention personnalisée à tous nos clients.
Nous réaffirmons notre engagement envers la qualité de nos services et vous remercions pour vos remarques, qui nous permettent de continuer à nous améliorer.
Benedikt_H, May 2024
Wer sich die circa 60 Euro für den Zug sparen will aber dennoch eine professionelle Betreuung will, ist genau Richtig bei dieser Tour.
Die Fahrt durchs Gebirge rauf auf 4000 Meter und dann wieder runter in den Dschungel ist ein Erlebnis. Der letzte Abschnitt auf einer Schotterpiste durch den Canyon ist nichts für Schwäche nerven!
Die kurze Wanderung zusammen mit dem guide entlang der Bahn Gleise nach aqua caliente macht spass und ist nicht zu anstrengend.
Unterbringung vor Ort ist völlig in Ordnung.
Wir haben vor Ort entschieden doch mit dem Bus rauf und runter nach machu pichu zu fahren und sind auch mit dem Zug zurück gefahren. Unsere guides haben uns bei allem super unterstützt.
Die guides waren wirklich super und haben auch oben in machu Picchu alles super erklärt.
Das einzige was nicht so gut war, war die Wartezeit Beim Abendessen.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Lieber Gast,
Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, Ihre Erfahrung mit Encuentros Peru Adventure auf Viator zu teilen! Es freut uns sehr zu hören, dass Sie mit unserer Tour zufrieden waren und eine professionelle Betreuung genießen konnten.
Die Fahrt durch die atemberaubende Landschaft der Anden und den Übergang in den Dschungel ist wirklich ein unvergessliches Erlebnis. Wir verstehen, dass die Fahrt auf der Schotterpiste durch den Canyon eine Herausforderung sein kann, aber es freut uns zu hören, dass Sie die Abenteuerlust mitgebracht haben, um dies zu genießen.
Die kurze Wanderung entlang der Bahngleise nach Aguas Calientes ist in der Tat eine angenehme Möglichkeit, sich zu bewegen und die Umgebung zu erkunden, ohne zu anstrengend zu sein.
Wir freuen uns, dass Sie vor Ort flexibel waren und sich entschieden haben, den Bus für die Fahrt nach Machu Picchu zu nutzen und mit dem Zug zurückzukehren. Unsere Guides sind immer bereit, Sie bei Ihren Entscheidungen zu unterstützen und sicherzustellen, dass Sie das Beste aus Ihrer Reise herausholen.
Es freut uns sehr zu hören, dass unsere Guides Ihre Erwartungen übertroffen haben und Ihnen eine großartige Erfahrung in Machu Picchu geboten haben. Wir legen großen Wert darauf, unseren Gästen ein tiefes Verständnis und eine Bereicherung während ihrer Reise zu bieten.
Wir entschuldigen uns aufrichtig für die Wartezeit beim Abendessen. Ihre Rückmeldung ist wichtig für uns, und wir werden sicherstellen, dass wir unsere Prozesse überprüfen, um solche Wartezeiten in Zukunft zu minimieren.
Nochmals vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback und Ihre Unterstützung. Wir hoffen, Sie in Zukunft wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen, um Ihnen erneut eine unvergessliche Reise zu bieten.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Ram.
Encuentros Peru Adventure Team
Douglas_d, Sep 2023
Tudo conforme combinado, a agência foi muito atenciosa na comunicação e o passeio foi fantástico....
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