2-Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco via Hidroeléctrica

Two days crossing the Andes, hiking cloud forest, and walking Machu Picchu with a guide

This 2-day guided tour from Cusco reaches Machu Picchu via a scenic drive to Hidroeléctrica and a 10 km hike through tropical forest, with one night in Aguas Calientes and a 2.5-hour guided tour of the citadel included. Hotel pickup in Cusco starts the first morning at 6:00 a.m. You return to Cusco by 9:00 p.m. on day two. The tour includes accommodation, all meals, entrance ticket, round-trip transport, and a guide in English or Spanish (Italian, French and one additional language also available).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Aguas Calientes via Hidroeléctrica

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Drive to Hidroeléctrica with stops
• Lunch at Hidroeléctrica
• Hike 10 km to Aguas Calientes
• Check in to accommodation
• Evening briefing with guide

Day 2: Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

• Travel to Machu Picchu entrance
• Choose bus or hike up
• 2.5-hour guided Machu Picchu tour
• Return hike to Hidroeléctrica
• Bus from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco
• Arrive in Cusco evening

The experience

The drive from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica takes 6 to 7 hours, climbing through Abra Málaga at 4,316 meters before descending into the cloud forest with short stops for rest and snacks. Lunch is included at Hidroeléctrica. From there, you hike 10 km along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes: about 2.5 to 3 hours of walking through tropical vegetation and mountain views, arriving around 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. That evening, your guide briefs you on the next day's plan and logistics for entering Machu Picchu.

On day two, you reach Machu Picchu either by bus (30 minutes, USD 12 extra) or by hiking for about 1.5 hours. Once inside, a 2.5-hour guided tour covers the citadel's history, architecture and layout. After the visit, you return to Hidroeléctrica along the same route (approximately 2.5 hours), then board the bus back to Cusco, arriving around 9:00 p.m.

The tour is built for travelers with at least moderate physical fitness: the first day combines a long drive with a multi-hour hike, and the second day adds the ascent to the site itself. Children are welcome from age 7. A guide leads the group in English or Spanish, and the company also offers tours in Italian, French and one additional language.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and back.
• one night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
• lunch on day one and breakfast on day two.
• entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• 2.5-hour guided tour of the citadel in English or Spanish (Italian, French and one additional language also available).
• hotel pickup in Cusco.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 10 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Encuentros Peru Adventure

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to reach Machu Picchu without flying to a higher altitude first: the gradual descent through the cloud forest and the overnight in Aguas Calientes let your body adjust while you cover the distance. It suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable hiking for several hours across two days and want a guide to explain what they are standing in front of.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (7 to 10 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What's the hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes actually like?

The 10 km hike follows railway tracks through cloud forest and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. The terrain is mostly flat with some uphill sections, surrounded by tropical vegetation and mountain views, and you arrive in Aguas Calientes by late afternoon.

Do I have to hike up to Machu Picchu on day two, or can I take the bus?

You can choose: a bus ride takes 30 minutes and costs USD 12 extra, or you can hike for about 1.5 hours on a route that is partly flat and partly uphill. Either way, you enter the site and spend 2.5 hours there with your guide.

What meals are included in the 2-day tour?

Lunch is included on day one at Hidroeléctrica, and breakfast is included on day two. Dinner on day one in Aguas Calientes is not included in the tour price.

Is the Machu Picchu entrance ticket included?

Yes, the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the tour price. Your guide will help you with any last details regarding your ticket when you arrive in Aguas Calientes on day one.

What time does the tour start and when do I get back to Cusco?

Hotel pickup in Cusco happens between 6:00 a.m. and 6:20 a.m. on day one. You return to Cusco around 9:00 p.m. on day two after the bus ride back from Hidroeléctrica.