Machu Picchu Tour by Car 3 Days – Adventure Route to Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu Tour by Car 3 Days / 2 Nights is a great option for travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu in a more affordable, scenic, and adventurous way. Instead of taking the train, this route takes you by road through the Andes and the cloud forest to Hidroelectrica, followed by a beautiful hike to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a slower-paced experience, more time in Aguas Calientes, and a complete guided visit to the legendary Machu Picchu Citadel.
Day 1: Cusco – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Your adventure begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Machu Picchu Trip Guide office in Cusco. From there, we will start a scenic drive of approximately 7 hours toward Hidroelectrica, passing through impressive Andean landscapes, mountain roads, valleys, and tropical cloud forest scenery.
Upon arrival in Hidroelectrica, we will stop for a delicious lunch before beginning the hike to Aguas Calientes.
After lunch, you will walk for approximately 3 hours along the train tracks, following a mostly flat and scenic route surrounded by lush vegetation, mountains, rivers, and beautiful views of the jungle side of Machu Picchu.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will check in to your accommodation. You will stay in a private room with hot showers, Wi-Fi, and comfortable facilities, giving you time to relax after the day’s journey.
In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in town. During dinner, your guide will meet you and provide all the important details for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu, including entrance time, meeting point, documents needed, and recommendations.
Day 2: Guided Visit to Machu Picchu
On the second day, you will wake up early and make your way to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
This is the highlight of the tour. You will explore the ancient Inca citadel with a professional guide, learning about its history, architecture, temples, terraces, sacred areas, and the fascinating civilization that built this incredible site.
Although Machu Picchu offers many comfortable services today, reaching it by car and hiking from Hidroelectrica keeps the experience adventurous and memorable. This route gives you a different way to connect with the landscapes that surround the lost city of the Incas.
After the guided visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes and spend a second night in town, giving you more time to rest, explore, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Availability & Booking
Booking the Machu Picchu Tour by Car 3 Days is simple. Click the “BOOK ONLINE” button on our website to access the real-time availability calendar and select your preferred start date.
If your chosen date is available, it means there is also availability for your Machu Picchu visit date. Once your booking is confirmed, our team will purchase your Machu Picchu entrance ticket according to the best available circuit at the time of booking.
All Machu Picchu entrance tickets are sold exclusively through the official Peruvian government system. Travel agencies and individual travelers use the same official platform, so if a ticket or circuit is sold out there, no agency can access extra spaces.
You can check real-time ticket availability on the official website:
https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
Machu Picchu Circuit Priority
Your tour includes a regular Machu Picchu entrance ticket. We always select the best available circuit according to official availability at the time of booking.
Option 1: Circuit 2-A – Classic Designed Route
Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 2 – Classic Circuit / Route 2-A: Classic Designed
This is our top priority and one of the best Machu Picchu experiences. It includes access to the classic viewpoint and a full guided route through the main areas of the Inca citadel.
Option 2: Circuit 2-B – Lower Terrace Route
Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 2 – Classic Circuit / Route 2-B: Lower Terrace
This route is very similar to Option 1 and also offers a complete visit, with a slightly different path through the urban area of Machu Picchu.
Option 3: Circuit 1-B – Upper Terrace Route
Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 1 – Panoramic Circuit / Route 1-B: Upper Terrace
This route focuses on the upper panoramic section and includes the classic viewpoint. It is a great option for travelers who want the iconic Machu Picchu photo, but it does not include a full visit inside the citadel.
Option 4: Circuit 3-B – Royalty Designed Route
Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 3 – Machu Picchu Royalty / Route 3-B: Royalty Designed
This circuit visits the lower part of Machu Picchu. It includes important archaeological areas, but does not include access to the classic upper viewpoint.
Option 5: Circuit 1-A – Machu Picchu Mountain Route
Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 1 – Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain
This ticket includes the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It does not include a full visit inside the citadel.
Additional cost: $20 USD on top of the regular tour price.
Option 6: Circuit 3-A – Waynapicchu Mountain Route
Llaqta Machupicchu / Circuit 3 – Route 3-A: Waynapicchu Mountain
This ticket includes the famous Waynapicchu Mountain hike and a short visit through the lower section of Machu Picchu.
Additional cost: $20 USD on top of the regular tour price.
Important Note About Machu Picchu Tickets
The regular Machu Picchu ticket included in this tour is valued at approximately $40 USD / 152 soles. Mountain tickets such as Machu Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu cost more and require an additional payment.
If the best circuits are important to you, we recommend booking in advance, especially during high season, because Circuit 2-A and Circuit 2-B are the most requested and sell out quickly.
What If There Is No Availability or I Already Have a Machu Picchu Ticket?
If there is no availability for your preferred date, or if you already purchased your own Machu Picchu ticket, please contact us before booking.
Our team can help you review the best options and adjust your itinerary according to your ticket, circuit, and entrance time.