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Discover the legendary Machu Picchu on a 2-day adventure from Cusco via the Hydroelectric Route, combining stunning Andean landscapes, local culture, and an unforgettable journey through the cloud forest. Travel by bus through breathtaking scenery, reach Aguas Calientes, and enjoy a guided visit to the iconic Inca citadel, one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological wonders.
2 Days 1 Night
13km
Moderate
2700 m.a.s.l
Trekking Nature & Culture
Group Service
Experience Machu Picchu on a 2-Day Bus Tour from Cusco through the scenic Hydroelectric Route, an adventurous and budget-friendly alternative to the traditional train journey. Travel through the stunning landscapes of the Andes and the cloud forest, passing waterfalls, rivers, and lush valleys before reaching Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
On the second day, enjoy an unforgettable guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu, exploring its ancient temples, terraces, and fascinating Inca history. This tour is perfect for travelers looking for an affordable, scenic, and adventurous way to discover one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
We will pick you up at 7:00 and leave at 7:30 a.m. The tour will begin with a nice, scenic ride to Ollantaytambo, where we will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area as we take a short, 10 minutes break (approx). From there, we will continue down a long, winding path to “Habra de Malaga”, which stands at an altitude of 4,316 meters. From that vantage point, we will see some of the most amazing landscapes that Peru has to offer.
After a brief stop, we will begin our descent into the thick jungle, passing through the different micro-climates that combine the paradisiacal landscapes of the majestic snow-capped peaks with the hot, tropical entrance to the rainforest. We will continue along our route until we have reached Alfamayó, where there is a nice, paved road in perfect condition that we can use.
We will need to take an unpaved road though, in order to continue on in the direction of Santa Maria, which is located at an altitude of 1575 meters above sea level. We will take a moment to rest here before continuing on to the small pueblo, Santa Teresa, where a delicious lunch will be awaiting us at approximately 2 pm. There will be a variety of different foods available to suit every taste.
After Having lunch we will keep going to Hydroelectric Power Station where we walk 2 and half hours by walking talking the railway to get aguas calientes where we spend the first night and then free time to enjoy the hot springs.
You will have the option to go up to Machu Picchu by bus or by foot. Breakfast will be served from 5:00 am. The guided tour of the site will begin at 6:00 am and will last for at least 2 hours. Afterward, you will be able to enjoy some free time until approximately 11:30 am, which is the recommended time to begin returning down the mountain to the train station. The train back to the hydroelectric plant will be leaving Aguas Calientes at 12:35 pm.
Upon our arrival to the hydroelectric plant, we will transfer over from the train to a private van, which will take us to Santa Teresa. There, we will have a one-hour break for one last chance to get some food or use the restroom before we undertake the final leg of the ride. We will then proceed back to Cusco, returning down the same road that brought us here. We will arrive to Cusco around 9:30 pm (approx)
Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!
(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities)
Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (04 People Minimum)
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
This is an adventurous and budget-friendly way to visit Machu Picchu using the Hydroelectric Route. The tour includes transportation by bus from Cusco, a scenic journey through the Andes and cloud forest, an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
The route is named after the Hydroelectric Station, the final road-access point near Machu Picchu. From there, travelers can either walk along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes or take an optional train ride.
The tour usually starts early in the morning, around 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., with hotel pickup from Cusco. The exact pickup time depends on the final itinerary and group organization.
The bus journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, including stops along the way to enjoy viewpoints, rest, and take photographs.
You will travel through beautiful Andean landscapes, mountain passes, the Sacred Valley region, and the lush cloud forest before reaching the Hydroelectric Station.
From Hydroelectric, you will walk approximately 2.5 to 3 hours along a scenic trail beside the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. An optional train ride may also be available depending on your preference and availability.
The walk is considered moderate and mostly flat. It is suitable for travelers with a basic level of fitness and offers beautiful views of waterfalls, rivers, and tropical vegetation.
You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the small town located below Machu Picchu. Accommodation is provided according to the selected package.
You will visit Machu Picchu early in the morning. Your guide will coordinate the entrance time according to your assigned ticket availability and current regulations.
Yes. A professional bilingual guide will accompany you inside Machu Picchu and explain the history, architecture, and significance of this incredible Inca sanctuary.
The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the official circuit assigned and the regulations established by the Ministry of Culture.
The circuit depends on availability at the time of booking. Your guide will follow the official route assigned with your entrance ticket and show you the main highlights allowed within that circuit.
Yes, if your entrance ticket and circuit regulations allow it, you will have free time to enjoy the permitted areas and take additional photos.
Yes. You must bring your original passport used for booking, as it is required for Machu Picchu entrance and other services.
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a small backpack, rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, water, personal medications, and your passport.
The climate changes during the journey. Cusco is cooler, while the cloud forest near Machu Picchu is warmer and more humid. Rain can occur throughout the year, so waterproof clothing is recommended.
Meals depend on the package selected. Some options include meals, while others allow you to choose from local restaurants in Aguas Calientes.
Yes, but travelers should consider the long bus journey and the walking section from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes. A good level of mobility is recommended.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes and begin the journey back through the Hydroelectric Route. Arrival in Cusco is usually in the evening.
The bus option is a more affordable and adventurous alternative that allows you to enjoy more natural landscapes and a scenic route through the cloud forest. The train option is faster and more comfortable but usually has a higher cost.
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Posted on Tripadvisor Sara DVerified 10/10 Experience - Would Recommend! We had an amazing time on the Salkantay 5 Day Trek. Before the trip started, Quechuas had great communication and was very accommodating to our travel schedule, including adjusting our briefing time with our guide.The skydome accomodations were great (all fairly spacious, with exception of night 2, which was fine as we didn’t spend much time there), the food was delicious (a great variety and always more than enough to go around) and the trek itself was beautiful. Our guide Steven, as well as second guide Jorge, were very patient, knowledgeable and kind to us and the others in our group - not only did we get to see incredible scenery but we also learned a lot about the local landscape and culture.We rented sleeping bags, which we would highly recommend. We brought our own hiking poles but would recommend renting if you don’t bring your own.Overall, an amazing experience and we would highly recommend this company.Posted on Tripadvisor Matthew WVerified Seamless and Supportive Inca Trail Experience – Highly Recommend We recently completed the 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek with Quechuas Expeditions in June 2025, and overall had a fantastic experience that struck the perfect balance between physical challenge and logistical ease.Our guide, Fernando (“Nando”), was outstanding—passionate, deeply knowledgeable about the trail’s rich history, and highly supportive throughout. He kept our group motivated and informed, and managed different paces and needs with professionalism and care. His English was great, and he always made time to answer questions or share interesting stories along the way.The porter and chef team were phenomenal. Every meal was different, delicious, and plentiful—we were never hungry, and dietary needs (including vegan and vegetarian) were handled without issue. They even baked a custom cake on the trail for a couple’s anniversary, which speaks volumes about their care and capability. The porters themselves were friendly, warm, and constantly going above and beyond to support us.Quechuas provided tents, sleeping bags, a toilet tent, and hot water for face washing each morning, plus coca tea as a wake-up touch. The duffel service was useful, though we did find the weight limits a bit tighter than expected once you factor in the sleeping bag. In the end, we paid for an extra porter—which was easy to arrange but worth noting for those planning their packing. One thing we didn’t know in advance: the porter bags aren’t waterproof, so future trekkers may want to use dry bags or line the inside with plastic.Another small consideration: due to how campsites are assigned (by the government, not the tour company), some days ended up being longer than the traditional day-by-day breakdown you might read online. While not Quechuas’ fault, for myself, as much heads-up as possible would’ve helped with my own mental preparation.All said, Quechuas Expeditions delivered where it mattered most. The logistics were smooth, the staff was superb, and their support allowed us to focus on enjoying the trail and the breathtaking views without worrying about the rest. This is a company that knows what it’s doing.Would I recommend them? Absolutely—whether you’re a first-time trekker or experienced hiker, they make an unforgettable journey that much more seamless and enjoyable. If I ever do this again, I would book with them without question, and if possible, request the exact same team. Thank you Fernando and team for a trip of a lifetime and memories that will stay with me forever 🙏Posted on Tripadvisor Arianna OVerified Amazing trip on the Inca Trail with Quechuas Expeditions I never imagined that the Inca Trail could be so transformative. My partner and I decided to do the classic 4-day trek with Quechuas Expeditions and, honestly, it exceeded all our expectations. From the very first moment we felt very welcome. The service was impeccable, they were always attentive to our needs, solving all our doubts before and during the trek.The hike was not easy, but the views, the fresh mountain air and the energy of the group kept us going without thinking about how tiring it was. The meals at the campsites surprised us pleasantly, we really did not expect so much variety and flavor in the middle of the mountain. And the end, reaching Machu Picchu through the sun gate (Inti Punku) was simply magical, there are no words to describe that moment. It is definitely a unique experience that connects you with the history, culture and nature of Peru. Thank you Quechuas Expeditions for making this trip so special!Posted on Tripadvisor naomiammarVerified Hardest challenge of my life but worth it One of the hardest things I have ever done (definitely underestimate the difficulty level), and I don’t know if I would have made it if it wasn’t for our awesome guide Frenando and all the amazing staff we had. What a fantastic group of people. The porters are so hard working, it’s so humbling. The chef Taco was fantastic! I am vegan and he made me the most amazing food the entire time. I couldn’t believe it. And then our guide Fernando topped it all. Knowledgeable, professional yet fun, very personable, very patient (we were slow!) and very encouraging. If you are considering taking on this challenge, I highly recommend Quechua’s Expeditions and if you can request Fernando. E sure to do so. He’s been doing this for 19yrs!Posted on Tripadvisor cade cVerified Awesome trek We really enjoyed our trip. It was challenging and also rewarding. Beautiful views and even better food. I can’t rave enough about our cook Santiago! Food was unbelievable. Jose did a fantastic job leading us along the way. He did a good job of explaining what we are seeing! Looking for a physical challenge with beautiful views this is the trek for you.Posted on Tripadvisor Lola UVerified Demanding, enriching and unforgettable thanks to the human team I will always be grateful to the rich food and attentions of Santiago, the cook, the professionalism and good advice of José, the guide, the kindness of the helpers, who have made it possible to improve the experience.Posted on Tripadvisor Julia C.Verified Amazing trek, amazing guide and staff The Salkantay Trek was absolutely stunning, domes and the views were great with hot water available. What the trek made very special was our guide Nildo. Also, the chef Julian, horseman and second guide were incredible too. Nildo was knowledgeable, caring and passionate about everything he shared. I cannot imagine a better guide :-) Everything was very well organized.Posted on Tripadvisor Emelie AVerified Hike of a lifetime! We had the most amazing time! The different sceneries along the trek are just unbelievable and although being two fairly unfit persons we could enjoy it all the way. Fernando and Steven are terrific guides making sure we were all comfortable and happy at all times. The food and accommodations along the way were also a lot more luxurious than what we’d expected. Would 100% recommend this to anyone who’s up for a hike!!
IMPORTANT
From March to September, Machu Picchu tickets especially Circuit 2-A tend to sell out in advance.
If Circuit 2 is not available, we will manage the best possible alternative, prioritizing Circuit 3 or Circuit 1.
For travelers without a prior reservation, 1000 additional tickets are released daily in Aguas Calientes for next-day entry, subject to availability and in-person purchase with the original passport.
Do you need help in choosing your trip or booking? We are at your disposal.