Machu Picchu by Bus 2D/1N Tour is the cheapest and quickest way to visit Machu Picchu. On this Machu Picchu by Bus tour, you will take a 6-hour bus ride from Cusco to Hidrolestrica, then a 3-hour walk to reach Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is the base point for Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu by Bus tour does include a 3-hour walk is along the rail line where you get a breath of fresh air and walk alongside the Urubamba River. Expect beautiful views of the Andes ahead, subtropical jungles to the side and roaring rivers on the other.
We will pick you up from your hotel/hostel
Drop off will be around the Plaza de Armas
Departure time for this Machu Picchu by Bus tour does vary depending on the location of your hotel/hostel we aim to pick you up at 7.00 am, the exact time will be confirmed once your Cusco hostel/hotel has been confirmed to us.
The Machu Picchu by Bus trip is a fun hike up to Machu Picchu. Passing the subtropical forest, viewing the Andes, incredible ruins of Machu Picchu, and hiking the rail line. You’ll learn about the Inkas and have plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu by Bus is a bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica and then hiking to Aguas Caliente, then a return bus ride back from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.
In your own time, you will head down the rail line of Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. The hike along the rail line is flat and will take around 3 hours. Along the railway line, you will pass subtropical forests, roaring rivers and have a beautiful view of the Andes. There are many small drinks and snacks stands along the way if you decide to take a breather and enjoy nature.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you need to head to the main square. Once in the main square, a tour guide will call out your name. You will meet your transfer who will take you to your hostel where you can take a good rest, explore the city and be prepared to meet your tour guide (your hostel will let you know what time the tour guide will arrive) once meeting your tour guide you will take dinner and briefing.
The next morning you will start your trek to Machu Picchu, before leaving the hostel don’t forget to grab your breakfast box.
There are 2 ways to reach Machu Picchu. By bus or by walking.
BUS: If you would like to go up to Machupicchu by bus you must buy a bus ticket in Aguas Calientes the night before. The buses start leaving at 5:30 am from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu. It takes 25 minutes to the main entrance of Machupicchu. Be at the bus station at least 30 minutes before the bus leaving time.
WALK: Walking up to Machupicchu takes 1 hour 30 minutes at a regular pace. Leave your hostel at 4:00 am in the morning from Aguas Calientes to the first checkpoint located right at the base of Machu Picchu which opens at 5:00. At this checkpoint, you must show your entrance ticket along with your passport. After the checkpoint, you can start to walk the 1850 Inka steps which takes about 1 hour.
Once you arrive at the main entrance of Machu Picchu you will meet your tour guide again who will show you around Machu Picchu. You will also have plenty of time to explore.
After you have explored Machu Picchu, you have to walk back to Hidroelectrica to catch the bus back to Cusco. The Bus leaves at 3 pm, do not be late as the bus will not wait for you.
NOTE: If you are thinking to do the extra hiking options in Machupicchu like climbing Machu Picchu monataña o Huayna Picchu mountain is better to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes. You need at least 8/9 hours to explore the whole Machu Picchu site. Have a look at our Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights tour.
If you want to do these extra hikes then they need to be booked well in advance. Speak with us and we can book this for you!
After you have finished exploring Machu Picchu you need to walk back along the rail line to Hidroelectrica where your bus will be waiting for you. The bus leaves at 3 pm and will not wait. It is best to get to Aguas Calientes for around 2.30 pm. Around 2.40 pm the bus will call your name for you to get on the bus.
At 3 pm the bus will then start the 6-hour bus ride through the Andes back to Cusco.
Machu Pichu is no longer a dream! It was a nice trek to Aguas Calientes and on the way, you can trek beside the roaring river. I’m glad I took this tour to Machu Picchu with SK Cusco tours.
This Machu Picchu by bus tour was perfect for me. I manged to get to Machu Picchu on a budget and only a few hours trekking involed. Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders, so of course, Machu Picchu was going to be on my list. Many thanks
Yay I did it! I hiked to Machu Picchu. I thought the trek was going to be hard but it wasnt, the trek was easy as it is all flat. That is until you leave aguas calientes the next morning and take the Inka trail up the 1 million steps. no joke it felt like they went on for ever. But it only took just over 1 hour 30 minutes and then we were at Machu Picchu. Great tour and great guide full of knowledge.
Great tour at a great price, I loved the walk along the rail line. it took me 3 hours and 15 minutes at a steady pace. Highly recommend this tour to Machu Picchu to anyone on a budget. Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu is a little expensive but worth it and besides you don’t spend a lot of time in the town itslef. All in all a great trip to Machu Picchu.
I loved Aguas Calientes, it is the town just before Machu Picchu where you will spend the night before the morning trek, I would advise taking the 3 days Machu Picchu tour as it gives a little more time in to explore the small city.