Machu Picchu by Bus (2 days/1 night)

At a Glance: Itinerary

Day 1 Scenic trip through the Malaga Pass among snowy peaks to the entrance to the rainforest
Day 2 Sunrise over the Lost City of Machu Picchu; return to Cusco

The trip

Although located only 50 miles from Cusco, the citadel of Machu Picchu was never found or plundered by the Spanish like other Inca sites. Many theories revolve around the mysterious site's purpose, including theories that it was an economic control post, prison, agricultural testing station, coronation site, or city for the gods. However, most believe it was probably built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1479).
Known as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu (Old Mountain) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Recommendations
The year at Machu Picchu is divided between wet and dry season. Most tourists prefer to wait until after the rainy season, October through April, to visit.

Day: 1 Fron  Cusco to Hidroelectrica

We will pick you up at 7:30 and leave at 8:00 a.m. The tour will begin with a scenic ride to Ollantaytambo, where we will have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area as we take a short 10 minute break. From there, we will continue down a long, winding path to the Malaga Pass, Habra de Malaga, which stands at an altitude of 4,316mt. 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 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 town of, 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.
Afterwards, at around 3:45 pm, we will return to the route in the direction of the train station at the nearby Hydroelectric Plant. The train will have us in Aguas Calientes by 5.30 pm, at which point you will be taken to your designated hostels and hotels. If we have any extra time to use, you can also go take a relaxing dip in the natural, heated waters of the hot baths. At 8 pm, though, it will be time to enjoy a hearty dinner along with the guide who will be taking you to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. At that time, he will have a chance to go over the plan for the following day and answer any questions.

Day 2 - (Sunrise at Machu Picchu)

After a 5:00 am breakfast there will be the option to go up to Machu Picchu by bus or by foot. The guided tour of the site will begin at 6:00 am and will last for at least 2 hours. Afterwards, 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. You can use this time for taking pictures, individual exploration, or climbing Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain), which will reward your 1½ hours of extra effort with a stunning overhead view of the entirety of the lost city. We'll take the 12:35 pm train from Aguas Calientes back to the hydroelectric plant, then transfer 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 back to Cusco, returning down the same road that brought us. We will arrive to Cusco around 9:30 pm.
 

INCLUDED:

• Round-trip private transport between Cusco and the Hydroelectric Plant (Cusco-Hydro-Cusco)
• Round-trip train between Hydro Electric and Aguas Calientes (15 hr round-trip)
• 1 night accommodation w/ private bath, 24 hour hot water, free luggage storage
• 1 lunch & 1 dinner, Day 1; 1 breakfast, Day 2
• Entrance fee for Machu Picchu
• Professional bilingual guide (in Machu Picchu)

What to Bring:

• Mosquito repellent, sunscreen
• Hat and long-sleeve shirts
• Swimsuit, shorts, towel, and sandals if you want to visit the thermal baths
• Rain Poncho, flashlight, if you choose to walk up to Machu Picchu
• Water bottle and snacks
• Camera, etc.

Note: Accommodations based on double or group rooms

NOT INCLUDED:

• Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu Bus (US$14 )
• (Note: This is optional and can be bought in Aguas Calientes)
• Lunch on the 2nd day
• Entrance to the thermal hot baths