Machu Picchu By Bus from Cusco is the most affordable option to visit the lost city of Incas from Cusco. The base camp of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is deep in the jungle. It is secluded and has no direct roads linking it to any cities. There are two ways to reach Aguas Calientes from Cusco, by train or by hiking.
On this two days tour, we will be driving you from Cusco to Hidroelectrica along the Sacred Valley of Incas. From Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes it is a three hours hike along the railway line. The route offers views of breath taking landscapes. This is the same route that the renowned American professor, Hiram Bingham III who re-discovered Machu Picchu took.
If you are travelling on budget and want to experience the most on your trip to Machu Picchu, this is the best option. Without splurging on a luxurious train trip, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature. You will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with many locals who call these remote places their home.
By choosing this Machu Picchu By Bus trip, you will not only be saving a few penny. You will also be contributing towards the welfare of the communities that live in the remote areas of the region.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0700 AM
At 0700 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then we will be driving you to Hidroelectrica. It takes 5-6 hours from Cusco to Hidroelectrica. The journey will be along the Sacred Valley of Incas. You will be witnessing a diverse landscape along the route. We will also be passing through the Abra Malaga pass (3.256m – 10,682ft).
Once in Hidroelectrica, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will be hiking through the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes.
In Aguas Calientes, we will be accommodating you in an ensuite basic hotel room. If desired, you can go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Later, that night, our guide will be meeting you at the lobby of the hotel and will brief you on the following day’s itinerary. We will then serve you dinner in a local restaurant.
Rise and Shine! Breakfast will be served early in the morning at 0400 AM. After breakfast you will be hiking for an hour and a half up the hill along a section of Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Optionally you can take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. It takes 25 minutes and costs USD 12 each way.
Once at the entrance of the citadel, our guide will assist you with passing through the security. Please note, you will have to present your original passport along with the ticket to enter the citadel. Once in the citadel, our guide will give you a detailed tour for two and a half hours. On this tour, you will be visiting the main areas of Machu Picchu.
After the tour, you will have some free time. If you have booked a trek to Huyana Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, please advise our guide so we can direct you to the entrance. Alternatively, you can hike to Sun Gate. This offers an exclusive sight of Machu Picchu. This is the point of entrance to the citadel for those on Inca Trail. It takes two hours of hike back and forth from Machu Picchu to Sun Gate.
Later at a designated time, you will be hiking back to Aguas Calientes and onward to Hidroelectrica. Our van departs from Hidroelectrica at 0300 PM. You will be reaching Cusco at around 10:00 PM.
Machu Picchu was the highlight of my trip. I chose this option to get the most from my adventure journey. They picked me up from the hotel at 07:30 in the morning. We drove through some scenic route, mostly the fields and farms as the mini-van pulled over at Hidro Eleltrica they offered me lunch. I then started hiking for two hours along the railway lines towards Aguas Calientes town. At night the guide met me and briefed me on the following day´s itinerary. Richard from Tayra Tours was constantly in touch with me on my local number ensuring everything was going as planned. I felt very nice and safe. Hats of to Tayra Tours for making this the best tour of my life
Had a terrific experience with Tayra Tours on our trip to Machu Picchu. This was a very budget friendly option with a lot in offer. We enjoyed the walk from Hidro Eletrica to Aguas Calientes. Our kids got more excited when they figured out that this was the route that Hiram Bingham the American professor who rediscovered Machu Picchu walked on the same route. Machu Picchu is a very positive place with an excellent vibe and energy. Our accommodation in Aguas Calientes was nice, overlooking the river. The guide was very good too. We are very thankful to Tayra Tours and highly recommend them.
If you travelling on a budget, then i highly recommend this tour. Tayra tours organised this tour exceptionally well. Everything went smooth. A good value for money.