2-Day Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco via Hidroelectrica Hike

Pick-up from your hotel at 7:30 am, then depart Cusco for Ollantaytambo.

Drive through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing many small colonial towns and farms.

Once in Ollantaytambo, you will have the chance to pick up water and snacks for the ride to Santa Teresa, where you will have lunch.

Arrive in Santa Teresa at 2:30 pm and have lunch similar to the touristic menus found in Cusco.

Continue towards the hydroelectric plant.

Hike the remainder of the way to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town, arriving at approximately 5:20 pm.

Transfer to your hostel, where you can freshen up and begin exploring the small town.

At 7:30 pm, the group meets again for dinner with the guide, who will give a short briefing on the next day's schedule and what you can expect during your time at Machu Picchu.

Spend the remainder of the evening exploring the town or taking a dip in the nearby thermal baths.

This morning, you have the option of walking or taking a bus (not included) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu; we recommend the latter.

As soon as the park opens, you will be among the first to enter the citadel for the day.

Enjoy the awesome sight of Machu Picchu as the sun rises opposite the Sun Gate on the adjacent mountain.

Embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the ruins, then have some time to explore on your own.

Begin making your way down the mountain at 11 am, meeting your group at the train station at noon. From there, you will hike back to the hydroelectric plant, where your transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Buy some snacks, as the ride back takes approximately 7 hours.