Machu Picchu By Car

You'll be picked up at your hotel or hostel in Cusco between 7:00 and 7:30 in the morning and we'll depart in our Tourist-Class transport on an unforgettable trip to Santa Teresa. The journey takes about 6 hours and will take us into the lush ecological zone known as the jungle brow. We'll have lunch in Santa Teresa before continuing on past the tropical fruit orchards and coca fields to the Hydroelectric, where we can either board a train towards Machu Picchu Pueblo, the gateway town to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, colloquially known as Aguas Calientes, or conversely embark on a scenic 3 hour hike through the warm tropical valley to Aguas Calientes.

Upon our arrival to this bustling and colorful little town, we'll accommodate ourselves in our hostel before going out to dinner and having a planning meeting to agree upon the next day's schedule.

We'll have quite an early breakfast in the morning so that we can begin our ascent to Machu Picchu at approximately 5:00am. The hike takes about 1½ hours and will allow you to view the diversity of tropical orchids and ferns which prevail in the region. Those who wish to sleep in a little longer can forego the hike and opt to take the 25 minute bus. Upon our arrival to Machu Picchu Archeological Complex, our knowledgeable guide will lead us on a 2 hour tour through the striking architecture of the site, the use and significance of different parts, and the storied history and culture of the Inca Empire. After the tour you'll have free time for independent exploration and photo taking. At around 11:00am we'll descent to Aguas Calientes anew so that you can have lunch before we must board the return train to the hydroelectric station. (Lunch on this day is not included, but there are many area restaurant options among which you will be able to choose.) Our tourist-class bus will be waiting for us at the Hydroelectric to take us back to the city of Cusco, where you'll be dropped back off at your hotel or hostel after this memorable adventure.