Machu Picchu by Car via Santa Teresa - 2D/1N The Most Exciting Alternative Route
Enjoy the Machu Picchu by Car via Santa Teresa (2D/1N) tour and discover an alternative route full of adventure and nature that connects you with the most authentic side of the Andes and the high jungle of Cusco. Starting from Cusco, you will travel by car through breathtaking landscapes to Santa Teresa, and embark on an unforgettable hike along the Urubamba River path to Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu by Car via Santa Teresa
2,430m asl - Santa Teresa, Cusco - Machu PicchuEnjoy the Machu Picchu by Car via Santa Teresa (2D/1N) tour and discover an alternative route full of adventure and nature that connects you with the most authentic side of the Andes and the high jungle of Cusco.
Starting from Cusco, you will travel by car through breathtaking landscapes until you reach Santa Teresa, a place full of natural beauty and tranquility. From here, you will embark on an unforgettable hike along the path that follows the Urubamba River, from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu.
The next day, you will explore the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site and a symbol of the Inca legacy, accompanied by an expert guide who will reveal all its secrets and history. This tour is ideal for those looking to live an authentic, less crowded, and adventure-filled experience, away from the traditional routes.
Complete Experience: This tour is perfect for adventurers seeking an alternative route to Machu Picchu, combining stunning Andean landscapes with the lush high jungle of Cusco. Live an authentic and less crowded adventure to the wonder of the world!
General Summary
General Information
Service Type: Private (min 2 people)
Duration: 2 days (approx. 24 hours)
Tour Start: Cusco – 07:00 a.m. or 7:30 a.m.
Max. Altitude: 2,430 m a.s.l.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Guide: English / Spanish
Description
MACHU PICCHU BY CAR VIA SANTA TERESA 2 days and 1 night is an alternative tour, also known as the "Amazon Route," that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu to see the Wonder of the World, allowing you to have a more intimate connection with nature, see a beautiful panorama full of landscapes and snow-capped mountains like Chicon, Salkantay, and Verónica, which are a sample of our Peruvian highlands with paved and rustic roads, with local people from the area. Enjoy the fantastic experience of a hike surrounded by wild flora and fauna, where we will also appreciate the Mándor Gardens along the way.
The Machu Picchu by Car via Santa Teresa tour begins with pickup from your hotel by our transport unit, after you have enjoyed a good breakfast. We will then travel towards the Sacred Valley. During the journey, you can rest or simply enjoy the scenery, surrounded by peaks, snow-capped mountains, valleys, meadows, lagoons, and summits, among others.
Soon, we will arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo, considered the gateway to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Then we will ascend to the Abra Málaga pass (4318 m.a.s.l.), where we will make a stop to appreciate the wonderful landscape of the high jungle of Quillabamba. From this point, the descent to the town of Santa María will begin, where we will take an alternate route that will lead us to Santa Teresa. Upon our arrival, we will enjoy lunch.
After enjoying a delicious lunch, we head to Hidroeléctrica, from where we will hike through a beautiful landscape of mountains covered with intense vegetation, to the rhythm of cicadas and birds to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will have our dinner and overnight stay.
On the second day, at 07:00 hrs., we will transfer to the station to take the tourist bus to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. This short bus trip lasts only 20 minutes and travels through a path with jungle characteristics. Finally, we arrive at the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where our guide will await our arrival. Once we have entered, we will have a tour of the most important sectors of this beautiful Inca citadel. During our transit, you will have enough freedom to take your own photographs.
However, once the tour is over, around 13:00 hrs., we will take the return bus that will take us to Aguas Calientes. Later, lunch in Aguas Calientes (at the passenger's expense) and in the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo (approx. 16:00 hrs.). Finally, onboard our transport unit, arrival in Cusco is estimated at approximately 20:00 hrs. Transfer to your hotel.
End of our service.
Featured Sites of the Tour Places and experiences
- 📍 Abra Málaga (4,316 m a.s.l.)
This high mountain pass is one of the most spectacular points of the trip. From here, you can see the glaciers of the Verónica mountain and the contrast between the Andes and the entrance to the jungle. It is the transition point between the Andean and Amazonian ecosystems.
- 📍 Santa María – Cusco's High Jungle (1,200 m a.s.l.)
Descending from Abra Málaga, we enter the high jungle area, where the climate changes radically. Santa María is a small town surrounded by coffee plantations, fruit trees, and tropical vegetation. Ideal for a brief stop to enjoy the natural environment.
- 📍 Cocalmayo (1,600 m a.s.l.)
The hot springs of Cocalmayo, also known as the thermal baths of Santa Teresa, are the ideal place to relax after an exciting adventure in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which will most likely leave your body tired and wanting a little relaxation and rest.
- 📍 Hidroeléctrica – Hike to Aguas Calientes (1,890 m a.s.l)
From the Hidroeléctrica sector, we begin a scenic hike of approximately 10 km (3 hours) following the train route. The path runs alongside the Urubamba River, between mountains covered with vegetation, waterfalls, and wildlife. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of the trip.
- 📍 Aguas Calientes (2,040 m a.s.l.)
Picturesque town located at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain. Here you will spend the night and can enjoy its local cuisine, crafts, and Andean-Amazonian atmosphere before your visit to the Inca wonder.
Why Choose This Experience? Advantages and Reasons
- Less crowded and adventure-filled alternative route to Machu Picchu.
- Intimate experience with nature: Andes, high jungle, and Urubamba River.
- Authentic access to the Inca citadel with a specialized expert guide.
- Panoramic journey through snow-capped mountains like Chicon, Salkantay, and Verónica.
Why Travel With Us? Quality Guarantee
- We are tour operators in Cusco
- Professional work
- 100% tourist vehicles
- Safety for our visitors
- The best travel experience
- 100% responsibility
- Care for the environment
- Quality of service
- Our own tourist restaurant
🚌 DAY 1 - Pickup and Departure - 07:00 AM Start
The Machu Picchu by Car via Santa Teresa tour begins with pickup from your hotel by our transport unit, after you have enjoyed a good breakfast.
🏔️ Journey to the Sacred Valley Transfer
We will travel towards the Sacred Valley. During the journey, you can rest or simply enjoy the scenery, surrounded by peaks, snow-capped mountains, valleys, meadows, lagoons, and summits, among others.
🏺 Ollantaytambo Gateway
We will arrive at the town of Ollantaytambo, considered the gateway to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where we can appreciate the Inca architecture and prepare for the ascent.
⛰️ Abra Málaga (4,318m asl) Highest Point
We will ascend to the Abra Málaga pass, where we will make a stop to appreciate the wonderful landscape of the high jungle of Quillabamba. From this point, the descent into the jungle will begin.
🌿 Descent to Santa María High Jungle
From the Abra Málaga pass, we descend to the town of Santa María, where we will take an alternate route that will lead us to Santa Teresa, experiencing the climate change towards the high jungle.
🍽️ Arrival in Santa Teresa - Lunch Break
Upon arrival in Santa Teresa, we will enjoy lunch in this town full of natural beauty and tranquility, surrounded by tropical vegetation and coffee plantations.
🥾 Hidroeléctrica Hike (10 km - 3 hours) Trekking
We head to Hidroeléctrica and will hike through a beautiful landscape of mountains covered in dense vegetation, to the rhythm of cicadas and birds, following the course of the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes - Dinner and Overnight Rest
We arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will have our dinner and overnight stay. This picturesque town is located at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain.
☀️ DAY 2 - Transfer to Machu Picchu - 07:00 AM Machu Picchu
At 07:00 hrs., we will transfer to the station to take the tourist bus to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. This short bus ride lasts only 20 minutes along a path with jungle characteristics.
️ Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Wonder
We arrive at the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where our guide will be waiting for us. We will have a tour of the most important sectors of this beautiful Inca citadel, with freedom to take photographs.
🚂 Return by Train - 13:00 hrs Return
After the tour, around 13:00 hrs., we will take the return bus to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo (approx. 16:00 hrs.) and transfer to your hotel in Cusco (20:00 hrs).
🏠 Arrival in Cusco - approx. 20:00 hrs End
Onboard our transport unit, arrival in Cusco is estimated at approximately 20:00 hrs. Transfer to your hotel. End of our service.
✅ Machu Picchu by Car Includes
Complete tourist transportation
Cusco - Santa Teresa - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes
Specialized professional guide
English/Spanish expert in Inca history
Entrance to Machu Picchu
Ticket to the sacred citadel included
1-night accommodation
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with breakfast
Ollantaytambo - Cusco Train
Return trip by tourist train through the Sacred Valley
Lunch in Santa Teresa
Typical food at a local tourist restaurant
Permanent assistance
Team support throughout the trip
❌ Not Included
Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 2)
At the passenger's expense - multiple options available
Tips and personal expenses
Souvenirs, extra drinks, and optional tips
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Optional - advance booking required (additional cost)
Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Optional activity - entrance fee at the tourist's expense
🌟 XTravel Recommendation
Ideal alternative route for adventurers. Bring clothes for different climates (mountain and high jungle). Discover Machu Picchu via the road less traveled! ✨
What to Bring - Machu Picchu via Santa Teresa
- Sunglasses Essential UV protection during the trip through Abra Málaga (4,318m) and Machu Picchu.
- Sunscreen High factor to protect you from intense solar radiation in the high mountains and Machu Picchu.
- Waterproof windbreaker To protect you from the Andean wind and rain during the journey and hike.
- Personal documents ID or passport mandatory for entry to Machu Picchu and hotel registration.
- Medium backpack To carry your belongings during the 10 km hike from Hidroeléctrica.
- Water Water bottle to stay hydrated during the 3-hour trek.
- Peruvian Soles For lunch in Aguas Calientes (day 2), souvenirs, and personal expenses.
- Clothing for different climates Warm clothing for the mountains and light clothing for the high jungle. Layering system recommended.
- Trekking shoes Comfortable, non-slip footwear for the 10 km hike over uneven terrain.
- Overnight luggage Change of clothes, personal toiletries, and pajamas for the night in Aguas Calientes.
- Camera To capture the spectacular landscapes and your visit to the wonder of the world.
Sitios destacados del sitio
Available Service Options
Prices in US dollars (USD) per person
Shared Service
Share the adventure with other travelers
Small Group (2-3 people)
More personal and exclusive experience
Medium Group (4-7 people)
Perfect balance between price and privacy
Large Group (8+ people)
Ideal for large families and groups of friends
Check your availability and secure your spot today.
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Gerard C
January 31, 2025
Thanks Eco Tour Cusco
Mr. Torres
January 24, 2025
One of the best tours you can do
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January 18, 2025
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