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Machu Picchu by Car.

Traveling to Machu Picchu by car is possible, but it’s not a direct trip. There is no road that reaches Machu Picchu, as it is located deep in the Andes Mountains and can only be reached by train or on foot. However, there is a popular “alternative route by car + hike” that many travelers use to save money and enjoy more adventure. This trip begins very early in the city of Cusco, passing through picturesque villages in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, until you reach the Malaga Pass, the highest point of the trip where the scenery is spectacular. However, this place is often cloudy due to its altitude. The other side of the mountain is the entrance to the jungle, and the climate is humid. On the descent, there are also local villages and a wide variety of landscapes covered with typical flora of the area. Enjoy this experience and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Machu Picchu by Car Step-by-Step: (vía Hidroeléctrica)

Total travel time: 7–8 hours driving + 2–3 hours walking
Route: Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Santa María → Santa Teresa → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)

1. Cusco → Santa Teresa / Hidroeléctrica

  • Distance: 210 km
  • Duration: 6–7 hours by car
  • You can go with:
    • A tour van or shuttle (many agencies in Cusco offer round-trip service for $20–30 USD).
    • Or drive yourself (you’ll need a sturdy car — the road includes mountain curves and gravel sections).

You’ll pass through Ollantaytambo, Abra Málaga (4,300m), and Santa María, then descend to Santa Teresa and finally Hidroeléctrica.

2. Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)

  • Option 1: Walk 10 km (2–3 hours) along the train tracks — scenic and easy.
  • Option 2: Take a short local train (~$12 USD each way).

3. Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu

  • From the town, take:
    • A bus (25 minutes, $12 one way), or
    • Hike up (1.5 hours, steep but free).

Tips to Travel

  • Book Machu Picchu tickets and entry time in advance (official site: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/).
  • Bring cash, as card machines often don’t work along the route.
  • Wear layers — weather changes fast.
  • If driving yourself, start early (5–6 a.m.) and avoid night driving.
  • You can stay overnight in Aguas Calientes or Santa Teresa (which also has hot springs).
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