MACHUPICCHU BY CAR (2 days - 1 night)

This new route to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is frequented by backpackers and the more adventurous tourists. The road leaves from Ollantaytambo, crosses the districts of Santa Maria and Santa Teresa; the bus to Santa Teresa takes eight hours and then there is a short bus trip to the Hydroelectric Plant. From here there are two options, a 20 minute train ride or a very scenic walk along the train tracks for aproximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Whichever route is chosen you will arrive at Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. The following morning a bus will transport us up the steep hill and into the Archaeological Sanctuary. Currently this is the most affordable method of reaching Machu Picchu and offers an equally challenging and picturesque alternative.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Machupicchu

Machupicchu by car We will leave Cusco at 08:00 am and arrive approximately 5:30 pm in Aguas Calientes. Throughout the day the landscape will change from high altiplano to dense forest, but always with the presence of the largest mountain range in the world, the Andes, close by. It will be a day of Buses, Trains and Automobiles with some of the most breath taking views offered in South America.
We will take a small break in Ollantaytambo for light refreshment, stop for lunch in Santa Teresa, and once in Aguas Calientes you will have the evening off to explore and visit the thermal hot springs. Before checking into your hotel we will arrange dinner for the group.

Day 2: Machupicchu - Cusco

Machu Picchu by car We have two options getting to Machu Picchu in the morning, by bus or on foot. After breakfast in Aguas Calientes our guided tour will commence at 6:00 a.m. and will last approximately 2 1/2 hours. We arrive very early at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu so we can witness the dawn bathe the mountain with its first rays. With guide in tow, we will extensively explore the site including all of the main constructions, Temples, Towers, the Solar Clock or Intiwatana, etc. At the base of Machu Picchu, several thousand feet below, the raging waters of the mighty Urubamba River can be seen winding its path through the Sacred Valley. You will be free until 11:30 am to explore and enjoy the site at leisure. As you sit and marvel at the work of this ancient culture you will have time to absorb and reflect on the undeniable energies that will connect you to this sacred place.
We will need to leave Aguas Calientes by 12:35 p.m to begin the return journey to Cusco via the same route that we arrived. We get back to Cusco approximately 9:30 p.m.