4.4

3-Day Machu Picchu By Bus Tour

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3-Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Bus | The Most Affordable Way to Explore the Inca Citadel

Discover the stunning Amazon journey from Cusco and explore the majestic Inca Citadel.

  • Duration

    03 days

  • Meals

    Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

  • Transport

    Tourist Bus

  • Group Size

    15 people

  • Team

    Professional Drive & Guide

  • Departures

    Daily departures

Live an unforgettable experience at the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Make the most of your stay in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where you'll have time to explore the Mandor waterfalls or relax in its famous hot springs, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

TRAVEL STYLE

Bus Trip to Machu Picchu.

Description

The itinerary of this tour is perfect for travelers who wish to fully experience Machu Picchu. Staying one more night in the town of Aguas Calientes offers benefits that few travelers have the opportunity to enjoy.

However, here are some factors why you should consider staying an extra night:

The solution and recommendation for these inconveniences is the 3-day tour to Machu Picchu by bus. You can get to know the town better, enjoy its varied gastronomy, and pleasant climate. Personally, I recommend visiting the following places:

  • Machu Picchu Hot Springs: Open to the public from 4 AM. Visit them at dawn and then enjoy an excellent breakfast.
  • Mandor Waterfalls: If you're returning to Cusco by bus, the waterfalls are 30 minutes from the route to the Hidroelectrica station. Be mindful of the time.
  • Butterfly Garden: Located 10 minutes from the town, very close to the bridge to Machu Picchu.

Finally, if you're returning to Cusco by train in the morning, don't forget to buy your bus tickets from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Don't miss the opportunity to live this unique experience! Book now and discover everything that Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu have to offer.



Tour Itinerary

  • 1D

    1st Day

    Cusco - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes Town

    The boarding place is the Plaza Regocijo, located one block from the Plaza de Armas. Our boarding assistant will be waiting for you from 06:00 AM. If you have any questions or need assistance, we are also online from 05:30 AM.

    The first bus leaves at 06:15 AM. And the second one at 06:45 AM. During the journey we make 2 stops, the first is to stock up on some snacks and water (recommended), if you haven't had breakfast you can do so here. The second stop is to stretch our legs and use the toilets. The bus is arriving at Hidroeléctrica around 01:30 PM.

    We recommend our passengers to board the first bus. This way, you will have time to have lunch and start the hike to the town of Aguas Calientes, you will arrive at the town even in daylight. If you plan to take the train from the Hidroelectrica plant to Aguas Calientes town, remember that the train leaves at 02:45 PM. It arrives in town around 03:30 PM.

    Remember to take only a backpack with essential things, bringing luggage for this tour is a very bad idea!

    The route from the Hidroelectrica plant to the village of Aguas Calientes is fully signposted. Along the way you will meet many travellers, coming and going from the village. Most of the way to the village is alongside the train tracks - it's impossible to get lost!

    Upon arrival in the village you will check in at the hotel indicated in your reservation. In the evening, you will have an excellent dinner and will be visited by our on-site guide, who will give you a short briefing of the next day's activities and recommendations.

    • Highest Point on The Route: 4,297 m (14,097 f).
    • Lowest Point on the route: 1,890 m (6,200 pies).
    Tourist Bus Included
    Accommodation Included
    View Details
    Meals Included
    Lunch, Dinner.
  • 2D

    2nd Day

    Machu Picchu - Hidroelectrica - Cusco

    On this day, we will adjust the itinerary to suit your needs. We will coordinate your visit to Machu Picchu with our local guide and handle your hotel accommodation. Below, we present the regular day's itinerary for your reference.

    If your Machu Picchu ticket entry time is among the earliest, we recommend having breakfast very early. This is necessary to board the first buses to Machu Picchu and meet our guide at the park entrance. To do this, you should speak with the reception staff and inform them about your Machu Picchu entry time and breakfast the night before. The hotels in the town of Aguas Calientes are familiar with visitors' itineraries and requirements. They will guide you on the optimal procedure in these cases.

    Normally, the buffet breakfast is served from 5:30 AM. If you plan to have breakfast earlier, it will likely be an American-style breakfast. If you wish, you can request a takeaway breakfast from the hotel staff.

    Our site guide will be waiting for you and the group at the park entrance; please remember to bring the document with which you reserved your Machu Picchu ticket. Currently, shared guiding is only permitted on Circuit 2 and its routes 2A and 2B; on the other circuits and their routes, guiding is private.

    The Circuit 2 tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

    After visiting Machu Picchu and returning to the town, we suggest exploring the charming village of Aguas Calientes. Visit the artisan market, enjoy a restaurant of your choice, and relax in the hot springs (although we recommend doing this at dawn!).

    Bus Ticket Up
  • 3D

    3rd Day

    Aguas Calientes Town - Cusco

    Waking up in Aguas Calientes Town is truly delightful! Breakfast is served from 05:30 AM, giving you a fresh start to your day. You can begin your return journey to the Hidroelectrica Bus Station at whatever time is most convenient for you. The walk from the town to the bus station takes about 3 hours. Buses are available from 02:00 PM. The last bus departs at 02:50 PM. Feel free to use this time to have lunch and relax before your departure.

    The bus is arriving to Cusco city around 21 hours. Our service concludes in San Francisco Square (Downtown). Passengers disembarking in the town of Ollantaytambo are arriving around 07:30 PM, the disembarkation point is the Inca bridge, located 10-15 minutes from the town square.

    Currently, the buses are not entering the town of Ollantaytambo, the streets of the town are being restored and improved.

    If you've decided to return to Cusco by train, we recommend arriving at the station 30 minutes before departure. The trains that depart in the morning from the town of Aguas Calientes only go as far as Ollantaytambo Town. Once there, you can board a tourist bus to Cusco. If you book both services with us -train and bus- we will send your e-tickets by email. Our staff waits for the arrival of the train in Ollantaytambo and boards our passengers to the tourist buses.

    Tourist Bus Included

Itinerary Summary

Below, we present the regular day's itinerary for your reference.

1st-Day

  • 06:10 : Boarding at Regocijo square (One block from Main Square).
  • 06:20 : 1st Bus Departure Time | 2nd Bus departs at 06:50 AM.
  • 07:30 : 1st Stop for rest and breakfast (optional) in a local restaurant.
  • 10:30 : 2nd Stop to stretch your legs and use the bathroom.
  • 13:30 : Arrival at the Hidroelectrica Station and lunch at a local restaurant.
  • 14:00 : Beginning of the hike from Hidroelectrica to the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • 17:00 : Arrival in Aguas Calientes and hotel check-in.
  • 19:00 : Briefing and Tourist Dinner.

2nd-Day

  • 05:30 : Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 06:20 : Bus up to Machu Picchu Park.
  • 07:00 : Time to visit Machu Picchu.

3rd-Day

  • 07:30 : Breakfast at the hotel.
  • 14:00 : Departure time from Hidroelectrica bus station.
  • 21:00 : Arrival time to Cusco.

Prices 2025 - 2026

Basic Service

Guest Adults Students / Minors
Foreigners $154 USD $126 USD
A.C. / Nationals $121 USD $109 USD

What's included in the Basic Service

  • Bus Cusco - Hidroelectrica Station.
  • Bus Hidroelectrica Station - Cusco.
  • 2 nights in a Basic Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room with bathroom and hot water).
  • Breakfast Included
  • Machu Picchu Ticket, Circuit 2 (2-A / 2-B).
  • Professional guide in Machu Picchu (service in Spanish or English).
  • Permanent assistance via WhatsApp (trip monitoring).
  • Guaranteed organization: Hotel reservation, guide, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

Not Included

  • Meals.
  • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes Town to Machu Picchu (optional, additional cost).
  • Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes Town (optional, additional cost).
  • Train from Hidroelectrica Station to Aguas Calientes and vice versa (optional, additional cost of $37 - $42 USD per route).
  • Meals not specified (breakfast on the first day and dinner on the second day).
  • Entrance fees: Hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Personal expenses: Drinks, snacks, souvenirs, tips.
  • Travel insurance (recommended to purchase from your country of origin).
  • Accommodation in Cusco before and after the tour.

Standard Service

Guest Adults Students / Minors
Foreigners $180 USD $150 USD
A.C. / Nationals $146 USD $130 USD

What's included in the Standard Service

  • Tourist transport by minibus:
    • Bus Cusco - Hidroelectrica Station.
    • Bus Hidroelectrica Station - Cusco.
  • Meals:
    • First day: Lunch in Hidroélectrica.
    • First day: Dinner a la Carte at Machu Picchu Pueblo.
    • Second day: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
    • Third day: Lunch in Hidroelectrica.
  • Accommodation:
    • Two nights in a Standart Hotel in Aguas Calientes (private room with bathroom and hot water).
  • Tickets:
    • Machu Picchu Ticket, Circuit 2 (2-A / 2-B).
    • Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes Town to Machu Picchu (one-way).
  • Professional guide in Machu Picchu (service in Spanish or English).
  • Permanent assistance via WhatsApp (trip monitoring).
  • Guaranteed organization: Hotel reservation, guide, and Machu Picchu entrance tickets.

Not Included

  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes (optional, additional cost).
  • Train from Hidroelectrica Station to Aguas Calientes and vice versa (optional, additional cost of $37 USD per route).
  • Meals not specified (breakfast on the first day, lunch and dinner on the second day).
  • Entrance fees: Hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
  • Personal expenses: Drinks, snacks, souvenirs, tips.
  • Travel insurance (recommended to purchase from your country of origin).
  • Accommodation in Cusco before and after the tour.

Secure 2025's big trip today!

Please feel free to contact one of our advisors, We are online!



Extra Services

SERVICE PRICE
Accommodation Superior $32.00 USD pp
Accommodation Premium $74.00 USD pp
Private Guide $80.00 USD gp
Bus Down to Aguas Calientes $15.00 USD pp
Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo Train $80.00 USD pp
pp: price per person.
gp: group price.

MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAINS
(Subject to Availability)

Machu Picchu Mountain + $18.00 USD pp
Wayna Picchu Mountain + $18.00 USD pp
Great Cavern + $18.00 USD pp
Huchuy Picchu Mountain No-cost
Inti Punku Sun Gate No-cost
Inka Bridge No-cost
If you're planning to visit any of these places, it will be necessary to book tickets months in advance.

Machu Picchu Availability

Dear guest, you can check the availability of the Machu Picchu Ticket on the official site or here. MachuPicchuByBus© is an official company certified by the Ministry of Tourism of Peru.



Important Recommendations

Before the Trip

  • Documents:
    • Original passport with a minimum validity of 7 months.
    • Andean Migration Card (TAM) with entry stamp to Peru.
    • South American tourists can present a valid Identity Document.
  • Health:
    • Consult your doctor about medication for altitude sickness.
    • Personal medication: Pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic, pills for altitude sickness.

During the Trip

  • Luggage:
    • Light backpack (maximum 5 kg) with essentials for two days.
    • Comfortable and warm clothing for temperature changes.
    • Trekking shoes or sneakers with good soles.
  • Climate:
    • Layered clothing: To adapt to variable temperatures.
    • Waterproof or poncho: Especially from November to March (rainy season).
  • Accessories:
    • Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
    • Insect repellent.
    • Camera and spare batteries
    • Cash in Peruvian soles for additional expenses.
    • Bathing clothes, in case you visit the thermal baths.
    • Extra money.

Other Tips

  • Punctuality: Adhere to the established schedules to avoid delays.
  • Positive attitude: Be open to new experiences and enjoy the natural and cultural environment.
  • Hydration: Carry enough water for the hikes.
  • Respect the environment: Do not litter and follow the guide's instructions.


Additional Information

Train Option

If you're too tired to walk back to Hidroelectrica after visiting Machu Picchu and prefer to avoid the hike, you can opt to take the local train:

  • Cost: $37 USD per person approx.
  • Schedules: The train departs from Aguas Calientes at 13:30 and gets to Hidroelectrica at around 14:15.
  • Note: The purchase of the train ticket from Aguas Calientes to the Hidroelectrica is personal. You must be in town at least 45 minutes early to purchase and board the train.

Luggage

  • Important: you'll need to carry your belongings on the second day, when visiting Machu Picchu, as we won't be returning to the hotel in Aguas Calientes.
  • Option: Don't bring luggage on the trip. The hike can get pretty heavy. If you need somewhere to leave your luggage in Cusco, you can do so at your hotel or at our office (free of charge).
  • Guests arriving in Cusco in the early morning and travelling to Machu Pichu the same day, can leave their luggage in our office (free of charge).


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need trekking experience to do this tour?

    No prior experience is necessary. The hike from the Hidroelectrica Station to Aguas Calientes is of low to moderate difficulty, mostly on flat terrain.

  • Can I store my luggage somewhere during the tour?

    You can leave additional luggage in our secure storage in Cusco at no extra cost. During the tour, you must carry what you need.

  • What type of accommodation is offered in Aguas Calientes?

    We include one night in a 2-star hotel, with private room, private bathroom, and hot water.

  • Is it possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

    This tour does not include entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. If you wish to add this experience, please contact us in advance to check availability and additional costs.

  • What if I want to stay longer in Aguas Calientes or Cusco?

    We can help you customize your itinerary. Get in touch with us to adjust your travel plan according to your preferences

Pictures from our Guests


We are here to Help you

Do you have a question about our Machu Picchu by Bus tour? Or maybe you want to customise a travel package. Whatever you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

  • Address

    885 Hospital Street, Cuzco
    Cuzco - Peru.
  • Email address

    info@machupicchubybus.com
    24 / 7
  • Contacts info

    + 51 980 782 062   + 51 940 201 693
    Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

+51 980-782-062 24/7 WhatsApp