Exploring Machu Picchu by bus with an overnight stay is a popular choice for many travelers. This tour offers a scenic journey from Cusco, culminating in a guided visit to the iconic Inca ruins. Hikers will enjoy a 3-hour trek through the countryside en route to Aguas Calientes. With accommodations, meals, and ample time to wander the site, it’s an immersive experience. However, travelers should expect long bus rides and potential language barriers. This tour provides an opportunity to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu at a leisurely pace.

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Key Points

This tour offers an overnight bus service from Cusco to Machu Picchu, including a 3-hour hike and a guided tour of the ruins.
The tour package includes meals, transportation, a local guide, and site access, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5.
Highlights of the itinerary include a scenic drive through remote villages, an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, and free time for exploration at Machu Picchu.
The tour is not wheelchair-friendly, and pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions are advised against participation.
Some reviewers have noted issues with long bus rides, uncomfortable vehicle conditions, and potential language barriers due to instructions primarily in Spanish.

Tour Overview

This overnight bus tour from Cusco takes travelers to the iconic Machu Picchu site in Peru.

The tour includes travel time, hiking, and a guided tour of the ruins. It costs from $170 per person and has an average rating of 3.8 based on 9 reviews.

The itinerary highlights include a 3-hour hike, an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

The tour includes meals, transportation, a local guide, and access to the site and optional additional attractions.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights the journey from Cusco, passing through remote villages and the picturesque Peruvian countryside. Hikers will embark on a 3-hour trek along the railroad tracks from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. After the hike, travelers will have an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes before the main event – a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins with free time for exploration.

Destination	Duration	Activity	Inclusion
Cusco	–	Depart	–
Remote Villages	–	Scenic Drive	–
Hidroelectrica	3 hours	Hike	–
Aguas Calientes	Overnight	Accommodation	Hot Springs Access
Machu Picchu	Guided Tour + Free Time	Guided Tour	Entrance, Optional Huayna Picchu or Montaña

Inclusions

The tour package includes several key inclusions to enhance the Machu Picchu experience.

Travelers will enjoy a round-trip bus service from Cusco to Hidroelectrica, as well as bus transportation up and down from Machu Picchu. A local guide is provided for the tour of the iconic ruins, and entrance fees to the site are covered.

Meals, including dinner, lunch, and breakfast, are included. Travelers can also access the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.

For those interested, optional add-ons like visits to Huayna Picchu or Montaña are available for an additional fee.

Meeting and Pickup

For those booking the Machu Picchu by Bus tour, there are a couple options for getting to the starting point.

Travelers can meet the group directly at the Plaza Regocijo in Cusco. Alternatively, they can opt for hotel pickup from locations near the main square.

The tour ends at Plaza San Francisco, also in Cusco. The start time is 8:00 AM sharp, so punctuality is key.

Keep in mind that the instructions and communications during the tour are primarily in Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers may encounter some language barriers along the way.

Accessibility and Communication

Not all travelers may find the Machu Picchu by Bus tour fully accessible.

It’s not wheelchair-friendly, and children must be accompanied by adults. Pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions are advised against it.

Language barriers are also noted, as instructions are primarily in Spanish. Reviewers have suggested clearer communication and instructions would improve the experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Experience Feedback

Mixed reviews from past participants highlight both the pros and cons of the Machu Picchu by Bus tour.

Travelers praised the convenience of hotel pickup and the chance to explore Machu Picchu’s ruins with a local guide.

However, many cited issues with the long bus ride and uncomfortable vehicle conditions.

Some felt the instructions were unclear, and the language barrier with the guide caused confusion.

While the included meals and hot spring access were appreciated, several suggested the tour could be improved with clearer communication, better transportation, and the addition of Peru Rail tickets.

Pricing and Bookings

The Machu Picchu by Bus tour starts at $170.00 per person.

This overnight adventure includes transportation, meals, a guided tour of the ruins, and access to optional sites like Huayna Picchu.

Travelers can choose pickup from the central meeting point or their hotel near the main square in Cusco. The tour ends back in Cusco at Plaza San Francisco.

This experience has received mixed reviews, with some guests suggesting improvements to communication, transportation comfort, and inclusion of Peru Rail tickets.

Getting There and Away

The tour departs from Cusco’s Plaza Regocijo at 8:00 AM, with an optional hotel pickup available for locations near the main square.

The bus winds through remote villages and picturesque Peruvian countryside before reaching Hidroelectrica. From there, travelers embark on a 3-hour hike along the railroad tracks to Aguas Calientes, where they’ll spend the night.

The next day, a bus transports them up to the Machu Picchu site for a guided tour of the ruins. At the end, the bus drops everyone off at Plaza San Francisco in Cusco.

Communication can be a challenge due to language barriers, so clear instructions are recommended.

Sum Up

The "Machu Picchu by Bus With Overnight" tour offers a scenic and adventurous experience, featuring a hike through Peruvian countryside and a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. While the journey includes stunning views, travelers should be prepared for long bus rides and potential language barriers. The package, priced from $170 per person, includes overnight accommodation, meals, and ample time for exploration at the historic site.