Can you get to Machu Picchu by motorcycle?
For years the most classic route of arrival to Machu Picchu has been by train. But lately other alternatives have been taken, and one of them is to go by motorcycle to Machu Picchu. Exclusively for people who like the adrenaline, excitement and make this trip in an unforgettable way.
How many days take it?
This tour takes at least 3 days in Motorcycle and on the way you can see different types of landscapes starting in Cusco (3350 masl) passing through a high pass (4297 masl) and reaching the jungle (1510 masl) the flora and fauna will not be an exception, You can see a variety of crops of tea, coffee, orange, banana, etc. As well as a variety of birds.
But how do I do this trip?
The trip is very simple, you can do it on your own by renting a motorcycle or also take a full tour.
Self-guided tour:
For this, you will need to rent a motorcycle. In Cusco, there are not many rental shops so it is recommend
ed to rent in advance (recommended, rent at least 3 days for this trip). On the day of your trip, you will approach the store where you rented the motorcycle and will carry out the necessary documentation, such as: signing contracts, payment of guarantee, seeing the status of the motorcycles, etc.
Rental people are very friendly and have knowledge of the subject, they will explain the route and they will give you a map so you can reach your destination.
Guided tour:
If you take a tour, you can do it. Normally, the tours are 3 days and include everything: Motorcycle, fuel, accommodation, food, entrance tickets, guide and truck support. For this, the cheapest way is to join a group, all travel agencies open dates with a minimum of 2 people.
In this case, you should not worry about anything, since the guide takes care of everything.
What would be the itinerary for a self – guide tour?
It is recommended at least 3 days. The first day, you can get to Aguas Calientes. Note: The bikes only reach the hydroelectric center of Machu Picchu, here there are parking spots where you can leave the motorcycles and continue by train (30 minutes – US $ 30 dollars) or walking (3 hours). This Afternoon, you arrive to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night.
The next day, you take the bus to Machu Picchu (25 minutes – US $ 12 dollars) or walk up (1 hour and 30 minutes). It is mandatory to hire a guide to go inside Machu Picchu, you can find many guides at the entrance door. You make the visit and return to Aguas Calientes. Then you return to Hidroeléctrica by train or by foot, pick up the motorcycles and you can visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo which is located 10 minutes from the town of Santa Teresa.
This second night, you sleep in Santa Teresa.
The third day would be back to Cusco, you can visit Ollantaytambo and some sites of the Sacred Valley. Your arrival in Cusco would be approximately at 18:00 PM.
What are the Ride times and distances?
DAY 1: Cusco – Hydroelectric:
- Asphalt: 190 Km – 4 Hours
- Dirt road: 35 Km – 1 Hour and 30 minutes
DAY 2: Hydroelectric – Cocalmayo – Santa Teresa:
- Dirt road: 20 Km – 30 minutes
DAY 3: Santa Teresa – Santa Maria – Cusco
- Asphalt: 210 Km – 4 hours
- Dirt road: 15 Km – 30 minutes
Do not think more and enjoy this new alternative to get to Machu Picchu. More information.
