The route to Machu Picchu via the Cusco – Hydroelectric route is an alternative route used in most cases by adventurous travelers. This journey is longer. Delay 6 or 7 hours but it is cheaper than the train trip.

Why do some people choose to travel this way? Know all the information about the route Cusco – Hydroelectric.

• How to get to Machu Picchu?
• How is the alternative route Cusco – Hydroelectric?
• Who chooses the alternative route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric?
• How long does the alternative route Cusco – Hidroeléctrica take?
• How much does it cost to get to Machu Picchu via the Hidroeléctrica Route?
• How is the train trip from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu?
• How is the trip on foot from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu?
• Where to buy train tickets from Aguas Calientes – Hidroeléctrica?
• Questions and answers about the route to Hydroelectric
  • What places to visit on the route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric?
  • Where to take the buses from Cusco to Santa Teresa?
  • Where to take the collective taxis from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica?
  • When is the best time to make the route by Hydroelectric?
  • What to take to make the route by Hydroelectric?

Machu Picchu

How to get to Machu Picchu?

There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu:

• The route by train – This road leads to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) from the city of Cusco or Ollantaytambo through a train ride. The trip takes between 2 and 3 hours and crosses the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• The Inca Trail – This hiking trail leads to Machu Picchu through ancient Inca trails until you reach Machu Picchu after 4 days and 3 nights of walking. This adventure is one of the 5 best hiking trails in the world.
• The route via Cusco – Hydroelectric – This road leads to the town of Aguas Calientes through a trip by bus and train (or on foot) that crosses the so-called hydroelectric power station. The journey takes between 6 or 7 hours and crosses the jungle-browed landscapes around Machu Picchu

How is the alternative route Cusco – Hydroelectric?

This alternative route can be divided in the following ways:

• 1st section – A trip by bus or minibus from the city of Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa.
• 2nd. section – A trip by collective taxi from the town of Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric power station.
• 3rd section – Once at the Hydroelectric station you can choose to reach the town of Aguas Calientes in 2 ways:
  • Walking: A 3-hour walk parallel to the Vilcanota River.
  • By train: You have the option to board a tourist class tn and arrive in 45 minutes.
• 4th section – From Aguas Calientes you can go up to Machu Picchu through a bus or on foot.

Steps to get to Machu Picchu following the Cusco Hydroelectric route

Who chooses the alternative route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric?

This route is ideal for the following people:

• The adventurous who seek to leave the traditional ways of reaching Machu Picchu.
• People who have already visited Machu Picchu through the 2 usual ways: the classic train route and the Inca Trail.
• The tourists who did not reach or forgot to book the train tickets in advance.

How long does the alternative route Cusco – Hidroeléctrica take?

The alternative route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric has an approximate time of 7 hours:

• 1st stretch – The bus trip from Cusco to Santa Teresa takes approximately 6 hours.
• 2nd. section – The trip by collective taxi from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric station is 30 minutes maximum.
• 3rd section – The train journey from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes is 45 minutes. If you do it walking, it takes between 2 or 3 hours.
• 4th section – The trip by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is maximum 30 minutes. Climbing on foot can take up to 2 hours.

Route Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Machu Picchu

How much does it cost to get to Machu Picchu via the Hidroeléctrica Route?

The alternative route to Machu Picchu by Hidroeléctrica has a maximum price of 67$. If in the final stages, he decides to do it on foot; the cost is reduced to approximately 12$.

• 1st stretch – The buses charge an approximate price of 30 soles (10$) from the city of Cusco to Santa Teresa.
• 2nd. section – Collective taxis charge 5 soles (2$) from Santa Teresa to the Hydroelectric station.
• 3rd section – The Peru Rail train company charges a general price of 31$ from the Hidroeléctrica station to Aguas Calientes. Doing it on foot costs nothing.
• 4th stretch – The buses charge 24$ to go up to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The price includes the return. Doing it on foot does not cost anything.

How is the train trip from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu?

The last part of the alternative route leads from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes by train. This trip is short and more economical compared to the classic train journey from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu.

The only company that operates this route is Peru Rail. The trip traverses the tropical landscapes of the jungle brow near Machu Picchu.

How is the trip on foot from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu?

The trip on foot from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu is unforgettable. It continues parallel to the rails of the train and the Vilcanota river. On the way you can see green mountains, streams of water, huge bushes and more.

Perhaps the most difficult moment is to cross the 2 tunnels through which the train passes. It is recommended to be very careful not to cross with the earphones on.

Where to buy train tickets from Aguas Calientes – Hidroeléctrica?

These are the boarding times at the Hydroelectric station heading to Aguas Calientes:

• At the station – 1.47 pm / Departure – 2.17 pm / at Aguas Calientes 2.48 pm
• At the station 2.20 pm / Departure – 2.50 pm / at Aguas Calientes 3.34 pm
• At the station – 4:40 pm / Departure – 5.10 pm / at Aguas Calientes – 5.41 pm

These are the boarding times at Aguas Calientes station heading to Hidroeléctrica:

• In the station – 10 am / Departure – 10.30 am / in Hydroelectric – 11.01 am
• At the station – 1 pm / Departure – 1.30 pm / at Hydroelectric – 2.15 pm

Questions and answers about the route to Hydroelectric

1. What places to visit on the route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric?

   The main tourist attraction during this route are the thermal baths of Cocalmayo in the town of Santa Teresa. It is a good place to relax in the middle of nature.

2. Where to take the buses from Cusco to Santa Teresa?

   There are tourism agencies that make the direct transport service to Hydroelectric. These are located in the Historic Center of Cusco. There are also buses that take Santa Teresa from the bus terminal to Quillabamba. These are located near the Cemetery of Almudena.

3. Where to take the collective taxis from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica?

   Collective taxis can be taken anywhere in the town of Santa Teresa. Collective taxis can be taken anywhere in the town of Santa Teresa. These cars usually go to the local grocery market before leaving.

4. When is the best time to make the route by Hydroelectric?

   The best time is during the dry season (April to October). In those months it does not rain very often so the roads are in better condition.

5. What to take to make the route by Hydroelectric?

   To enjoy the best way of this route you should take with you the following:

   • Hat.
   • Sunblock.
   • Repellent against mosquitoes.
   • Light cotton clothing.
   • Shoes for trekking.
   • Poncho in case of rains.
   • Water.
   • Bath linen (in case you visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo).
   • Photographic camera.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024