Walking from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu: What the Hike to Aguas Calientes Looks Like
Walking from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu is one of the most scenic and budget-friendly ways to reach the famous Incan ruins. This lesser-known route takes you through lush jungles and along railway tracks, offering a unique adventure. If you're looking for an alternative to the pricey train or multi-day hikes, this is a fantastic option.
The journey is relatively easy, covering about 10 kilometers (6 miles) on mostly flat terrain. Along the way, you'll pass through stunning landscapes, spot local wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba River. With proper preparation, it's an enjoyable experience for travelers of all fitness levels.
For those seeking a Machu Picchu alternative route via Hidroeléctrica, this walk is a great option that allows you to experience the beauty of the region at your own pace while avoiding the crowds. Whether you're on a budget or simply love hiking, this route offers a rewarding and unforgettable journey, and our guide covers all of the details for experiencing it.
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Walking from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu: A Brief Intro
before we go into detail about what walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu looks like, we're going to give you a bit of info about what it is, and where exactly it's situated in relation to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
What is the Hidroelectrica Near Machu Picchu?
The hidroelectrica is a hydroelectric plant that has a train station. The train leads to Aguas Calientes, and is the path for travelers wanting to get to Machu Picchu via trekking, or if they come with a car.
Where is Hidroelectrica Exactly?
If you look on the map, the hidroelectrica doesn't look that far from Ollantaytambo or Machu Picchu! The catch? You actually have to drive north and then all the way around the mountains to get there.
Hidroelectrica is 213 km and takes 5 1/2 hours of driving coming from Cusco, and 152 km from Ollantaytambo, and takes 3 1/2-4 hours driving.
How to Get to Hidroelectrica
Now that you know a bit about what Hidroelectrica is and where it's located, let's help you get there.
How to Get to Hidroelectrica from Cusco by Car
While you can't drive all the way to Machu Picchu, you CAN drive to Hidroelectrica, which is exactly what we did. We've actually written a full article about driving to Hidroelectrica from Cusco if you want to know all of the details.
Parking Near Hidroelectrica
If you are planning on renting a car and driving to Hidroelectrica then you'll want to find a safe place to park.
We were advised not to leave our car there, but luckily we found a parking lot open 24 hours that is watched by a family. Terminal Terrestre is just 20 soles (cash) to park overnight, meaning you can easily leave your car in good hands while you're visiting Machu Picchu.
How to Get to Hidroelectrica from Cusco with Public Transportation
Here is a step-by-step journey for getting to Hidroelectrica from Cusco with public transportation:
1. Take a Bus or Train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
Most travelers begin their journey in Cusco, but also break up the trip to Machu Picchu by visiting Ollaytantambo, a beautiful small town in the Sacred Valley (which also has ruins worth checking out).
From Cusco you can take a bus or shared colectivo (minibus) to Ollantaytambo, The ride takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours and offers stunning views of the Andean mountains.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, though this is a more expensive option.
Ollantaytambo is also a great place to stop to break up the trip.
2. Travel from Ollantaytambo to Santa Teresa
From Ollantaytambo, the next step is getting to Santa Teresa, a town located near Hidroeléctrica. There are two main options:
- By Bus/Colectivo: Take a minibus or colectivo from Ollantaytambo to Santa Teresa. The drive takes around 4 to 5 hours, passing through the Abra Málaga mountain pass with breathtaking views.
- By Train: If you prefer, you can take a train directly from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, but this bypasses walking from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu.
3. Take a Taxi from Santa Teresa to Hidroeléctrica
Once in Santa Teresa, you can grab a shared taxi to Hidroeléctrica. The ride is about 30 minutes on a bumpy but scenic road.
How to Get to Hidroelectrica from Cusco by Train
The fastest and easiest way to get to Hidroelectrica from Cusco is by taking the train, although it's certainly the most expensive. There are two different rail services that have this route, which are Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
Walking from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu: The Experience
Now that you know how to get to Hidroelectrica, let's go over what walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu looks like.
What the Walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes Looks Like
The walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) and takes about 2 1/2 hours at a moderate pace. (We walk pretty fast, so did it in closer to 2 hours).
It is mostly flat and follows the railway tracks, offering a unique and picturesque experience. Here’s what to expect along the way:
Starting the Hike at Hidroeléctrica
Once you get to Hidroelectrica, you'll see a bunch of restaurants and vendors lining the tracks the trail begins by following the railway tracks. When the tracks finish you'll follow the path through the woods, walking back up to another set of tracks- this part will take about 15 minutes.
Walking Along the Railway Tracks
You'll be walking along the tracks for another 10-15 minutes, until you reach a green bridge - this is a popular photo spot, and is also a beautiful crossing over the river to enjoy.
After another 10 minutes, you'll come across the San Miguel rest stop. Here you can use the bathroom or grab a quick drink or snack.
For most of the hike, you’ll be walking along the train tracks, so be mindful of occasional passing trains. The path is pretty easy, and you’ll likely encounter other hikers making the journey. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the river, towering mountains, and lush greenery.
Walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu is super scenic.
Passing by Small Shops and Rest Stops
About an hour and a half you'll find another rest stop, called Mandor Rest Stop. Further along there are a few small kiosks along the trail selling snacks, drinks, and even freshly made fruit juices. If you need a small break or want to reenergize, this is a great chance to grab a refreshment.
Arriving in Aguas Calientes
After about 2-2 1/2 hours, you’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll spend the night before heading up to the ruins the next day. Aguas Calientes has plenty of restaurants, hotels, shops, and hot springs where you can relax after the trek.
Get to bed early though, so that you can be ready to experience the incredible Machu Picchu! (Don't forget to book your time slot - the Machu Picchu booking system has changed a lot!).
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Walking from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu: Amenities Along the Way
Walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu takes some time- luckily though, the area is well-equipped for tourists, with plenty of amenities to enjoy along the way!
Parking at Hidroelectrica
If you are planning on renting a car and driving to Hidroelectrica then you'll want to be mindful of where you leave your car.
We were advised not to leave our car there, but luckily we found a parking lot that is under surveillance 24 hours. Terminal Terrestre is just 20 soles (cash) for overnight parking, meaning you can easily leave your car in safe hands while you are at Machu Picchu.
Food & Drinks
Right at the beginning of Hidroelectrica, you'll notice a ton of restaurants along the train tracks! There are plenty of options to choose from, and many people stop here for a bite before their walk to Aguas Calientes, or after coming back.
In case you don't want to eat right before your walk though, there are actually plenty of other options you'll find while walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu! There are a few restaurants along the way, as well as small kiosks selling snacks and drinks.
We personally loved the empanadas from the shop towards the end of the tracks (about 15 minutes from Aguas Calientes), so are an excellent stop for on the way back if you want something on the go!
Bathrooms Along the Way
There are a few different bathrooms you can find along the way, which are offered for 1-5 soles, or you can also use the bathroom at a restaurant if you are stopping at one to have a bite. We'd recommend bringing a bit of tissues just in case they run out though!
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Walking from Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu: Other Things to Know
Now you know almost everything you need to know for walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu! But don't go just yet- we have a few other things for you to keep in mind.
Local Weather
Aguas Calientes has two distinct seasons- a wet season, and a dry season. The wet season goes from December to April, and the dry season is from May- November. If you're visiting during the wet season, you'll want to monitor the weather closely, as there can be a lot of rain and clouds, which can affect visibility at Machu Picchu.
The weather also can change very quickly, so it can be sunny and warm one minute, but start pouring the next! You'll definitely want to keep this in mind while walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu, preparing yourself for protection from both the sun and the rain.
The Best Time for Walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu
The best time for walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu depends on when you plan on visiting Machu Picchu. If you have plans to visit Machu Picchu that day, we'd recommend starting as early as possible. However, if you plan on visiting Machu Picchu the following day, we'd recommend the afternoon (3 hours before sunset).
During the day is when there will be the highest amount of people, and when the sun will be the harshest. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon will be the most pleasant, but also something to keep in mind is that not all of the shops or restaurants will be open.
What to Bring While Walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu
You'll want to pack as light as possible while visiting Machu Picchu, especially if you're doing a trek or walking the hidroelectrica. Here is what your bag should look like:
- Sunscreen
- Hat to also protect yourself from the sun
- Poncho in case it rains
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature well)
- Sneakers
- Light, comfortable clothing to wear on the walk
- A change of clothes for Machu Picchu
- Light jacket for the nights and early morning
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Dynamic Lens with a wide range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Action Camera (we use the Go Pro Hero 12 because it's small & waterproof)
- Toiletries to spend the night
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Is Walking the Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu Worth it?
If you're looking to save money and want a unique experience, then walking from Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu is definitely worth it! In just a little over 2 hours you can avoid costly trains, have beautiful views, and enjoy one of the most iconic parts of getting to Aguas Calientes.
Whether you are trekking to Machu Picchu, taking public transportation, or driving to Hidroelectrica, this is inevitably a big part of getting to Machu Picchu that you'll have the opportunity to experience.
Tips for Walking the Hidroelectrica to Machu Picchu
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