CUSCO

Machu Picchu by Road the hydroelectric route

  • Full Day
  • Moderate difficulty
  • Max 12 people
DURATION
Full Day
MAX ALTITUDE
2,430 m
DISTANCE
10 km
BEST TIME
All year round

FROM $129 / person

THE EXPERIENCE

What makes it special to this trip

Machu Picchu without the train: road journey to the Hidroeléctrica, a 3-hour walk along the railway and a guided visit to the citadel. The most affordable option to see the wonder of the world.

  • The most affordable way to reach Machu Picchu
  • 3-hour walk along the railway
  • Views of Huayna Picchu and the citadel along the way
  • 2-hour guided tour of the citadel
  • Return to Cusco the same day

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM

The route, step by step

This is how the day unfolds, hour by hour, with everything you'll do and where.

  1. DAY 1

    Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Machu Picchu – Cusco

    04:30 am | Departure from Cusco: pickup from your hotel and journey through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, then through Santa María and Santa Teresa with stops to enjoy the high-jungle landscape. Approx. 11:00 am | Arrival at the Hidroeléctrica: we start the approximately 3-hour walk along the railway, a flat trail beside the Urubamba River with views of Huayna Picchu and the Inca citadel in the distance. Approx. 14:00 | Aguas Calientes: we reach the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo. We go up by bus to the citadel (30 minutes) or walk along the Inca Trail path (1 h 30 min). Approx. 15:00 | Machu Picchu: 2-hour guided tour of the most important places in the citadel and free time for photographs. Approx. 17:30 | Return: we descend to Aguas Calientes and walk back to the Hidroeléctrica (3 hours). Approx. 20:30 | Journey back to Cusco, arriving around midnight. End of our services.

    • 10 km
    • Machu Picchu 2,430 m

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you need, no surprises

The tour includes

  • Round-trip tourist transportation.
  • Professional bilingual guide.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  • Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu bus (round trip).

Not included

  • Meals.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Tips for the guide and driver.
  • Personal expenses.

GALLERY

The tour in pictures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We solve all your doubts

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Talk to an advisor
Why is it cheaper than the train?

Because the journey is done by road and on foot: the round-trip walk along the railway replaces the train, which is the highest cost of the traditional tour.

How demanding is it?

It is moderate difficulty: two 3-hour walks along a flat trail, plus the bus ride up to the citadel. It is a long day, approximately 20 hours.

What is the best time to do it?

It can be done all year round. In the rainy season (November–March) the trail can be muddy; bring a raincoat and closed shoes.

How do I prepare?

Altitude is not a concern (2,430 m at Machu Picchu), but the day is long: sleep well the night before, bring water and snacks, and wear comfortable footwear.

What does the price include?

It includes round-trip transport, bilingual guide, Machu Picchu entrance and the up-and-down bus. It does not include meals or tips.

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