How to get from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica by road: schedule, travel time, stops, what to expect on the way and how to book just the transport.

Hidroeléctrica is a train station at about 1,890 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Machu Picchu valley. It is the end of the road: from here there is no road for vehicles to Aguas Calientes. That is why travelers arrive by bus and continue on foot or by train.

The route is about 180 km long and takes around **7 hours and 45 minutes**, including stops. It sounds like a lot for the distance, but the road crosses the Andes at **Abra Málaga** and then winds down into the jungle.

If you get carsick easily, have a light breakfast, sit at the front and take a motion sickness pill before leaving.

Local tip

In Cusco we **pick you up at your hotel in the historic center**, or you can meet us at **Plaza Regocijo**. On the way back we drop you off at **Plaza San Francisco**, a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The ticket costs **$15 USD each way**, and a round trip gets you **10% off**.

Very early, at 5:55 AM, towards Ollantaytambo.

Departure from Cusco

First stop to use the restrooms and stretch your legs.

Stop in Ollantaytambo

The highest point of the route, over 4,000 m: it is cold and sometimes foggy.

Climb to Abra Málaga

Second restroom stop, already heading down into the jungle.

Stop in Alfamayo

Towns along the way. The landscape turns tropical and the weather gets warm.

Santa María and Santa Teresa

At 1:40 PM, where the walk to Aguas Calientes begins.

Arrival at Hidroeléctrica

From Hidroeléctrica it is about a **10 km** flat walk along the railway, between **2.5 and 3 hours**. If you do not want to walk, you can also take the train from Hidroeléctrica (sold separately). Check [what to pack for the Hidroeléctrica route](/travel-tips/what-to-pack-hidroelectrica-route) before you go.

Your passport or ID must match the one on your Machu Picchu ticket and on your HidroBus ticket.

Important

Many agencies sell this route as part of a package with hotel, guide and tickets. If you already have your Machu Picchu ticket and your accommodation, **you do not need to pay for a tour**: you only need reliable transport. Not sure? Compare the options in [bus, tour or train: which is best for Machu Picchu?](/travel-tips/bus-tour-or-train-machu-picchu).

At **HidroBus** we are the Cusco–Hidroeléctrica transport specialists: we do not sell tours, we just get you there safely and on time. We are a direct operator with our own vehicles and drivers who know the route. We do not resell seats or make you buy packages.

At least 1 or 2 days before in high season (May to October).

Book ahead

It is cold at Abra Málaga and hot at Hidroeléctrica.

Dress in layers

Have a light breakfast and sit at the front.

If winding roads make you sick

At Hidroeléctrica there is not always signal or card payments.

Bring cash

How to get to Hidroeléctrica from Cusco by bus: schedule, prices and tips

How to get to Hidroeléctrica from Cusco: complete guide

A practical list of what to pack for the bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and the walk to Aguas Calientes: clothes, documents, food and more.

Original passport or ID

Machu Picchu ticket

Your HidroBus ticket

There are almost no ATMs at Hidroeléctrica or along the way.

Cash in soles

Warm jacket

Light, breathable shirt

Especially from November to March, in the rainy season.

Poncho or rain jacket

The walk is over stones and railway sleepers.

Comfortable shoes with good grip

If winding roads affect you (ask your doctor or pharmacist).

Motion sickness pills

A light snack and water

Neck pillow

There is no cell signal on the route; we are testing on-board internet, but not every vehicle may have it.

Power bank

There are lots of mosquitoes in the jungle.

Insect repellent

Sunscreen and a cap

Or your phone light, in case you arrive late.

Flashlight

Light backpack

Wheeled suitcases

You can leave your luggage at your hotel in Cusco.

Too many clothes

If you travel there and back with us, leave what you do not need at your accommodation in Cusco and travel with just a small backpack. On the way back we drop you off at **Plaza San Francisco**, in central Cusco. If it is your first time, also read [how to get to Hidroeléctrica from Cusco](/travel-tips/how-to-get-to-hidroelectrica-from-cusco).

What to pack for Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica: complete list

What to pack for the Hidroeléctrica route

We compare the three ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco so you can choose the one that best fits your time and budget.

The fastest and most comfortable option, but also the most expensive. It makes sense if you are short on time or traveling with children or older people.

They organize everything: transport, hotel, guide and tickets. The downside is that you pay for services you may not need and you depend on the group schedule.

The most affordable option. You buy your ticket, choose your hotel in Aguas Calientes and only book the transport. It is ideal if you like to travel at your own pace and only pay for what you really need. Here is the [complete guide to get from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica](/travel-tips/how-to-get-to-hidroelectrica-from-cusco).

No packages or mandatory extras: $15 USD each way and 10% off a round trip.

You only pay for transport

The vehicles are ours; we do not resell seats.

Direct operator

Valid SOAT insurance, GPS and drivers experienced on the route.

Safety

Come back the same day or when you finish your visit, and change the date free of charge up to 12 hours before.

Flexible return

Bus, tour or train to Machu Picchu: which to choose for your budget

Bus, tour or train: which is best for Machu Picchu?

Everything about the Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes walk: how many kilometers, how long it takes, what the path is like and what to bring.

From the Hidroeléctrica parking area you follow the railway. The ground is stones and sleepers, with some stretches of trail next to the tracks. There are always other travelers on the way, so it is hard to get lost.

Always walk beside the tracks, never on the rails, and step aside when the train comes: it sounds its horn.

Our bus from Cusco arrives at Hidroeléctrica at **1:40 PM**. If you start walking right away, you reach Aguas Calientes between 4:00 and 4:45 PM, in daylight. On the way back, leave Aguas Calientes by **10:30 AM** at the latest to be at Hidroeléctrica before the 1:40 PM departure.

Bring at least 1 liter of water per person.

Water and a snack

There are mosquitoes, especially at dusk.

Stones and sleepers are tiring for your feet.

Shoes with good grip

Leave big luggage at your hotel in Cusco.

In case you run late: it gets dark fast in the jungle.

See the full list in [what to pack for the Hidroeléctrica route](/travel-tips/what-to-pack-hidroelectrica-route).

There is also a train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, sold separately and with few departures a day. It can be worth it with small children or little time. For everyone else, the walk is part of the experience.

Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes walk: distance, time and tips

Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes walk: distance, time and tips

Departure and arrival times of the bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, Santa Teresa and Ollantaytambo, and the return trips to Cusco. Price and pick-up.

Pick-up at your hotel in the historic center or at **Plaza Regocijo**.

Cusco (outbound)

Drop-off at **Plaza San Francisco**, downtown.

Cusco (return)

Ollantaytambo

Santa Teresa

Hidroeléctrica

The ticket costs **$15 USD per person, each way**. Book a round trip and get **10% off** the total, and you can change your return date free of charge up to 12 hours before.

Times may vary by a few minutes depending on traffic and weather, especially in the rainy season. We let you know on WhatsApp if anything changes.

Shared transport makes two restroom stops: in **Ollantaytambo** and in **Alfamayo**. Between Ollantaytambo and Hidroeléctrica (or Santa Teresa) the only stop is Alfamayo. More details in [how to get to Hidroeléctrica from Cusco](/travel-tips/how-to-get-to-hidroelectrica-from-cusco).

Bus Cusco – Hidroelectrica schedule and return times (updated)

Cusco – Hidroeléctrica bus schedule and return times

What the road from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica is like, its real risks and how to choose safe transport: SOAT insurance, GPS and experienced drivers.

From Cusco to Ollantaytambo the road is paved and calm. Then it climbs to **Abra Málaga**, over 4,000 m, and winds down through many curves into the jungle. Some stretches of the descent are narrow with a drop on one side, which is why the driver’s experience matters most.

They call for slow driving and knowing the road.

Curves and narrow stretches

From November to March, landslides can delay the trip.

Rain

Uninsured vans or inexperienced drivers are the biggest risk.

Informal operators

Peru’s mandatory insurance covers passengers in case of an accident.

Valid SOAT

So the vehicle’s location is known at all times.

They know every curve and when to wait out the rain.

Drivers experienced on the route

The vehicle belongs to the company, with no last-minute seat reselling.

At **HidroBus** we are the Cusco–Hidroeléctrica transport specialists: we do not sell tours, we just get you there safely and on time. Our vehicles have **valid SOAT and GPS**, and our drivers make this trip every day. If the weather does not allow safe travel, we let you know and reschedule your trip.

Always wear your seatbelt and, if you get carsick, sit at the front. Read [how to avoid motion sickness on the route](/travel-tips/motion-sickness-cusco-hidroelectrica).

Is the road to Hidroelectrica safe? What you should know

Is the road to Hidroeléctrica safe?

A 2-day itinerary to visit Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica: bus from Cusco, walk to Aguas Calientes, visit to the citadel and return.

Pick-up at your hotel in central Cusco or at Plaza Regocijo.

5:55 AM

Restroom stops in Ollantaytambo and Alfamayo.

On the way

Arrival at Hidroeléctrica. Grab something to eat before walking.

1:40 PM

About a 10 km walk to Aguas Calientes along the railway.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Dinner and rest in Aguas Calientes: the next day starts early.

Evening

Go up to Machu Picchu on the official bus (about 25 minutes) or on foot by the stairs (around 1 h 30 min).

Early

Visit

Start the walk back from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica.

By 10:30 AM at the latest

Arrival at Plaza San Francisco, in central Cusco.

9:10 PM

Choose an early Machu Picchu entry time: that gives you time to visit the citadel and walk back before 1:40 PM.

Weeks ahead: capacity is limited, especially from June to August.

Hotel in Aguas Calientes

$15 USD each way, with 10% off when you book a round trip.

Round-trip bus

If you want to take it easy, stay one more night in Aguas Calientes and come back the next day. You can change your return date free of charge up to 12 hours before. Before you go, check [what to pack for the Hidroeléctrica route](/travel-tips/what-to-pack-hidroelectrica-route).

Machu Picchu in 2 days by bus via Hidroelectrica: itinerary

2-day Machu Picchu itinerary via Hidroeléctrica

What to expect when traveling to Hidroeléctrica in the rainy season (November to March): weather, delays, what to pack and how to stay flexible.

Afternoon rain

They can delay the trip a few hours while the road is cleared.

Possible landslides

The walk to Aguas Calientes gets more slippery.

Muddy path

Fewer tourists

Plastic bags

In case you arrive wet in Aguas Calientes.

Spare clothes

Leave a day’s buffer between your return from Machu Picchu and your flight or next destination. With HidroBus you can **change your return date free of charge up to 12 hours before**, and if the road is closed we let you know on WhatsApp and reschedule your trip.

Start the walk to Aguas Calientes as soon as you reach Hidroeléctrica: the rain is usually heavier late in the afternoon.

Yes, with an operator who knows the route and when to wait. We explain it in [is the road to Hidroeléctrica safe?](/travel-tips/is-the-road-to-hidroelectrica-safe).

Hidroelectrica in the rainy season: what to know before you go

Rainy season: what to know before going via Hidroeléctrica

Practical tips to avoid motion sickness on the bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica: what to eat, where to sit and what to bring for the curves.

Eat a light breakfast

Take them before leaving, if your doctor or pharmacist recommends them.

Sleep well the night before

Sit at the front

Keep your eyes on the horizon, not your phone.

Look out the window

Ask to open the window a little if you need to.

Get fresh air

And something salty or ginger if it helps you.

Sip water

If you feel unwell, let us know: there are stops in Ollantaytambo and Alfamayo.

Tell the driver

Rest for a few minutes, drink water and eat something light before starting the [walk to Aguas Calientes](/travel-tips/hidroelectrica-to-aguas-calientes-walk).

If you know you get carsick, tell the driver when you board: they will seat you at the front if there is room.

Motion sickness on the Cusco – Hidroelectrica bus: how to avoid it

How to avoid motion sickness on the winding road to Hidroeléctrica

Food options at Hidroeléctrica, how much time you have before the return bus and what to bring so you don’t go hungry on the way.

Next to the station and the parking area there are small restaurants and simple food stalls: set lunch menus, soups, rice dishes, drinks and snacks. Do not expect much variety, but you will find home-style food to recharge.

Get to Hidroeléctrica about 40 minutes early to eat calmly.

The bus leaves at 1:40 PM

Start walking by 10:30 AM at the latest (about 3 hours).

From Aguas Calientes

If you arrive late, pick a dish that is ready.

Order something quick

Cards are rarely accepted and there are no ATMs.

The trip back to Cusco takes about 7.5 hours.

Snacks for the road

Water

If winding roads make you sick, eat light before the return trip. More tips in [how to avoid motion sickness](/travel-tips/motion-sickness-cusco-hidroelectrica).

Food at Hidroelectrica: where to eat before the return bus

Where to eat at Hidroeléctrica before the return trip

If the train to Machu Picchu is cancelled due to strikes, landslides or maintenance, the route via Hidroeléctrica is your plan B. How to plan it.

Strikes

Landslides

Maintenance

If the train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes is not running, you can go by road to Hidroeléctrica and walk about 10 km to Aguas Calientes. We leave Cusco at **5:55 AM** and arrive at Hidroeléctrica at **1:40 PM**. If you are already in Ollantaytambo, we leave from there at **8:40 AM**. See the full [Cusco – Hidroeléctrica bus schedule](/travel-tips/bus-cusco-hidroelectrica-schedule).

Everything about getting to Machu Picchu and Cusco