Hydroelectric + Machu Picchu 2D/1N

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Tour information

DAY 1 Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Abra Málaga - Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes

Our transportation will pick you up at 6:30 am from your hotel in Cusco. Then we will begin the journey to the city of Ollantaytambo, where we will have a brief stop for 15 minutes to appreciate the area or buy some crafts or snacks.

Then we continue the journey to Abra Málaga, which is at an altitude of 4,316 meters, where we will have a brief stop to take photos of the impressive Verónica snow-capped mountain. Then we will continue our journey towards Hydroelectric, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

After a short rest, the hike begins from the Hydroelectric stop to the town of Aguas Calientes where your hotel awaits you, taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then upon arrival you will have free time to explore the town of Aguas Calientes or enjoy the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 2 Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary

On the second day you will wake up early and meet the guide at your hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, where he will give us some instructions and help us take the bus service to go up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival at the entrance of the Inca citadel, we will enter with our professional guide who will then provide you with information about the history and mystique that the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu holds. After visiting this beautiful place, we will return by bus service from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes where we will board the return train to the station of Ollantaytambo town or Poroy station or Cusco station and then transfer to your hotel.

Day itinerary:

Arrival to Aguas Calientes - Guide reception.
Free time - To get ready.
Climb to Machu Picchu - Departure from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel by CONSETUR bus.
Guided tour - Tour of the citadel with professional guide.
Exit from Machu Picchu - Return by CONSETUR bus to Aguas Calientes.
Free time - To explore Aguas Calientes.
Return by train - From Aguas Calientes to the selected station.
Transfer to hotel - Pickup from the train station and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

PLACES TO VISIT Destinations included

Ollantaytambo - Brief stop to appreciate the area and shopping.
Abra Málaga - Scenic viewpoint at 4,316 m with view of Verónica snow-capped mountain.
Hydroelectric - Lunch and starting point for the hike.
Path to Aguas Calientes - 2.5-hour hike along the train tracks.
Aguas Calientes - Base town for overnight stay and hot springs.
Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu - Guided tour of the wonder of the world.

INFORMATION Important details

Departures: Daily (subject to availability)
Day 1 Pickup: 6:30 am from your hotel in Cusco
Accommodation: 01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Hiking: 2.5 hours from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes
Return: Train from Aguas Calientes (station to choose)
Important: Book in advance, subject to availability

INCLUDED Services included

Transportation from Cusco to selected train station (round trip)
Train ticket from selected station to Aguas Calientes (round trip)
Personal assistance upon arrival in Aguas Calientes town
CONSETUR bus from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (round trip)
Entrance ticket to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Professional guide in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
Lunch on Day 1 at Hydroelectric

NOT INCLUDED Services not included

Personal extra expenses
Tips / Gratuities (optional)
Meals (except lunch on Day 1)
Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs
Travel insurance (recommended to purchase)
Entrance to Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional)

RECOMMENDATIONS What to bring

Original passport (mandatory)
Entrance and train tickets (provided by the company)
Sun hat or cap
Sunscreen
Rain poncho (depending on season)
Camera
Water
Comfortable clothing for hiking (sports shoes)
Swimsuit for hot springs (optional)
Comfortable shoes for walking in Machu Picchu
Cash (soles) for additional expenses
Light snacks for the hike

PRICE Per person

$390.00 USD

* Price per person in shared group

** SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY of trains and Machu Picchu entrance tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before experiencing this adventure on the alternative route to Machu Picchu

The Hydroelectric route is an economical and scenic alternative to reach Machu Picchu, ideal for travelers on a budget or those looking for a different experience.

How does it work?

🚐 Transportation: You travel by minivan from Cusco to Hydroelectric (approx. 6-7 hours with stops).
🥾 Hike: From Hydroelectric you walk 2.5 hours (10 km) along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
🏨 Accommodation: You spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
🏔️ Machu Picchu: The next day, you take the bus or walk (1.5 hours) to the Inca citadel.
🚆 Return: You return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, and then by bus to Cusco.

Advantage: It is more economical than the traditional direct train tour. Disadvantage: The trip is longer and includes a mandatory hike.

The hike has a MODERATE difficulty level, suitable for people in regular physical condition.

Hike details:

Distance: Approximately 10 km (2.5 - 3 hours)
Terrain: Flat, following the train tracks (no steep climbs)
Altitude: Between 2,040 masl (Hydroelectric) and 2,040 masl (Aguas Calientes) - no sudden changes
Difficulty: Easy to moderate - the main challenge is the distance, not the incline

Recommendations:

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip (the terrain can be uneven)
Bring enough water (minimum 1.5 liters)
Sunscreen and hat (the sun can be intense)
Rain poncho (the weather is unpredictable)
Light snacks for energy along the way

Important: If you do not wish to walk, there is the option of taking a train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (additional cost, subject to availability).

The tour includes a return train from Aguas Calientes in the Expedition (PeruRail) or The Voyager (Inca Rail) category.

Train features:

Comfortable and spacious seats
Panoramic windows to appreciate the landscape
Snack and beverage service on board
Restrooms on the train

Arrival stations (you can choose):

Ollantaytambo: Earlier arrival (2-hour journey) + transfer to Cusco (1.5 hours by bus)
Poroy: Closer arrival to Cusco (3.5-hour journey) + transfer to Cusco (30 minutes by bus)
Cusco (San Pedro): Direct arrival to Cusco (limited schedules, inquire about availability)

Optional (additional cost): Upgrade to Vistadome (PeruRail) or 360 (Inca Rail) train with ceiling windows and traditional dance show.

The tour includes 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes in basic 3-star category (shared room for 2 people).

Hotel features:

Private rooms with private bathroom
Hot water (24 hours)
Wi-Fi in common areas (limited speed in the town)
Restaurant inside the hotel (breakfast not included)
Luggage storage available

Additional options:

Single room: Has an extra cost (inquire)
Upgrade to 4-star hotel: Available upon request (additional cost)

Tips for Aguas Calientes:

The town is small and everything is close (maximum 10-15 minutes walking)
There are natural hot springs (entrance not included, approx. 20 soles)
You will find many restaurants, shops and cafes

Essential documents:

Original passport (same one you booked with - mandatory to board the train and enter Machu Picchu)
Immigration card (TAM)

For Day 1 - Travel and hike:

Comfortable walking shoes (trekking or running shoes)
Comfortable layered clothing (the weather changes along the way)
Waterproof rain poncho (mandatory, it rains frequently)
Water (minimum 1.5 liters for the hike)
Light snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate)
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent (lower jungle area)

For Day 2 - Machu Picchu:

Original passport (MANDATORY - they will ask for it at the checkpoint)
Light but warm clothing (the jungle is humid)
Comfortable, non-slip shoes
Camera (without large tripod)
Cash in soles (for purchases, snacks, tips)

Don't forget: Small or medium backpack (large suitcases are not practical, especially on the hike).

Restrictions at Machu Picchu: Entry is not allowed with large backpacks (maximum 40x35x20 cm), food (except small snacks), drones, walking sticks with metal tips, or tripods.