The Machu Picchu tour via the Hydroelectric route is an exciting, affordable, and scenic overland alternative, ideal for travelers wishing to discover the Inca citadel through a different route that combines the majesty of the Andes with the exuberance of the high jungle. Operated under the rigorous planning of Vilcabamba Tours, this 2-day, 1-night program is designed for those seeking to optimize their budget without sacrificing safety, allowing them to enjoy coordinated transfers, en-route assistance, and a gentle hike surrounded by astonishing biodiversity.
With Vilcabamba Tours, you will have modern conditioned transportation, comfortable accommodation in the town of Aguas Calientes, and the accompaniment of a professional bilingual guide who will reveal the historical secrets of the Inca Empire. All logistics are meticulously structured to ensure your journey is smooth, reliable, and completely worry-free, guaranteeing your official entrance tickets in preferred shifts for an optimal experience.
Short itinerary
- Day 1: Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes: Concentration in the city center or at a meeting point that the Vilcabamba Tours team will indicate (07:00 to 07:10 a.m.) and departure at 07:30 a.m. Travel by bus passing through Yanahuara, Ollantaytambo (09:30 a.m.), the Abra Málaga (4,316 m s. n. m.) and lunch in Humanmarca. Arrival at Hidroeléctrica at 14:30 p.m. Gentle hike of 11 kilometers (2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours) alongside the railway track to Aguas Calientes. Hotel check-in, typical dinner, and overnight stay.
- Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco: Departure at 04:30 a.m. Moderate ascent hike of 1 hour and 30 minutes (or optional bus not included) to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Meeting with the guide at 06:40 a.m. and start of the 2-hour guided tour at 07:00 a.m. through the main sectors. Return at 11:00 a.m. to Puente Ruinas and hike back to Hidroeléctrica (2 to 2:30 hours). Boarding the vehicle between 14:20 and 14:45 p.m. at the private terminal to return to Cusco, arriving approximately at 21:30 p.m.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Our concentration point will be in the city center or at a meeting point that the Vilcabamba Tours team will indicate, from 07:00 to 07:10 Hrs. At 07:20 a.m. we will board our bus towards Hidroeléctrica. Once on the bus, at 07:30 a.m., we will receive a short orientation talk before leaving the city of Cusco. The tour will begin with a pleasant and scenic ride of approximately 7 hours of total travel time, towards the Town of Yanahuara, near Ollantaytambo. Up to this point we will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the area and we will take a short break to use the restrooms, recording the passage through Ollantaytambo at around 09:30 a.m.
We will continue our journey from the Town of Ollantaytambo towards the highest part of this route called Abra Málaga, which is located at an altitude of 4,316 meters, situated at the foot of the imposing snow-capped Veronica mountain. From this point, the journey continues revealing the beautiful landscape; after about 15 minutes, we will begin the descent towards the high jungle, passing through different microclimates. We will continue our route passing through the town of Alfamayo until reaching the town of Humanmarca halfway, where we will receive our lunch.
Continuing our journey, we will pass through the town of Huyro, recognized as one of the largest tea producers, and we will cross the Town of Santa María and the Town of Santa Teresa, very warm places known for the production of fruits, coffee, and their thermal baths known as the Baños de Cocalmayo. Finally, at around 14:30 p.m., we will arrive at Hidroeléctrica.
From this point, we will begin the hike at an altitude of 1,800 m s. n. m., following the path alongside the railway track. The distance of the hike is 11 kilometers, with a duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours. The difficulty level is gentle, with the rest of the path being totally flat after an initial 10-minute ascent. During the hike we will follow the course of the Vilcanota River until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, at which point Vilcabamba Tours staff will lead you to the designated lodgings. After a relaxing bath, you will enjoy a typical dinner along with the guide, who will review the itinerary for the following day.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The scheduled departure will be at approximately 04:30 a.m. Starting from the Town of Machu Picchu, we will begin our ascent towards the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu (2,430 m s. n. m.). The moderate difficulty hike takes an estimated time of 1 hour and 30 minutes; as an alternative, you can make this transfer by bus (tickets not included).
We will meet the Vilcabamba Tours guide at 06:40 a.m. at the main entrance, and our official guided tour will begin strictly at 07:00 a.m. You will enjoy a professional 2-hour guided tour visiting fundamental sites of the archaeological complex. After the tour, you will have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own.
The return from the citadel is planned for 11:00 a.m. descending to the Puente Ruinas sector, which takes 40 minutes walking or 25 minutes if you opt for the downhill bus (not included). From Puente Ruinas you will return walking towards Hidroeléctrica (2 to 2:30 hours). Finally, you will take the return vehicle between 14:20 and 14:45 p.m. to return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 21:30 hours. Vilcabamba Tours recommends taking precautions for altitude sickness under medical consultation.
Includes
- Pick up in the city center or coordinated meeting point.
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (round trip) with air conditioning, GPS and WiFi.
- Certified professional bilingual guide service in Machu Picchu.
- Authorized official entrance ticket for the Machu Picchu Citadel (first shift).
- Meals: 1 lunch on route (day 1), 1 typical dinner (Aguas Calientes) and 1 snack.
- 1 night of accommodation in a 2-star hotel (double or matrimonial room), with WiFi, TV, private bathroom and buffet breakfast.
Not included
- Local entrance ticket to the hot springs of Santa Teresa (Cocalmayo) or Aguas Calientes.
- Extra drinks, voluntary tips or personal expenses.
- Meals not specified (e.g. lunch on the second day)
- Optional river or rail transfer service (return by train: USD 35.00).
- Tourist bus tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Optional entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
