Bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica
Enjoy safe and comfortable bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica — the starting point of the scenic hike to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town.
7 - 8 Hours (aprox).
Pick up at Plaza Regozijo
229 km - 142.294 miles
1,890 meters (6, 200 feet)
Light
15 Person
USD 15
/ per person
Bus schedules from Cusco to Hidroelectrica
| From | Pick-Up Time | Pick-Up Point | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Arrival Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco | 6:20 → 6:50 AM | Regozijo Square | 7:00 AM | 2:00 → 2:30 AM | Hidroelectrica |
Bus schedules from Hidroelectrica to Cusco
| From | Pick-Up Time | Pick-Up Point | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Arrival Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidroelectrica | 14:00 → 14:45 hrs | Bus Terminal, Hidroeléctrica | 14:30 / 15:00 hrs | 21:00 → 21:30 hrs | Cusco |
- Cusco
- Ollantaytambo
- Hidroelectrica
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
Book your transportation to Hidroeléctrica and start your adventure to the majestic Machu Picchu, touring unforgettable landscapes and enjoying a unique experience on the alternative route. 🚆✨
Timeline
Itinerary in hours
- 06:00 – 07:00 hrs → Pick-up at Plaza Recojijo, Cusco.
- 07:00 hrs → Departure by bus towards Ollantaytambo.
- 09:00 hrs → Arrival at Ollantaytambo: Time to buy groceries, have breakfast, use the restrooms, and stretch your legs.
- 09:30 hrs → Departure from Ollantaytambo towards Hidroelectrica.
- 14:00 hrs → Arrival at Hidroelectrica.
Details
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Bus Cusco to Hidroeléctrica
Start your adventure with our daily bus service from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, the gateway to the Machu Picchu trek. The meeting point is at Plaza Regocijo, where we meet our passengers between 6:30 and 7:00 am. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours and covers almost 200 kilometers, offering spectacular scenery as we cross the Sacred Valley and the imposing Abra Malaga pass, located more than 4300 meters above sea level. Along the way, we make brief stops in towns such as Ollantaytambo and Santa Teresa for refreshments, photographs and rest.
The road starts off paved and smooth but gradually shifts to a more rugged dirt track between Santa Teresa and Hidroeléctrica. While this part is narrow and bumpy, it adds to the sense of adventure through the lush jungle and Andean terrain.
From Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival at Hidroeléctrica, travelers disembark and choose how they wish to continue toward Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). The most popular choice is the scenic 2- to 3-hour walk alongside the train tracks, covering about 11 kilometers through verdant jungle landscapes and the banks of the Urubamba River. It’s an easy-to-moderate trek suitable for most travelers.
Prefer not to walk? You can also board a short train ride from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, which takes around 30 minutes. Just keep in mind that tickets (approx. $46 one-way) should be booked in advance, especially during peak travel months.
Aguas Calientes
Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll find a charming town filled with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and natural hot springs. Whether you’re looking for a basic hostel or a luxury stay, there are plenty of options to suit all preferences and budgets.
From here, reaching Machu Picchu is easy: either hop on the 25-minute shuttle bus to the entrance or hike up the steep but rewarding trail in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Cusco to Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes: Gallery
🔄 Return: If you wish to travel back from Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Hidroelectrica to Cusco, you can reserve your return transportation with our bus service from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.
To secure your spot, book directly through the “BOOK NOW” button, selecting the return option. 🚍✨
- Shared tourist transportation Cusco ➝ Hidroeléctrica (one way or round trip).
- Professional driver with experience in tourist routes
- Short stops in Ollantaytambo and Santa Teresa for rest and refreshments.
- Space for hand luggage or backpack
- Pre-trip assistance via WhatsApp or email
- Pick up from Hotel
Transport Comparison to Machu Picchu
| Transport Type | Company | Service / Class | Approx. Price (Round Trip) | Total Duration | Bus Only to Hidroelectrica |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | PeruRail | Expedition (tourist) | $140 – $160 | 4 – 4.5 hours | – |
| Train | PeruRail | Vistadome (panoramic) | $170 – $190 | 4 – 4.5 hours | – |
| Train | PeruRail | Hiram Bingham (luxury) | $950 – $1000+ | 3.5 hours | – |
| Train | Inca Rail | The Voyager (tourist) | $130 – $150 | 4 – 4.5 hours | – |
| Train | Inca Rail | The 360° (panoramic) | $160 – $180 | 4 – 4.5 hours | – |
| Train | Inca Rail | First Class (premium) | $400 – $450 | 4 hours | – |
| Train | Inca Rail | The Private (full luxury) | $5000+ (private group) | 4 hours | – |
| Bus + Hike | Enjoy Peru | Hydroelectric Route | $30 – $40 | 6–7 h bus + 3 h hike | $20 (one way) |
Main reasons to travel by bus to Machu Picchu via Cusco – Hidroelectrica
- Budget-Friendly: It’s one of the most affordable ways to reach Machu Picchu without sacrificing the experience.
- Adventure and Views: This route offers diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to dense cloud forests.
- Flexible Options: Hike or take the train—whichever suits your travel style best.
Travel Tips
- Weather Awareness: Conditions can change quickly, especially during the rainy season (November to March).
- Physical Readiness: The hike is relatively easy but still requires basic stamina.
- Advance Booking: Reserve your bus and train tickets early if you’re traveling during high season (June to August).
Enjoy Peru is a destination management company based in Cuzco (Peru). They are led by a team with years of experience in inbound tourism in Southern Peru. Their main objective is to provide the best service in the organization and offer memorable experiences to their clients. Enjoy Peru staff is well equipped to assist you, as your trip will be handled by their excellent and dedicated staff and partners around the Peru. They are willing to work as a team to guarantee you the best possible travel experience.
Refund of deposits
We will hold your place for you as soon as you make your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will not be able to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully paid trips
You can change or cancel your trip up to 1 month in advance for a refund. After this period, no refunds will be issued. You can change or cancel your trip by contacting us through the various means listed on the website.
Included
- Shared tourist transportation Cusco ➝ Hidroeléctrica (one way or round trip).
- Professional driver with experience in tourist routes
- Short stops in Ollantaytambo and Santa Teresa for rest and refreshments.
- Space for hand luggage or backpack
- Pre-trip assistance via WhatsApp or email
Not included
- Pick-up from hotel
Add breakfast and a guide to your trip
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and directions from the designated driver at your stop in Ollantaytambo.
Bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica Map
FAQs About The Bus From Cusco To Hidroelectrica
How long does it take from Cusco to hidroelectrica?
The bus ride from Cusco to Hidroelectrica takes about 7 hours and then a 2.5 hour hike depending on your pace to the town of Aguas Calientes.
How to get from Ollantaytambo to the Hidroelectrica power plant?
Our bus service has a stop at the main square of Ollantaytambo so if you are located at this point you can also make your reservation to take this service.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco Hidroelectrica?
Arriving at the bus terminal of Hidroelectrica you will have to walk for 2 hours and a half to the town of Aguas Calientes and spend the night in a hotel, the next day board a bus that will take you to the gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu trip that lasts 30 minutes and its cost is 10 dollars.
What is the cheapest way to go to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
The cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco is by taking a bus to Hidroeléctrica (around $15 USD), then hiking for about 2 to 3 hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (free). From there, you can either hike up to Machu Picchu or take a $12 USD bus. This route offers significant savings compared to the train and is popular among budget travelers.
Is there a bus from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?
No, there is no direct bus from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, as this town has no road access. The most common way to get there is to take a train from Cusco or from Ollantaytambo. As an economical alternative, you can take a bus from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica station and then walk 2 to 3 hours to Aguas Calientes following the train tracks.
USD 15
Per person
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco via Hidroeléctrica: Budget-Friendly and Scenic
If you’ve already experienced the magic of Machu Picchu and are looking for an affordable way to return to Cusco, Enjoy Peru by SAP Adventures offers a practical and scenic option: travel from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica and continue by bus back to Cusco.
Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica: Hike or Train
Your return journey begins in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Since there’s no road access from this town, you have two ways to reach Hidroeléctrica:
Walking Option: The trail follows the train tracks for about 11 km (roughly 2 to 3 hours). It’s mostly flat and surrounded by lush jungle and views of the Urubamba River—a peaceful, nature-filled hike suitable for most travelers.
Train Option: For more comfort, you can take a 30-minute train ride from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica. We recommend booking tickets ($46 USD approx.) in advance, especially during high season.
Hidroeléctrica to Cusco: Return by Bus with Enjoy Peru
Once at Hidroeléctrica, our team will help you board your pre-booked return bus to Cusco. Buses usually depart between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., giving hikers enough time to arrive from Aguas Calientes without rushing.
The return trip takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, with the road winding through Santa Teresa, the Sacred Valley, and panoramic mountain scenery. Expect short stops for rest and refreshments. Our minibuses arrive in Cusco around 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., with drop-off near Plaza San Francisco, just 300 meters from the city’s main square.
Why Travelers Love This Route
Low-Cost Alternative: Ideal for budget-conscious visitors wanting to avoid the expensive train route.
Immersive Experience: Combine light trekking with bus travel to fully appreciate the contrast between the jungle and the Andes.
Flexible and Rewarding: Choose your pace—hike, train, or both—and enjoy every part of the return journey.
What to Keep in Mind
Weather Conditions: During rainy months (November–March), pack waterproof gear if hiking.
Bus Comfort: The final stretch near Hidroeléctrica can be bumpy—bring snacks, water, and a small pillow.
Moderate Fitness Needed: While the hike isn’t difficult, it does require some stamina and comfortable footwear.