The bus journey from Cusco to Hidroelectrica is a budget-friendly alternative to the train to Machu Picchu. It includes tourist transportation by bus and a scenic hike (or optional train) to Aguas Calientes. The visit to Machu Picchu takes place the following day.
At the main square located at the corner of Espaderos Street and Portal Comercio from 6:15AM to 6:30 AM.
The meeting point is at the Main Square of Ollantaytambo at 8:30 AM, right in front of the local police station.
The meeting point is at the Hidroelectrica station itself, where our staff will look for you by name.
Yes. A short stop is made before reaching Ollantaytambo for restrooms and breakfast (not included).
Travel time from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The final stop is in the town of Santa Teresa for those who have pre-booked a lunch.Travel time from Cusco to Santa Teresa: approx. 5 hours.
The total travel time by bus is approximately 6 hours from Cusco to Hidroelectrica, including rest and meal stops.
Estimated arrival time: between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including a lunch stop in Santa Teresa (not included).
Estimated arrival time: between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
Ollantaytambo: approx. 8:00 PM at the main square.
Cusco: approx. between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM at Plaza San Francisco (downtown Cusco).
Each group consists of 19 to 20 passengers per transport unit.
We operate modern minibuses with a capacity of 19–20 passengers, from Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. We do not use large buses due to the narrow road — your safety is our priority.
The road from Cusco to Hidroelectrica is winding. We recommend bringing motion sickness pills for a more comfortable journey. *We suggest “Soroche Pills”, available in Cusco.
The current fare is:
Round Trip:
- Royal Class 38 USD
- Platinum Service 34 USD
- Regular Service 30 USD
- Low Cost (Standard) 26 USD
One Way:
- Royal Class 20 USD
- Platinum Service 18 USD
- Regular Service 16 USD
- Low Cost (Standard) 14 USD
Yes, we offer daily departures. However, prior reservation is required.
Please click on the “Book Now” button to secure your seat. You may also add extra services such as Machu Picchu entrance, tours, and adventure excursions in Cusco.
The area is tropical with warm weather. We recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, light waterproof clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
Arrival is estimated between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
It’s an 11-kilometer hike that takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level. The trail is mostly flat, with a slight 10-minute uphill section.
Yes, you can take a tourist train to Aguas Calientes for an additional fee. However, walking the trail offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery surrounding Machu Picchu.
Arrival time varies depending on your walking pace, but typically between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
The visit to Machu Picchu takes place the day after your arrival in Aguas Calientes. We recommend booking an early entrance ticket. *You can request and purchase it during the bus booking process.
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 7 more months for travelers from Mexico, the USA, Canada, Central America, the EU, Russia, and Asia.
National ID Card: Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay can enter Peru with just their ID thanks to regional agreements.
Original passport with at least 7 months of validity (*a copy with the entry stamp will be required to begin the tour).
Valid national ID for South American tourists (*must obtain and keep the Andean Migration Card — TAM).
Warm clothes for Cusco: Layers for varying temperatures, especially at night (thermal wear, gloves, scarves, wool hat, thick socks).
Light, breathable clothes for Machu Picchu: Windbreaker, fleece, quick-dry shirts.
Hat or cap and sunglasses.
Camera and extra batteries.
Personal medical kit.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Altitude sickness pills (e.g., Soroche Pills).
Waterproof trekking shoes or trail boots with good grip.
Rain gear: raincoat, rain pants (*for rainy season only).
Extra cash for drinks, tips, souvenirs, etc. (Peruvian soles or USD).
Swimsuit for hot springs (optional).
Most importantly, bring a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.
- Not at all — we’re also a licensed travel agency based in Cusco.
We offer an all-inclusive tour package, which includes:
Transport, Meals, Accommodation, Professional Guide in Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu shuttle, Entry ticket to Machu Picchu, and optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.