Schedules for Tourist Transportation Service from Cusco to Hidroelectrica

Bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to reach Machu Picchu by walking the alternative Hidroelectrica route, one of the first things you’ll need to organize is how to get from Cusco to Hidroelectrica —and at what time. Having done this journey myself, here’s my complete experience and recommendations.

Bus Schedule from Cusco to Hidroelectrica

The buses depart early in the morning, and that’s actually a big advantage. Starting your journey with daylight not only makes the ride safer but also gives you plenty of time to complete the hike to Aguas Calientes.

• Departure time: Between 6:15 AM and 6:30 AM

• Arrival at Hidroelectrica: Around 1:30 PM (times may vary due to weather or road conditions)

I booked my ride through machupicchubushidroelectrica.com, and the pick-up was at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Everything was punctual, the van was clean and comfortable —much better than I expected for the price.

The Route: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Abra Málaga – Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica

The journey takes about 6 hours, but it feels much shorter thanks to the stunning landscapes. You’ll travel from high Andean peaks to lush valleys, with waterfalls and winding mountain roads that look straight out of a movie. Along the way, you’ll pass:

• Ollantaytambo

• Abra Málaga (over 4,300 m above sea level)

• The tropical areas of Santa María and Santa Teresa

The trip usually includes one stop for breakfast and another for a quick lunch or snack before arriving at Hidroelectrica.

Arrival at Hidroelectrica: Start of the Hike

Once you reach Hidroelectrica, you’re right at the beginning of the trail. There are a few local restaurants and basic restrooms available before you start walking.

The hike to Aguas Calientes takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes at an easy pace. The path is flat, safe, and follows the train tracks, surrounded by jungle, mountains, and the Urubamba River.

I started walking at around 3:00 PM and arrived in Aguas Calientes at 5:30 PM, just before sunset —the perfect timing.

Price and Booking Options

I chose the round-trip option because it was much more cost-effective. Some travelers manage to get good deals for a single ride, depending on the season. While the service is simple and without luxuries, it offers everything you need for a safe and budget-friendly trip.

Final Thoughts

The bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica may not be the fastest or most luxurious way to reach Machu Picchu, but it’s definitely the most adventurous and affordable. The road trip and hike combine to create a unique travel experience filled with breathtaking landscapes and authentic encounters.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, scenic, and adventurous route to Machu Picchu, this is without a doubt one of the best options.