When starting our journey to Machu Picchu from the imperial city of Cusco, we must keep in mind that we have several options on how to reach our goal: via train, through the Inca Trail or even from the not so well known Salkantay trek.
In this post we will focus on the most economical way to reach the wonder of the world by the famous Hydroelectric, in a hike of about 3 hours long and a trip that can take us up to 48 hours in total.
Although for the Peruvian national traveler it is not such an attractive route because of the special discounts for the train that arrives to Aguas Calientes (S/ 10 or € 2.5), it can be a considerable saving for the foreign tourist’s pocket, who can spend US$ 120 for the same trip.
Is this big price difference fair to the tourist? At the moment this is not the post to pronounce on it. What we will try to do is to help you make the trip to the Hydroelectric Plant if you want to save a considerable amount of money. It is possible.
This Hydroelectric Route follows the rails of the train – and although it is a somewhat tiring walk – the beautiful landscapes that will guide us to Aguas Calientes are worth the walk.
How to get to the Hydroelectric Plant?
To take advantage of the day we will have to get up early to go to the station of Cusco (Santiago’s land terminal) and take a ticket towards Quillabamba to get off in the town of Santa Maria for about S/ 20 (€ 5). The total trip can take more than six hours.
Upon arriving in Santa Maria we can take a bus with some travelers to move to Santa Teresa in a journey of an hour and a half. From there the option is to take a cab to take us to the hydroelectric plant.
If we want to take a short break to stretch our legs (remember that the road will be long), we can stop at the hot springs of Santa Teresa in a beautiful enclave on the left bank of the Urubamba River. The cab to these hot springs will not cost more than S / 10.
If we want to save time it is advisable not to stop at the hot springs and continue on the road to Aguas Calientes to avoid arriving late at night. From Santa Teresa we will take a cab that will leave us at the beginning of the train tracks. Take it easy and go slowly but surely.
The walk, although tiring, is not hard, because it is in a straight line without slopes. If we venture to make the hike in rainy season it is recommended to bring a plastic poncho (which can be purchased at any market in Cusco).
If we regret wanting to walk we can take a train to make this journey for about US$ 31.
*The route between Santa Maria and Santa Teresa is not paved so it is recommended NOT to take this option in the rainy season because of landslides and landslides that can put our safety at risk. The rainy season in Cusco is between the end of November and April.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
When we wake up on the second day in Aguas Calientes, we recommend an early start (5.00 a.m.) to enjoy Machu Picchu and visit the site without rushing.
*For those who want to buy tickets for Huayna Picchu (mountain that is in all the photos of the Inca citadel) remember that it is necessary to book online at least three months in advance. Be careful not to buy on the official website of the Ministry of Culture to avoid cost overruns (Check this post about Machu Picchu).
To climb Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes we also have two options: an hour and a half ascent on foot, or taking the buses that leave every 15 minutes for US$ 24 round trip.
Why do we recommend spending the US$ 24 and going up by bus? The ascent on foot is not easy if we are not in good physical condition, so when we arrive at Machu Picchu we will be tired to enjoy 100% the walk and guided by the enclosure (not to mention if we also plan to make the hour climb and hour down to Huayna Picchu). In this case it is worth spending a few tickets.
Where to buy the bus ticket to Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes
At Hermanos Ayar Av. S/N, before the bridge Ruinas. The ticket office is open from 05:00 am to 09:00 pm.
Cusco
Av. Infancia 433 – Wanchaq: from 08:00 am to 12:45 pm and from 03:00 pm to 06:00 pm.
Av. El Sol 380 – Interbank bank: from 08:00 am to 12:45 pm and from 03:00 pm to 06:00 pm.
The estimated time the bus takes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is 30 minutes.
Once we have arrived at Machu Picchu just tell you that you can simply enjoy this unique experience. Do not be in a hurry and soak up the energy of the place. Lie down on the grass and breathe the pure air of the Andes at 2,430 meters above sea level. The rest of the world will not matter.
