Cusco and back by road
The cheaper way in. Round trip.
The Hidroeléctrica route
The budget alternative to the train: a road trip from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, a hydroelectric plant west of the sanctuary, and from there a walk along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. It costs a full travel day each way.
Options
Good to know
- About 6 hours by road from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica, on a winding mountain road.
- Then 10 km along the tracks to Aguas Calientes: mostly flat, 2.5 to 3 hours at a moderate pace.
- Plan at least 3 days: you reach Aguas Calientes one day, visit Machu Picchu the next morning and travel back after.
- Round trip or one way, if you come back by train.
How to add it
- Buy your Machu Picchu entry ticket.
- Open Mi Tour from the link in your confirmation email.
- Add this service for the travelers who need it and pay: it appears in the whole group's itinerary.