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Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica
The overland route, walking beside the tracks
2 days / 1 nightModerateUp to 124,316 m.a.s.l.
About the tour
Before the tourist train existed, Machu Picchu was reached from below, following the river. This route recovers that approach — and it is the cheapest one.
The journey crosses the Málaga pass at 4,300 metres, then drops over three thousand metres towards Santa María and Santa Teresa, going from frozen puna to cloud forest in a couple of hours. From the Hidroeléctrica power station you walk about 10 kilometres beside the railway to Aguas Calientes, with Machu Picchu appearing above at points.
It is a long transfer and the final walk is flat but sustained. In exchange you see a side of the sanctuary that train passengers miss entirely.
Highlights
- Málaga pass at 4,300 m
- Descent into cloud forest
- 10 km walk along the tracks
- The most affordable option
Day-by-day itinerary
1
Cusco – Málaga Pass – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Road transfer over the Málaga pass at 4,300 m, descending towards Santa María and Santa Teresa, from puna to cloud forest. From the Hidroeléctrica power station, a walk of about 10 kilometres beside the railway to Aguas Calientes.
2
Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Ascent to the citadel and guided entry. In the afternoon, the walk back to Hidroeléctrica and road transfer to Cusco.
Qué llevar
- Pasaporte (el mismo con el que se compró el boleto)
- Protector solar, gorro y lentes de sol
- Casaca impermeable ligera
- Botella de agua reutilizable
- Calzado cómodo con buen agarre
Frequently asked questions
Because it replaces the tourist train leg with overland transport and a walk of about 10 kilometres following the railway from Hidroeléctrica.
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