Schedule bus service from Cusco to Hidroelectica

My Experience Taking the Bus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica (and What You Should Know)

If you’re planning to hike to Machu Picchu via Hidroelectrica like I did, one of the first things you need to figure out is how to get from Cusco to Hidroelectrica — and when.

Here’s my full experience.

🕘 The Bus Schedule from Cusco to Hidroelectrica leave early in the morning, and trust me — that’s a good thing. You want to start the trip with enough daylight to enjoy the ride and reach Hidroelectrica with enough time to hike to Aguas Calientes.

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

✅ Arrival time at Hidroelectrica: Around 1:30 PM, depending on weather and stops.

In my case, I booked with machupicchubushidroelectrica.com, and they picked us up right from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco. Everything was on time, and the van was clean and comfortable — way better than I expected for the price.

🚐 The Road: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Abra Málaga – Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica
The journey takes about 6 hours, but honestly, it doesn’t feel boring at all. The views are stunning — from Andean highlands to jungle valleys, waterfalls, and winding mountain roads. Along the way, you pass through:

• Ollantaytambo
• The snowy mountain pass of Abra Málaga (4,316 meters!)
• The tropical zone of Santa María and Santa Teresa

There’s usually a short stop for breakfast and another one later for lunch or a snack before arriving at Hidroelectrica.

🥾 Once at Hidroelectrica…

You arrive right at the trailhead. There are a few local restaurants and basic bathrooms nearby. From there, it’s time to start the walk to Aguas Calientes — a flat, scenic 2.5-hour hike along the train tracks. It’s super chill, surrounded by nature, and honestly not hard at all.

I started walking around 3:00 PM and got to Aguas Calientes by 5:30 PM, just before sunset — perfect timing.

💵 Price & Booking

I paid for the round trip, which is much more affordable. Some people even find great deals for one way, depending on the service and season. The economical services offer a simple yet comfortable ride, without the extra luxury features, but still a great way to get to your destination while saving money.

Final Thoughts

The Cusco to Hidroelectrica bus may not be the fastest or fanciest way to get to Machu Picchu, but it’s by far the most adventurous and budget-friendly. Plus, the road trip and the hike give you stories you’ll never forget.