Economic route to Machu Picchu How is it?

Classic Photo of Machu Picchu

The economic route to Machu Picchu is also known as the route by Hydroelectric. This route has the particularity that the travel expenses are lower and at the same time, it allows you to have a pleasant trip through the high jungle. Many people mention that they were lucky enough to encounter some cock off the rock, while others just enjoyed the hike. The hike is simple and suitable for everyone. From children to seniors will be able to cover this 2-hour hike without any problems. While enjoying the beautiful scenery. Let’s learn more about this route below.

Route through Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu

Bridge over the Vilcanota River on the Hydroelectric route

This route is quite popular among people who have the desire to visit Machu Picchu but in an economical way. It is well known that train travel prices raise considerably the cost of travel to Machu Picchu. In an attempt to overcome this mishap, several agencies have decided to include the Hydroelectric route, calling it the “Economic route to Machu Picchu”. As for the trip and the adventure itself, we can say that it is an excellent option. It is an excellent option not only for young people but also for entire families including children and grandparents.

It is also an excellent option, because even though the trip has to be done in two days. That is, you have to spend the night in a hotel in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, the total price is still considerably less than a standard trip or the classic route to Machu Picchu. In addition, spending the night in Machu Picchu Town has its advantages because you will be able to ascend to the archaeological site early. This way, you will be one of the first to enter the Inca citadel or llaqta. In this sense, you can visit the Intihuatana which only has an entrance until 10:00 in the morning.

To achieve this, you have to enter in the first hours of entry to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. In this sense, you can do the last stretch of walking or in the ecological buses that are in charge of transporting you to the access area in only 30 minutes of travel. We recommend this option and also add the return route to avoid getting tired. Normally those who choose to do the route by Hydroelectric route, return to that place, which means that they will do the 2-hour walk again, but this time in the opposite direction. The return transport in Hydroelectric usually waits up to 14 hours to return to Cusco.

One way to summarize this route is as follows. The trip will start from Cusco, where you can find direct transportation to Hydroelectric. By contacting these services or an agency, the return transport service is guaranteed. For this, you have to make the trek on foot on a schedule that allows you to get to the vehicle on time. On the other hand, the walk is usually done on your own, just follow the train tracks. It is easy to find your way around and it is unlikely to get lost since several people are doing the route.

How should I plan my itinerary?

Landscape of the road to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric

The important thing to complete this trip safely and completely is to have proper planning of the itinerary. If you are going to do this route you must take into account that you will need two full days of your time in Cusco or Peru. Doing the route in another way is complicated, possibly yes, but too strenuous that you do not get to enjoy and know Machu Picchu properly. Below, we detail part of the itinerary that usually follows the travel agencies for the route of Hydroelectric or Economic Route to Machu Picchu.

• The first day can be referred to as the travel day.
• It is a long trip of approximately 6 hours. The trip is from Cusco to Hydroelectric.
• It is advisable to leave before 8:00 am, but you can also postpone it until 9:00 am.
• In Ollantaytambo, we make a brief stop. Ideal for shopping or using the toilet.
• The trip continues through the Cusco Andes, leaving Ollantaytambo behind you can see the snowy Malaga.
• The Malaga pass is an important point to take into account. From this place, you begin to descend to reach the high jungle.
• During the trip, we pass through districts of the province of La Convención. These districts are Santa Maria and Santa Teresa.
• Arriving in Santa Teresa is a sign that we are only 30 minutes away from Hydroelectric.
• In Hydroelectric travelers can have lunch. There are some good tourist restaurants there.
• After lunch, you should start the hike. Please note that there is no guide, you will have to take your time accordingly.
• The hike connecting Hydroelectric and Machu Picchu is only 2 hours.
• Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to have dinner or stop by your hotel and then have dinner.
• You must have a hotel room reservation.
• The next day it is recommended to make the ascent by bus so that you have all the energy and spirit to visit Machu Picchu.
• If you decide to do the route on foot, keep in mind that the average time of ascent is 2 hours and 30 minutes, having sporadic breaks.
• The tour of the llaqta of Machu Picchu is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Again, we recommend that you take the ecological buses.
• In case you have decided to return to Cusco by Hydroelectric, you will have to leave in a reasonable time. The transport usually only waits until 14:00 hours.
• Another option that would include more expense is the return trip by train. In any of the trains, you can do it in bimodal service.
• The train trip can be an option to have new experiences.

In this way, the trip can be made. The list that we present is normally the one that many agencies propose for tourists. Therefore, we try to make a replica with some comments or points to take into account. In case you want to make the trip on your own, it is possible. But it can take more time and it is always important to have a plan of action. For example, if you do this route independently, you can do some other activities along the way. Below, we present them to you.

Activities on the route

Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Santa Teresa

Many times the best choice to make about travel is to do it independently. When someone makes these trips he has and can stay longer in the places he likes, you can even improvise during the route. Here are some alternatives to take into account.

• Visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, Cocalmayo is one of the best destinations to take into account when making this tour. Why? Because it is one of the most beautiful thermal baths in Cusco. They have 3 large pools and the most attractive thing about this place is that the waters of the place are transparent and of a comfortable temperature. In case you make the trip on your own, take a trip to this place.
• In Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, you can visit the local hot springs. Although the waters do not have the beauty of Cocalmayo, they are ideal for relaxing the muscles after the hike. The entrance hours are from 5:00 in the morning until 6:30 p.m. It is important to mention that the water is changed every so often.
• If you decide to stay longer in Machu Picchu Town, we leave you a free option. Well, you will have to make contact with a guide, but the adventure is really beautiful and full of adrenaline. We are talking about the ascent to the top of Putucusi Mountain. Once at the top, the view of the place is really beautiful and you have another perspective of the wonder of the world.
• Returning by train? This is an option for those who are curious or wish to experience what train travel is like. Although the travel time is not very long, the experience is usually rewarding, as there are few opportunities to travel by train in Peru.

Some recommendations on the route

Those who want to do this route, have to take into account that this route is not regulated by a public or private entity. In this sense, care should be taken when traveling this route and preferably accompanied. Here are some other important recommendations for travelers.

• The Machu Picchu ticket, even if you do the economic trip, make sure you have your entrance ticket ready to use. According to your entrance date, organize the rest and itinerary of your trip.
• A solution for those who did not investigate or investigated too late. In the district of Machu Picchu Town or Aguas Calientes, you can make reservations for the entrance ticket, but for this, you have to wait in a long line and wait for availability. Not a very pleasant thing to do.
• The best option will be to make direct trips, during the outbound leg. On the return trip, you can stay in Machu Picchu Town and Santa Teresa. In those places, you can find activities to do, which we have detailed above.
• Try to carry only what is necessary. Even if the route is short, you may have difficulties if your luggage or backpack is too heavy.
• Wear comfortable footwear, preferably hiking shoes or shoes with high soles or rubber soles.
• Don’t forget to use mosquito repellent and sunscreen.