Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Trek: Two-Day Adventure Review

Okay, so you’re thinking about seeing Machu Picchu, and you’ve probably heard there’s more than just one way to get there, right? A pretty cool choice that some people go for is the Hydroelectric route, which involves, like, hiking along train tracks. A number of tour companies provide, like, a two-day, one-night option, and the idea is that, rather, you save money and see some interesting things along the way instead of doing the totally classic Inca Trail thing. Let’s, you know, chat about how that trip actually plays out, if it’s a good idea, and what, like, you should expect.

Why the Hydroelectric Route Is Really, Really Popular

The number one reason folks pick the Hydroelectric path is because it’s easier on the wallet, kind of, you know? The Classic Inca Trail needs permits booked, apparently, super far in advance, and it’s not inexpensive, right? However, the Hydroelectric Trek, yeah, that’s more spontaneous-trip-friendly, too it’s almost like, and, uh, your bank balance will breathe a sigh of relief. Apart from the, you know, savings, there’s, like, the outdoorsy draw. So, the route gives you jungles, some waterfalls, and some scenery you might totally miss on, you know, a train or a bus, if that’s what you’re into.

Plus, it’s less walked, seemingly, than the super busy Inca Trail. Yeah, if being around fewer tourists matters to you, the Hydroelectric option might, like, just be a much more pleasurable experience, really, yeah? But, don’t expect that you will be all alone, as a matter of fact. This path has turned into more well known in the last few years, and is that it will get crowded, especially, you know, during peak season.

What You Might See Along the Way

Diverse Scenery: Yeah, think thick forests kind of turning into, you know, cloud forest, and those far off Andes mountains.
Waterfalls: You get to see some genuinely rad waterfalls – awesome photo opportunities, alright?
Local Life: The path has people actually living their lives in the nearby small towns, so, more or less, you could spot a kid walking to school or somebody headed to their farm, something like that.
Birdlife: Like, if you have any interest at all in bird-watching, take those binoculars – that location hosts, you know, an enormous selection of birds.

Day 1: From Cusco Area to Aguas Calientes (Basically)

So, the day gets rolling pretty early, naturally, since Cusco’s pretty far from Hidroeléctrica, where, yeah, the trek begins, kinda. Often, you are picked up anywhere from like, 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM from your accommodation. Basically, you should plan to get comfortable; you have got a bus to get to Ollantaytambo first. Next, from there you will move on to the Abra Malaga Pass – picture this place it’s at an incredible height of about 4,316 meters (14,160 feet), I mean, so it has views that could blow your mind.

After all of that picture-taking, it’s time to get going, really, to Santa Maria for a needed lunch. Later, the car carries you, I would say, to Hidroeléctrica – the place where you will actually start your walking adventure, in fact. Basically, after you hit Hidroeléctrica, it’s perhaps a three-hour stroll alongside the railroad tracks right to Aguas Calientes. Once you get there, you can settle at your hotel room, perhaps explore this town a little bit, and gear up for, yeah, your Machu Picchu trip the next day.

Some Things You Might Want to Take With

Walking Shoes That Fit Good: Given you’re walking for multiple hours, ensure your shoes fit nice and comfortable to avoid blisters.
Insect Repellent: This jungle has mosquitoes and various bugs that just enjoy bothering travelers.
Rain Gear: Even in dry season, basically, you can still expect some showers, so pack, just a little, that rain jacket and a poncho.
Snacks and Water: While meals usually happen at set locations, bringing something to eat and drinking water could assist in, you know, keep you energized on this path.

Day 2: Machu Picchu and Heading Back (Too it’s almost)

Day two’s when the actual fun, just, sort of, happens! If you’re the sort who wants to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, it’s possible you’re gonna need to get yourself out of bed extremely early – speaking like, 4:00 AM is a smart plan, really. From Aguas Calientes, you can, you know, climb the stairs, I believe that’s about a one- to two-hour thing, or maybe take a bus, yeah, which runs rather frequently. Seeing Machu Picchu really, you know, for the first time as the sun rises is pretty much worth the very early wake-up call, really. That golden color illuminating those stones is something, honestly, you’ll always think back on.

Most trips incorporate a guided walk through the location. So, that’s really important, right, if you’re looking to learn some, just a little, fascinating historical perspectives about this, just, amazing area. With some time set aside for exploration alone, after the tour is done, right, you could investigate the Sun Gate, perhaps, or that Inca Bridge, provided you’ve still got that kind of stamina.

At midday, typically, it’s back down to Aguas Calientes to get a bite prior to, you know, heading to Hidroeléctrica. You are most likely gonna begin the trek back by mid-afternoon, to hop on transport back to Cusco, alright? That drive takes many hours, thus , getting back quite late, usually between like 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. It has been a very busy 48 hrs!

Making the Best Use of Your Machu Picchu Visit

Hire A Really Good Guide: As a matter of fact, knowing the history and the importance about every spot could greatly enhance what you’re getting out of it.
Get Tickets Ahead Of Time: Be sure, obviously, that you have your entrance tickets purchased, probably weeks earlier in the course of the peak times.
Get ready for Crowds: Machu Picchu is just super busy, I mean, anticipate that there may be others who would like to also view all these same wonderful viewpoints, I mean.
Be mindful of the Weather Conditions: The conditions in mountains can change very rapidly, yeah, so you need layers.

Things You Will Want to Seriously Consider Regarding This Tour (Very)

So, it’s crucial to think about a couple of aspects just before you, you know, book, so you’re really prepped and psyched: this is how it is.

Fitness factor: Okay, while the Hydroelectric part isn’t exactly super intense, that little walk for like, three hours following a full day riding a bus has potential for some issues. In the event you don’t frequently go for lengthy strolls, perhaps think of doing exercises in advance to get your body prepped, literally, right?
Sleeping Bag Preferences: Those accommodations within Aguas Calientes can vary significantly. More or less, you get, in a number of instances, just, kind of, what you would pay for, thus be mindful when reserving so you wouldn’t find that you’ve received, well, a dreadful evening just before visiting Machu Picchu.
Rainfall season Problems: Through rainy season, sometimes, the track is usually muddy and hazardous. Just, like, keep on eye on the weather forecasts and ensure you are well ready utilizing rain clothing and shoes, as a matter of fact.
Pack Light: Hauling, well, like, a huge backpack during that walk is likely to make things tougher, you know. Many agencies, basically, allow you to leave your extra luggage, just, sort of, at Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Expense: Figuring Out If It Really Is Less Costly

Therefore, let’s chat bucks, essentially, so that you find out what you are getting yourself in for, naturally, right? Usually, the two-day Hydroelectric Trek falls between about $150 to $300 USD, really. That price can be different with the agency you go with and that season, I think.

So, this is exactly what you might, actually, normally be ready for:

Transportation: Includes transport out of Cusco toward Hidroeléctrica also coming back, which is usually carried out in exclusive van or buses, in that case.
Accommodation: Basically, a one-night remain within Aguas Calientes. Usually, it is, well, a simple hostel, but one could possibly pay for, really, an upgrade.
Meals: Certain of this meals could be offered – generally a dinner regarding Day 1 and a morning meal at Day 2. Just check your tour details very closely.
Machu Picchu Entry: So, here’s one you actually need to, well, give consideration to: tour rates don’t usually involve this. In that case, be sure to invest in your Machu Picchu entry seats directly or add them into, just a little, the tour package separately.
Guides: You’ll get the advantage from the guided excursion with Machu Picchu itself to give a person’s experience a ton more value.

Costs You Will Want to Anticipate Separately

Machu Picchu Entrance Price Tickets: Plan for, alright, another $50-$80, perhaps, contingent upon what type of admission that you just go with.
Bus to Machu Picchu: Okay, it’s about $12 each way to have that shuttle upwards out of Aguas Calientes into, you know, Machu Picchu. Okay, however, you might stroll, you could have some steep climbing you could get.
Food and Beverages: The meals included aren’t a ton, so plan for paying some other dining along the way, really. Aguas Calientes offers plenty of restaurants, yet expect more tourist-focused fees, just a little.
Tips: Tipping ones guides and drivers is definitely appreciated, basically, right?

In the end: Truly Worthwhile? (At the End of the Day)

Therefore, is the Hydroelectric Trek worth the effort? Basically, if you are all about that, well, budget friendly adventure and you’ve got a taste of a small amount of the outside and will not care too greatly about benefits, clearly, totally yes. One actually gets, not only, Machu Picchu however , gets jungle landscapes and even several neighborhood experiences to mix it up, honestly.

Still, do remember that is actually certainly physically straining, yeah, but be equipped for long travel occasions and therefore hostel-like hotels, you realize? With solid preparation as well as a positive state of mind, it may really wind up a unforgettable approach to experience 1 of the marvels on earth.

Quick Takeaways for that Hydroelectric Trek

Alright, It’s budget-friendly than its classic Inca Trail equivalent.
Yeah, It includes hiking in combination with cultural excursions, actually.
Ensure, I would say, you get passes reserved just before peak months.
Really, You will need some physical stamina for several hours long steps at the time.

FAQ: Hydroelectric Trek Edition

Is the Hydroelectric trek difficult?

I would say that it isn’t particularly technically challenging, though, actually, fitness-wise, is going to call for a fair amount of time out of one’s stamina because of three hour or so jaunt. Making it a smart idea, very, for you, if you should get in form to enjoy you’re time trekking.

How long is the Hydroelectric trek to Machu Picchu?

So, that element involving, arguably, the Hydroelectric path, the walking component, measures, you know, nearly 10 km, often using three hours of trekking up to Aguas Calientes following that.

Can I do the Hydroelectric trek on my own?

Therefore, sure, that is certainly an option, just a little, you just need ensuring the research related to directions regarding routes too get entry seats purchased upfront given Machu Picchu by itself. But, yeah, going by means of led tour might allow you to get through complex organizational aspects besides provide insights throughout.

What’s the best time of year for the Hydroelectric trek?

So, that dry year, with probably May time throughout September, happens, I believe, when precipitation occurs lower than almost every other periods which inturn could offer great going conditions plus nice climatic conditions to trek along during the outside time.