La Hidroeléctrica is a very popular and useful place for those heading to Machu Picchu. It's primarily a train station for the train that comes from Cusco, but for anyone doing the Salkantay Trek, it's an important stop. Here you can enjoy a nice hot lunch, rest and buy supplies before continuing on to Aguas Calientes.
The hike from Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu is one of the most popular routes to visit Aguas Calientes / Pueblo Macchu Picchu and then the ruins of Macchu Picchu. To get to Hidroeléctrica (don't be confused by the name: it's a train station!) there are two options: by train or by car, usually from Cusco. The second option is cheaper, but it takes longer and involves a steep road. From Hidroeléctrica, the hike basically follows the train tracks and the Urubamba River. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the village.