Train To Machu Picchu - The Majestic Route To The Inca Citadel
On board the deluxe Hiram Bingham service, or privately chartering Inca Rail's Private train to Machu Picchu is the most opulent way to go to Machu Picchu by rail. Aracari organizes train tickets to Machu Picchu as part of any custom Peru tour, not as a stand-alone service.
The only way to get to Machu Picchu is to hike the Inca Trail or take the train. Train travelto Machu Picchu is a breathtaking ride through the Andean foothills, following the Urubamba River through the cloud forest, and ending in the little hamlet of Aguas Calientes.
You may take a thirty-minute bus journey up to Machu Picchu from the Aguas Calientes station at the foot of the ruins.
The rail route to Machu Picchu is operated by two train companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail, both of which provide trains with a range of timetables and service levels to accommodate both luxury visitors and backpackers.
On board the deluxe Hiram Bingham service, or privately chartering Inca Rail's Private train to Machu Picchuis the most opulent way to go to Machu Picchu by rail.
Aracari organizes train tickets to Machu Picchu as part of any custom Peru tour, not as a stand-alone service.
Trains to Machu Picchu, which all conclude in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, leave mostly from Poroy, about 20 minutes outside of Cusco (13km / 8 mi), or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, about an hour and a half from Cusco (86km / 54mi).
Urubamba, situated in the Sacred Valley, has a smaller number of departures. In addition, the luxury hotels Belmond Rio Sagrado and Tambo del Inka have their own stations, which run on restricted timetables for visitors staying at these establishments.
Trains departing from these hotels stop at Ollantaytambo to pick up other visitors heading to Machu Picchu.
Whether you leave from Poroy or Ollantaytambo depends in part on where you're starting from and whether it's wet season or not; during the rainy season, a bi-modal road/train service is available, with trains departing from Sacred Valley stations rather than Poroy.
Leaving from Poroy is typically the most convenient choice if you're already in Cusco. One-way train travel from Poroy to Aguas Calientes takes three and a half hours.
Ollantaytambo is likely to be more convenient to reach if you're already in the Sacred Valley.
If you're staying in the Sacred Valley but planning on riding the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, you may want to consider driving back to Poroy and boarding from the beginning to get the most out of this sumptuous adventure.
The train travel from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is shorter than from Poroy since the Sacred Valley is closer to Machu Picchu. It takes just one and a half hours.
If you want to go quickly, remember that the road is faster than the train. This implies that if you're in Cusco, you may drive to Ollantaytambo (rather than taking the train from Poroy) and then take the train to Machu Picchu for a faster total travel.
Similarly, if you're returning from Machu Picchu, it's somewhat faster to depart in Ollantaytambo and drive the remainder of the way to Cusco rather than taking the train to Poroy.
This is especially beneficial if you're leaving Machu Picchu late in the afternoon or evening and don't want to be late in Cusco.
Both PeruRail and Inca Rail have a large selection of trains. Luxury travelers may pick between each company's finest trains: the beautiful Hiram Bingham or Inca Rail's The Private Machu Picchu Train, which can be chartered privately.
Both provide gourmet food and entertainment for a luxurious trip to Machu Picchu. The First Class Train (Inca Rail) and the Sacred Valley Train (PeruRail) are premium trains, while The 360 (Inca Rail) and Vistadome (PeruRail) are pleasant alternatives for admiring the views (PeruRail). The Voyager, a backpacker-oriented train, is also operated by Inca Rail.
Trains run from Poroy and Ollantaytambo stations on PeruRail and Inca Rail, respectively.
Because each line runs on its own timetable, not all trains depart from both stops. The private Machu Picchu train departs solely from Ollantaytamboo and is only available for private charter.
The Sacred Valley Train is only available from Urubamba. Contact us to chat with a travel specialist about the best train to Machu Picchu and how to organize a custom vacation to Peru.
With trains to suit every travel style and budget, you might want to consider combining two different trains, such as taking a comfortable service like the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and then returning to Cusco aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, where you can enjoy intimate dining and an open bar.
All trains arrive at Aguas Calientes and depart from there. We favor the vistas on the left hand side on the way to Aguas Calientes - keep an eye out for Inca ruinsalong the way - and the right hand side on the way back since the trains follow the river.
We strongly advise that you travel during the day for at least one of your train journeys, otherwise you will lose out on the vistas after the sun has set.
You must arrive at the railway station half an hour before your train leaves; if you're on the Hiram Bingham, you'll be greeted with a glass of champagne and live music while waiting to board.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham departs from Poroy, 20 minutes outside of Cusco, in serious luxury for Machu Picchu.
Before you go off, have a glass of champagne, followed by a fine-dining meal or supper. Part of this fantastic train excursion is accompanied by live music in the bar.
During the wet season, the train conducts a bi-modal service, and you may board at Ollantaytambo at any time. The Private Machu Picchu Train may possibly be of interest to you.
The Sacred Valley Train from PeruRail to Machu Picchu is a luxury experience. Enjoy a delicious lunch or supper in the specialized dining car, or go to the observation car and relax with a drink at the bar while taking in the scenery.
Upgrade to Inca Rail's First Class Train or PeruRail's Belmond Hiram Bingham for a better experience.
The panoramic windows of the Vistadome train were intended to enhance the views on board.
A small snack and non-alcoholic beverage are included in the price. The Vistadome is a step up from Inca Rail's The Voyager and equivalent to Inca Rail's 360 Train.
The Private Machu Picchu Train is the most exclusive method to get to Machu Picchu for wealthy guests wanting first-class comfort.
The only private charter train service to Machu Picchu, the private carriage may accommodate up to 8 people.
Champagne is included, as is a five-course feast, an open bar, and live music. Check for the Belmond Hiram Bingham or First Class services if you want luxury without having to pay for your own carriage.
Inca Rail's 360° Machu Picchu Train service was designed with the surrounding environment in mind, having panoramic windows and a glass observation vehicle.
The train provides a relaxing way to take in the scenery. The service is comparable to PeruRail's Vistadome train.
The Voyager Train, Inca Rail's most cheap alternative, is designed for travellers. The Sacred Valley is where the Voyager Train, an inexpensive train to Machu Picchu, leaves.
Comfortable leather seats with eating tables and panoramic windows with anti-impact, UV protection for optimal enjoyment of the ever-changing environment along the journey are available in big coaches with accommodation for 42 guests.
Not everyone is interested in hiking to Machu Picchu. It is for these passengers that two trains, Inca Rail and PeruRail, ascend the majority of the way to the historic Incan fortress.
To enter Machu Picchu, you'll need three tickets: a railway ticket, a bus ticket, and an admission ticket.
To give you an idea, the lowest train ticket costs between USD 100.00 and USD 120.00, while the most costly costs up to USD 500.00. (round trip ticket).
In comparison to Inca Rail, Peru Rail has more daily trips to Machu Picchu. Both, however, provide high-quality tourism services.
In both circumstances, the bulk of daily departures are from Ollantaytambo station. Both firms' 'Expedition' and 'The Voyager' services are the most affordable.
Is it possible to see both mountains in one day? Yes, you certainly can. The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket is intended to allow visitors to explore both the 'Machu' and the 'Wayna' in one day.
The ticket is divided into three shifts, allowing tourists to fully appreciate the World Wonder.
There are several rail options to Machu Picchu, as well as great beautiful train journeys across southern Peru.
The Titicaca railway, which connects Cusco and Puno on Lake Titicaca, offers a fantastic day train experience.
The train travels in both directions and takes around 10 hours. The Belmond Andean Explorer, on the other hand, provides an exquisite experience for luxury travelers on this sleeper train.
Cusco and Lake Titicaca are connected by a two-day itinerary, while Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa are connected by a three-day itinerary. Both routes run in both ways.
Maya Reyes’s wanderlust was sparked in the temples of Luang Prabang, where the scent of lemongrass and the chants of monks revealed the transformative power of travel.
Since then, her journey has been defined by cultural immersion and authentic connections. From learning batik in Indonesia to sharing meals with nomadic families in Mongolia, Maya seeks experiences that highlight the human stories behind each destination.
Travel for her is a way to weave her narrative into the world’s cultural tapestry, creating bridges across diverse ways of life. Maya has traveled to 15 countries and shares her insights through writing and storytelling.
Finn Wilde
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For Finn Wilde, the wilderness is more than just a destination - it’s a way of life. Over the past decade, he has led multiple expeditions in some of the world’s most remote regions, from the icy fjords of Greenland to the rugged trails of Patagonia.
Finn emphasizes sustainability in all of his adventures, helping participants connect with nature while promoting responsible exploration. His expeditions inspire individuals to explore the great outdoors while fostering a deep respect for the environment.