Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are located in a subtropical zone, surrounded by mountains where the only access is by train or on foot. For many years, the Peruvian government has tried to build direct routes to Aguas Calientes, but these efforts have been in vain. Therefore, the most popular and easiest way to reach Machu Picchu is by train.
There are two train companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both companies are the only ones that operate on the railways to Machu Picchu. These companies offer different types of services to cater to the preferences of customers, including luxury and backpacker services.
PeruRail Train to Machu Picchu
PeruRail is one of the two main train operators offering services to Machu Picchu. It provides a scenic and comfortable journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu.
PeruRail offers several classes of service to cater to different preferences and budgets:
PeruRail Vistadome Observatory Train to Machu Picchu
Unique Journey Experience
The PeruRail Vistadome Observatory train travels the route between Cusco and Machu Picchu, providing a unique journey. Its exclusive atmosphere immerses you in a magical landscape with panoramic cars and an observatory car, ensuring an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.
Observatory Bar Car
Enjoy a unique experience on board with our observatory bar car, where you can appreciate the marvelous views accompanied by live music and shows.
Impressive Views
The windows in the panoramic cars offer the best views of the scenery along the route to Machu Picchu.
Alpaca Garment Fashion Parade
Our onboard staff will showcase a fashion parade featuring garments knitted from baby alpaca, available for purchase at exclusive prices. Note: Available only on journeys from Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Ambient Music on Board
Experience a unique and relaxing journey with a blend of ambient music and natural sounds, perfectly complementing the incredible views on the route to Machu Picchu.
Live Typical Music and Dance
Musicians and dancers will provide a close appreciation of Andean culture while you enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way to Machu Picchu.
Audio with Tourist Information
An audio tour will provide insights into the historical places along the route. Listen and learn about each iconic site on your way to Machu Picchu.
Snack on Board
Savor the flavors of the Andes with a delicious snack made from local ingredients, enhancing your journey as you traverse the beautiful landscapes to or from Machu Picchu.
PeruRail Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu
The PeruRail Vistadome train offers a unique way to travel to Machu Picchu, with cars providing panoramic views that allow you to connect deeply with the stunning landscape. It is the only train with departures from five stations: Wanchaq*, San Pedro, Poroy (Cusco), Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba (Sacred Valley).
Onboard, you will experience Andean culture through informative audio, regional music, traditional dances, and a fashion show featuring alpaca garments. Additionally, you’ll enjoy a snack made from Andean ingredients.
*Bimodal Service
Amazing Panoramic View
Appreciate the stunning scenery through the marvelous panoramic windows while enjoying the rich Andean culture.
Audio with Tourist Information
An audio tour will provide insights into the historical places along the route. Listen and learn about each iconic site on your way to Machu Picchu.
Ambient Music on Board
Enjoy a unique and relaxing experience with a blend of ambient music and natural sounds, perfectly complementing the incredible views on the journey to Machu Picchu.
Cultural Presentation
On the return journey, immerse yourself in Andean culture with live music and traditional dances from the region.
Snack on Board
Savor the flavors of the Andes with a delicious snack made from local ingredients, enhancing your journey as you traverse the beautiful landscapes on the way to or from Machu Picchu.
PeruRail Expedition Train to Machu Picchu
The PeruRail Expedition is a tourist train offering all the comforts on board, with decor inspired by Inca culture. It provides the perfect prelude to your visit to Machu Picchu. Additionally, you will have access to our onboard shop, offering ideal items for your tour of the Inca citadel.
The trains operate daily throughout the year. We offer multiple departure times and frequencies to easily fit your itinerary.
Multiple Times and Frequencies
The PeruRail Expedition train offers the highest number of daily departures, making it one of the most popular choices among tourists. With various schedules and station options, it easily fits into any travel itinerary.
Audio with Tourist Information
Throughout the journey, announcements provide insightful information about the history and significance of sites along the route, enriching your travel experience.
Ambient Music on Board
Enjoy a unique and relaxing experience with ambient music and nature sounds, perfectly complementing the breathtaking views on your way to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu train vistadome observatory
PeruRail Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu
A Journey to the Heart of the Inca Empire
Board Peru’s Only Luxury Train for an Unforgettable Journey to Machu Picchu
Named after the explorer who rediscovered the Inca citadel, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train transports passengers with unparalleled style between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
Relax in 1920s Pullman-style carriages, adorned with polished wood and brass, and enjoy gourmet meals, vibrant entertainment, and unmatched views.
Luxury and Style
Travel in 1920s Pullman-style carriages, adorned with polished wood and brass, for a luxurious and elegant experience.
Gourmet Meals
Indulge in gourmet meals prepared with the finest ingredients, offering a culinary delight that complements the journey.
Vibrant Entertainment
Enjoy vibrant onboard entertainment, including live music and cultural performances, immersing you in the rich heritage of the region.
Unmatched Views
Experience breathtaking views of the Andean landscapes through large windows, making the journey as remarkable as the destination.
Machu Picchu Train Routes:
Cusco to Aguas Calientes:
Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
This route typically departs from the Poroy station, which is about 25 minutes from Cusco.
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes:
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
This is a more common route for travelers staying in the Sacred Valley.
Inca Rail Train to Machu Picchu
Inca Rail is the second major train operator providing services to Machu Picchu. It offers a comfortable and scenic journey from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
The Only Private Train to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Train First Class Observation Lounge
Luxury and Comfort
Travel in a comfortable lounge with an outdoor balcony where elegance and comfort meet. Enjoy a three-course gourmet menu and a beverage tasting on board, offering a unique and indulgent experience through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Certified Guide
Discover the best-kept secrets of the Inca Empire with our certified guide, who will accompany you through unparalleled landscapes and unique experiences.
Dining-Bar Lounge and Outdoor Balcony
Marvel at the nature of the Sacred Valley from our comfortable dining-bar lounge and outdoor balcony, and fall in love with the most vibrant views along the journey.
Live Music
Enjoy the best live music before arriving at the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, adding to the enchantment of your journey.
Three-Course Gourmet Menu with Pairing
Delight in an exquisite three-course gourmet menu, made with the finest Andean ingredients and perfectly paired with traditional Peruvian beverages.
Priority Boarding
Experience exclusive service with priority boarding, ensuring a journey filled with comfort and luxury from the moment you step on board.
Machu Picchu Train 360 by Inca Rail
An Open-Air Observation Car on a Train
Experience the best panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas from our open-air observatory car. Enjoy a magical adventure in contact with nature and the best onboard entertainment on our scenic train.
Open-Air Observatory Car
Immerse yourself in the stunning Andean landscape from our open-air observatory car. Capture and share your best photos with friends while enjoying the panoramic views.
Panoramic Windows with UV Protection
Travel in carriages with panoramic windows on the upper part, allowing you to see the sky and mountains, and wider side windows with UV protection.
Andean Flavors Experience
Indulge in a journey where landscapes blend with traditional Andean flavors, offering delicious local snacks to delight your senses.
Onboard Entertainment
Enjoy a web entertainment platform that provides information about the route, including live details on important landmarks, audiobooks, documentaries, games, and more.
Live Music on Board
Enjoy live performances by a duo of musicians playing Andean songs and a variety of genres with Peruvian percussion and Incan instruments such as the quena and the zampona.
The Premium & Lounge Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail
Unique and Unforgettable Experience
Live a unique and unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, enjoying vibrant landscapes and live music in the comfort of our exclusive lounge bar car.
Comfort and Tranquility
Travel through the Andean landscape on The Premium & Lounge train, where you can relax in a premium service with comfortable lounge seating, an outdoor balcony, and ambient Andean music, making your trip to Machu Picchu truly memorable. Enjoy priority boarding, more comfortable seats, large windows, and exceptional hospitality from our staff.
Exclusive Lounge/Bar Car and Open-Air Balcony
Enjoy the comfort of our seats and be captivated by the most vibrant views of the Sacred Valley from our exclusive lounge bar car.
Live Music
Experience live performances by a duo of musicians playing Andean songs and a variety of genres with Peruvian percussion and Incan instruments such as the quena and the zampona.
Andean Flavors Experience
Delight your palate with Andean snacks designed to transport you to the Incan culture.
Priority Boarding
Experience comfort throughout your journey with access to our VIP lounges, priority boarding, and personalized service.
Pisco Sour Tasting
Discover Peru’s iconic cocktail on your return journey with an exclusive Pisco Sour tasting at our bar, conducted by our talented mixologists.
The Voyager Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail
Unforgettable Journey
Experience the mystique of an unforgettable journey with comfortable seats and excellent onboard service on The Voyager Machu Picchu Train.
Comfortable Seats and Traditional Ambient Music
Relax in ergonomic seats designed for comfort while delighting in the incredible scenery that surrounds the path to Machu Picchu, accompanied by traditional Andean music.
More Comfortable Seats
Enjoy fully comfortable and ergonomic seats that ensure a relaxing travel experience aboard the train.
Large Panoramic Windows with UV Protection
Observe the most beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley through large windows at every seat, providing stunning views with UV protection.
Background Music
Immerse yourself in an authentic atmosphere with traditional Andean melodies played through the speakers, enhancing your journey.
On-Board Sales
Discover a wide variety of snacks and drinks available to satisfy your cravings during the journey while enjoying the landscape.
Daily Trips
Travel from Monday to Sunday with a schedule that allows you to enjoy Machu Picchu all day long.
Inca Rail Train Routes:
Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes:
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Departure: Trains depart from Ollantaytambo station, which is conveniently located in the Sacred Valley.
Inca Rail Services Train:
Inca Rail provides several classes of service, each offering a different level of comfort and amenities:
First Class:
Features: Spacious seating, gourmet dining, and personalized service.
Experience: Offers a more luxurious experience with additional amenities and comfort.
Royal Class:
Features: Exclusive service with a luxurious atmosphere, including a fine dining experience, plush seating, and panoramic windows.
Experience: Ideal for those seeking an exceptional and indulgent journey.
How to Book Your Machu Picchu Tickets?
Reservations: It is advisable to book tickets well in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased through Peru Rail or Inca Rail’s official website, or through BoletoPeru.pe.
Tips for Travelers:
Arrive Early: Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Pack Light: Space on the train is limited, so bring only essentials for your trip.
Carry ID: A valid passport or ID is required for boarding.
Weather Considerations: Dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures between the highlands and lowlands.
Additional Information:
Scenic Views: The journey on Perurail or Inca Rail provides stunning views of the Andes mountains, rivers, and lush vegetation, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Travel Tips: Taking an early morning train can help you avoid crowds at Machu Picchu and make the most of your time there.
Best Machu Picchu Tours by train from Cusco
- Machu Picchu Full Day
- Machu Picchu Tour 2 Days
- Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
- Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu