Train Travel in Peru

Train travel in Latin America offers some spectacular journeys, and Peru is no different. Two of the most popular are to visit Machu Picchu (on Inca Rail, Hiram Bingham or Peru Rail) or traverse the country from Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca.

Visiting Machu Picchu is a must for all travellers to Peru. Unless you follow one of the hiking trails, the way to get to the summit is by rail. There are three choices – Inca Rail, Peru Rail and Hiram Bingham. They all share the same track that winds along the Urubamba River and passes through breathtaking mountains, though they do start from different stations. All end at Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly known as Aguas Calientes), requiring a short bus ride to the summit. Each offers different levels of service and comfort, as described.

Cusco to Puno is a spectacular ten-hour journey across Peru, taking in scenic landscapes, passing through towns and villages lost to time, and famous landmarks.

Andean Explorer

This spectacular ten-hour rail journey travels between historic Cusco and the beautiful city of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca in the south and vice versa. The magnificent Andean mountains, which tower over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River dominate the first half of the journey. On the trip, the train gently climbs to higher, cooler altitudes.

When travelling aboard the Andean Explorer, the glass-walled observation car provides the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful scenery. It then reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuña and alpaca can be seen. A scenic stop at La Raya, the highest point on the route, breaks the journey.

Travellers can choose to travel on either the first-class carriages of the Andean Explorer or the Backpacker carriages. Meals are served en route, including a complementary three-course lunch.

Inca Rail

Inca Rail began operating in 2009. Since then, it has expanded its services and now operates daily to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo). There are three classes – economy, executive and first class. For our travellers, we recommend executive or first class. Both offer travel in carriages with large windows and comfortable seats. First class has more space and includes more catering in the ticket price. In many ways, Inca Rail’s executive and first-class services are equivalent to Peru Rail’s Vistadome service.

The journey from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) is picturesque and memorable.

Peru Rail Vistadome

The Vistadome is a good choice for those who want to appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu fully. Vistadome passengers are surrounded almost entirely by glass, with large panoramic windows offering views and opportunities to capture amazing pictures. The Vistadome has air conditioning, heating, and leather seats that adjust to the body to provide comfort and relaxation during the entire trip.

The Vistadome departs for Machu Picchu from two stations: Cuzco (Poroy) and the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo). From Poroy station, located about 20 minutes from central Cuzco, the journey to Machu Picchu lasts just over three hours. From the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo), the trip lasts one hour and 30 minutes. There are more than ten departures per day from which to choose.

Hiram Bingham

Explorer Hiram Bingham was the man who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, uncovering what had been, up until then, the Inca’s best-kept secret. Peru Rail’s luxury train service between Cusco and Machu Picchu is named after him.

The train leaves from Cusco in the morning, taking a spectacular journey through a changing landscape while guests enjoy breakfast. After the steep climb out of Cusco, the train descends into the Sacred Valley, passing lush fields and colourful villages with views of the mountains and the beautiful Urubamba River. On arrival in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, guests are taken by bus to Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge for lunch. A private guided tour of the citadel follows before the return journey to Cusco, during which a sumptuous dinner is served.

For many visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and experiencing this visit on the Hiram Bingham makes it even more memorable.