Which Train to Machu Picchu?

Photo Matthew Barker 2009

The vast majority of all travelers heading to Machu Picchu arrive at the world famous ruins by train. There is no road access to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes meaning that foot and rail are the only two options.

Fortunately, there are a number of services to Aguas Calientes giving a wide range of options to suit every preference and trip style.

Two companies operate train services through the Sacred Valley; Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Peru Rail is the longer established service, and is owned by the international hotel and travel company, Orient Express.

The company offers a range of services. The most luxurious is the Hiram Bingham train, a first class service that departs daily from Cusco and Ollantaytambo stations. This service is regarded as one of the top train journeys in the world: the carriages are elegantly upholstered, the train includes two dining cars, plus a separate observation deck from which passengers can appreciate the beauty of the Sacred Valley.

The service includes brunch and dinner, prepared onboard by expert Chefs in the kitchen carriage as well as an exclusive bus connection from Aguas Calientes to the gates of Machu Picchu itself.

Meanwhile, the Vistadome train is ideal for passengers looking for a more economical but high standard service. As the name suggests, the Vistadome service offers fantastic panoramic views of the scenery leading up to Machu Picchu. With large windows running the length of the train, plus overhead windows in the roof, the train is designed to give passengers full contact with the landscapes they are traveling through. 

The Backpacker, Peru Rail’s most economical service, departs from Ollantaytambo station and offers the most budget-friendly train to Machu Picchu.

The Backpacker and the Vistadome are the two most popular routes, and between them have more than ten departures to Aguas Calientes every day.

The second train operator, Inca Rail, was established recently to end Peru Rail’s monopoly on services to Machu Picchu. The company operates just one class of service, which is roughly equivalent to the Backpacker train.

Thanks to the Inca Rail service there are now more schedule options to travelers, meaning it’s usually possible to find a train that fits your travel plans.

When booking your train tickets, bear in mind that travel agencies may have access to better rates and it is often worthwhile checking to see if booking your ticket through an agency will work out cheaper.

 This guide to catching the train to Machu Picchu was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less, specialists in high value, customized packages and tours to Peru.

Back to Machu Picchu.