Visiting Machu Picchu is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the journey to this ancient Inca city is just as important as the destination itself. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from all over the globe. While many travelers focus on reaching the citadel, the scenic train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to witness Peru’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. This article explores the best train options available for your journey, along with other routes to reach this world-famous destination.
How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
There are three main ways to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu: walking, by train, or by car. The most popular and easiest route is by train, while the most challenging but rewarding is the Inca Trail hike. It’s important to note that there is no direct bus from Cusco to Machu Picchu, so travelers will have to make a few stops along the way, no matter which option they choose.
Hiking to Machu Picchu
For adventurous travelers, hiking to Machu Picchu is a fantastic way to experience the rugged beauty of the Andes. The most famous route is the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek that culminates with arrival at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate or Intipunku. Other hiking options include the Short Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, and routes from Lares, Choquequirao, and Huchuy Qosqo.
The Train to Machu Picchu
For those who prefer a more comfortable option, taking the train to Machu Picchu is the easiest and most convenient way to get there. The train journey offers travelers the chance to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley while traveling in style. The train trip lasts approximately 3 hours, winding through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, travelers must take a bus to the entrance of the ancient Inca citadel, which takes about 25 minutes. Buses depart every few minutes, making this final leg of the journey quick and easy.
Popular Train Companies to Machu Picchu
Two primary train companies offer service from Cusco to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both companies provide various levels of comfort, from standard seats to luxurious experiences. Each company also offers slightly different routes, services, and prices, making it possible to tailor your journey to your personal preferences.
PeruRail
PeruRail was the first private train company to operate trains to Machu Picchu, beginning service in 1999. With more routes and departure options than Inca Rail, PeruRail has long been the leader in the industry, offering a variety of services that cater to different budgets and travel styles.
Inca Rail
Inca Rail is a newer company, having started operations in 2007. Despite being the newer player in the market, Inca Rail offers excellent service and a variety of travel classes, including luxury options. Inca Rail provides service from both Cusco and Ollantaytambo, offering travelers a convenient and scenic way to reach Machu Picchu.
Types of Trains to Machu Picchu
Standard Trains
For travelers on a budget, both PeruRail and Inca Rail offer comfortable and affordable standard train options.
- Expedition Train (PeruRail): This is the most economical option offered by PeruRail. The train features carriages decorated with traditional Inca designs, creating a cultural atmosphere that immerses passengers in the Andean experience from the moment they board.
- Voyager Train (Inca Rail): Inca Rail’s standard option, the Voyager, provides a comfortable and cost-effective journey to Machu Picchu. With cozy seating and great service, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Premium and Panoramic Trains
For those looking for a more scenic experience, premium trains with panoramic windows are an excellent choice.
- Vistadome Train (PeruRail): One of the most popular options, the Vistadome features large windows that offer spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley. Many TreXperience tours include a Vistadome train ride, either for the journey to or from Machu Picchu.
- 360° Train (Inca Rail): This panoramic train offers large windows, including overhead glass panels, giving travelers a full view of the stunning Andean scenery. With an observation car and comfortable seating, this train is perfect for those who want to savor the journey as much as the destination.
Luxury Trains
For travelers seeking the ultimate in comfort and style, both PeruRail and Inca Rail offer luxurious options that transform the train journey into an unforgettable experience.
- Hiram Bingham Train (PeruRail): Operated by Belmond, the Hiram Bingham is the epitome of luxury train travel. Passengers are treated to gourmet meals, live music, and world-class service in a beautifully appointed dining car. The train also features an observation car with a bar, offering panoramic views of the Andes while enjoying a traditional Peruvian cocktail.
- First Class Train (Inca Rail): Inca Rail’s First Class train offers maximum comfort, complete with a live music performance, gourmet meals, and an observation lounge. It’s designed to provide a lavish experience from start to finish, making the journey to Machu Picchu as memorable as the destination itself.
Best Train Stations to Machu Picchu
Before discussing the best train options, it’s important to understand that several train stations operate along the route to Machu Picchu. These include:
- San Pedro Station: Located in the center of Cusco, just 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas, this station offers PeruRail services, particularly during the dry season from April to December.
- Wanchaq Station: Also located in Cusco, but offering fewer services than San Pedro.
- Poroy Station: Situated about 40 minutes by car from Cusco, this station provides one of the longest train journeys to Machu Picchu.
- Ollantaytambo Station: The most popular station, located in the Sacred Valley, approximately a 2-hour drive from Cusco. Many TreXperience tours use this station due to its convenience and shorter train ride.
- Aguas Calientes Station: The final stop for all trains to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, serves as the base for the bus ride to the citadel.
Best Trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Trains from San Pedro Station
Only PeruRail operates trains from San Pedro station, making it an exclusive but slower route, with some trains taking up to 5 hours to reach Aguas Calientes. Travelers departing from here can enjoy diverse landscapes, including the plains of Anta, the Huarocondo Canyon, and the Sacred Valley.
Trains from Poroy Station
Poroy is the second longest train route to Machu Picchu, with departures also operated by PeruRail. Trains from Poroy pass through the Sacred Valley before reaching Aguas Calientes. The luxury Hiram Bingham train departs from this station, offering a premium travel experience for those looking to indulge.
Trains from Ollantaytambo Station
Most travelers choose to depart from Ollantaytambo, as it offers the shortest and fastest journey to Machu Picchu, about 1.5 hours. Both PeruRail and Inca Rail operate several daily departures from this station, providing flexible options for travelers. This is the station used for most tours, as it allows travelers to combine a visit to Ollantaytambo’s famous ruins with their train journey.
Choosing the Best Train to Machu Picchu
When deciding how to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu, your choice of train depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule. Whether you opt for the standard Expedition or Voyager train, the panoramic Vistadome or 360°, or the luxurious Hiram Bingham or First Class service, the journey itself is sure to be unforgettable. Each train offers a unique perspective of the Sacred Valley, allowing you to experience the stunning beauty of the Andes before arriving at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
For the ultimate experience, consider a combination of hiking and train travel to immerse yourself fully in the region’s natural and cultural wonders. However you choose to travel, the journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu is an essential part of any Peruvian adventure.
