What train to choose to go to Machu Picchu?

Traveling to Machu Picchu is a dream for many, so it is important to plan ahead, to take care of every detail, in order for everything to go perfectly. In Inca Rail we want to help you plan your trip, so we are going to tell you what you should take into account when choosing the train that will take you to the gates of the Inca citadel. Pay close attention and take note!

First step: Where to take the train to Machu Picchu?

At Inca Rail, we have two train stations where you can make your trip to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, the city that lies at the foot of Machu Picchu. The first of these stations is Poroy, located half an hour from downtown Cusco. For those who have little time to reach the citadel, we recommend taking the train here. Of course, you have to keep in mind that this station is closed from January to April, the rainy season in Cusco.

The other (and busiest) station is Ollantaytambo, located an hour and a half from Cusco. This point is ideal for those who have more days to enjoy Machu Picchu and its surroundings, as they can take the trip to Ollantaytambo to stop and visit the different attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Second step: At what time should you take the train to Machu Picchu?

Once you decide the station where you will take the train, you have to choose which time suits best your trip. In order for you to have different options, at Inca Rail we offer different traveling departures and return times throughout the day (departure from 5:55 to 19:27 and returns from 8:30 to 21:30)

Our recommendation is that if you want to go on a round trip, take the first train in the morning and the come back in the afternoon. If, on the other hand, you have  more time, you can take the outbound train in the afternoon or evening from Ollantaytambo, sleep in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu the next day.

Third step: What kind of train should I take to Machu Picchu?

After you made the decision on the schedule and the departure station, you will have to choose the type of train to travel to Machu Picchu. In Inca Rail we have four different options, with different comforts in each one:

Executive Train

The most economical of our trains, it has seats for 42 people, with tables to the front and panoramic windows. During the trip, you will be able to taste several cold or hot drinks, many of them made with exotic Andean ingredients and a snack.

The 360° Machu Picchu Train

Our most innovative service, it is the perfect train to enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley, since it has panoramic windows that cover both sides of the car and the roof and also has one of its cars outdoors.

This new train has large seats with tables to the front where you can taste, free of charge, local drinks and, if you travel at noon, a gourmet snack.

First Class Train

A more exclusive train in which you will be accompanied by only 29 more people. Here you will enjoy a welcome drink -pisco sour- and a fine towel flavored with natural essences with which you can cool off before starting the trip.

In addition, to live the experience of Peruvian cuisine while you head to Machu Picchu, in this train you will taste a selection of gourmet dishes made from local ingredients and accompanied by a glass of wine. And to finish, of course, a dessert and a diverse selection of teas and traditional infusions from Cusco.

Presidential train

The perfect train for those who want to live a private experience of luxury and maximum comfort. It is an exclusive car that can be rented privately, with capacity for eight people and with a bar where you can taste the typical Peruvian drinks as well as its exquisite dishes. If you wanna reserve this train for you, write us to consultas@incarail.com.

Once you have clear these three steps, you only have to make your reservations. We recommend you do it with time, since, as you know, Machu Picchu is a very busy destination and trains usually fill up weeks in advance. To make your reservation, you just have to enter here, select the dates of your trip, the time, the station and the train you want and, voila!  You have everything to reach the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.

Now, it’s time to enjoy this Wonder of the World!