Best Ways to Experience the Train Ride to Machu Picchu

Trains to Machu Picchu Ruins

Sure, I’d be happy to guide you on how to get to Machu Picchu by train! Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most fascinating and impressive places. To get there, you must first go to Cusco, Peru. From there, you can take a train or hike the Inca Trail.

If you take the train, you will have several options depending on your comfort level and budget. You can take the Expedition train, the Vistadome train, the Hiram Bingham train, and more. The train ride from Cusco to the Aguas Calientes train station takes about 3 hours.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you must take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu. If you prefer hiking, you can climb the Hiram Bingham Trail, which takes about an hour and a half.

To enter Machu Picchu, you must purchase a ticket. It’s essential to reserve your tickets in advance, as they have a daily limit and can sell out quickly, especially during the peak tourist season.

Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is a top-rated tourist destination, so it can get crowded quickly. To avoid crowds, the best times are early morning or late afternoon. You should also wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.

Overall, taking the train to Machu Picchu is a great way to experience the beauty of this iconic destination in Peru. Enjoy the ride and take in the stunning views along the way!

Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, there are many ways to explore the site. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the site’s history and significance. Alternatively, you can explore the area independently and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Some of the most popular attractions at Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Temple of the Three Windows. Be sure to take your time and explore the site’s different areas to appreciate its beauty and significance.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike Huayna Picchu, the mountain peak that overlooks Machu Picchu. This hike is challenging, but the views from the top are breathtaking.

Overall, visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. Whether you take the train or hike the Inca Trail, you will surely be blown away by this incredible destination’s natural beauty and historical significance.

One of the world’s most remarkable train journeys is through the Sacred Valley, flanked by towering mountains and offering glimpses of glittering snow-capped peaks. It is enhanced by excellent service and comfortable, well-maintained carriages.

PeruRail’s most extensive train option departs from Poroy, a twenty-five-minute taxi ride from central Cusco (other travelers depart from the Urubamba and Ollantaytambo train stations). Before rapidly descending to the Urubamba valley through various routes, we cross the Anta plains and enter the Pomatales valley.

The pretty Ollantaytambo train station, the departure point for many train passengers these days, is right next to the river. The train follows this river as it winds through the valley, stopping briefly at Km 104. Where the SHORT INCA TRAIL begins

The rail trail then follows the Urubamba River as the valley becomes more closed in and the mountains become increasingly forested, steeper, and seemingly higher. The end of the line is the station at Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes), a busy tourist town that clusters in the valley, a short bus ride from the ruins.

The trip from Cusco (Poroy Station) takes more than 3 hours and is about 1.5 hours from Ollantaytambo.

Train stations to Machu Picchu

Travelers use two main train stations to reach Machu Picchu: Poroy Station and Ollantaytambo Station.

Poroy Station is about 20 minutes from Cusco and is the closest station to Machu Picchu. Trains from Poroy Station go directly to the Aguas Calientes train station, which is also the nearest station to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo Station is about 2 hours from Cusco and is another popular stop for travelers. Trains from Ollantaytambo Station also go directly to Aguas Calientes.

Poroy and Ollantaytambo stations have multiple train options, including the Expedition, Vistadome, and Hiram Bingham trains. The Expedition train is the most affordable option, while the Hiram Bingham train is the most luxurious, offering gourmet dining and live entertainment.

No matter which station you choose, taking the train to Machu Picchu is a scenic and comfortable way to experience the beauty of this incredible destination.

Train to Machu Picchu Schedules

The train to Machu Picchu departs from two main stations: Poroy and Ollantaytambo. Here is a map of the train route from both stations to Machu Picchu:

The train journey takes about 3 hours from both stations and passes through the beautiful Andean landscapes of Peru.

As for the train times, they vary depending on the train company and the station. Generally, trains depart in the morning and the afternoon, with more frequent departures during the peak tourist season. Here are some approximate train times:

From Poroy Station:

• Expedition train: 6:40 am, 7:35 am, 8:25 am, 11:50 am, 3:37 pm, 4:43 pm
• Vistadome train: 5:50 am, 6:40 am, 7:35 am, 8:25 am, 11:50 am, 3:37 pm, 4:43 pm
• Hiram Bingham train: 9:05 am

From Ollantaytambo Station:

• Expedition train: 5:07 am, 6:10 am, 6:40 am, 7:27 am, 8:53 am, 10:32 am, 1:37 pm, 2:33 pm, 4:12 pm, 6:40 pm
• Vistadome train: 5:07 am, 6:10 am, 6:40 am, 7:27 am, 8:53 am, 10:32 am, 1:37 pm, 2:33 pm, 4:12 pm, 6:40 pm
• Hiram Bingham train: 9:05 am

It’s important to note that these times are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with the train company for the most up-to-date schedules.