Train to Machu Picchu Guide 2023

Trains to Machu Picchu Tour

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 in 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 takes about 3 hours from Cusco to the Aguas Calientes train station.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you will need to take a bus that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. If you prefer to hike, you can climb up the Hiram Bingham trail, which takes about 1 hour and a half.

To enter Machu Picchu, you will need to 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. It’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. 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, which will provide you with more information about the history and significance of the site. 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 all of the different areas of the site 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.

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

The most extensive train option Perurail offers 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, which the train follows as it winds through the valley, stopping briefly at Km 104. Where the SHORT INCA TRAIL begins.

The rail trail then follows the side of the Urubamba River as the valley becomes more closed, 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.

From Cusco (Poroy Station), the trip lasts more than three hours, and about an hour and a half from Ollantaytambo.

Train stations to Machu Picchu

There are two main train stations that travelers use to get to 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, the closest station to Machu Picchu.

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

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

From Ollantaytambo Station:

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

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.