The train from Cusco (or more usually Ollantaytambo, which the main service departs from) to Machu Picchu is one of the better rail trips in South America. The line runs through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba, with Inca ruins and terraced farmland on both sides.
The route
The route is scenic from end to end. You start in the dry, high Sacred Valley and drop into the wetter cloud forest as the train descends toward Aguas Calientes. On a clear morning you’ll see the snow-covered Veronica massif, the terraces at Ollantaytambo as you leave, and the river itself turning from an alpine stream into a torrent as it goes down.
Picking the right class
Peruways books all the classes on the line, from the standard Expedition service up to the Hiram Bingham, and will match the choice to your budget and the type of trip. The window size and the onboard service are the main difference.
Higher-tier services
At the top end, you get larger panoramic windows, a lunch or dinner service with Andean ingredients, pisco cocktails, and often live music on the trip up. The seating is wider and the pace is slower.
Standard services
The Expedition and Voyager services are the more affordable options and still give you the same views. Seats are comfortable, windows are large, and the ride is quieter than you might expect. For most travelers this is what we recommend.
Booking with Peruways
Peruways books the train, the matching Machu Picchu entry permit, and the Consettur bus up to the citadel in one go. We’ll handle the schedule and the connections.
Comparing schedules
Our booking page shows all the departures, classes, and amenities side by side, so you can pick a service without reading the operator’s own site cover to cover.
Confirmed in advance
Train seats sell out in peak season (June-August and December-January). We lock yours in on booking and send the ticket out ahead of the departure date. If a train is rescheduled, we’ll move you to the next available service.
Plan the trip
If you’re putting together a Cusco–Machu Picchu trip, Peruways is the easiest way to book it. Visit Peruways to pick dates and classes. The train is more than transport — it’s a chunk of the trip in its own right.
