The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu runs through the Urubamba gorge, dropping almost 1,400 metres from the puna plateau at Cusco (3,400 m) down to cloud forest at Aguas Calientes (2,040 m). The altitude change is as much the story as the scenery.
Most travellers board at Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, which skips the switchback descent out of Cusco and shortens the trip to 90 minutes. From Cusco itself the ride is three and a half hours; both terminate at Aguas Calientes station.
Peruways sells across PeruRail and Inca Rail, with service classes from the budget Expedition and Voyager through the panoramic Vistadome and 360, up to the Hiram Bingham. All run the same track.
We bundle the train with the Consettur bus up to the citadel and the timed-entry ticket. Reserve at Peruways.
