The train is the main way in to Machu Picchu, and it earns the detour. Carriages run along the Vilcanota river, cliffs rising on either side, as the gorge tightens between Ollantaytambo (2,792m) and Aguas Calientes (2,040m).
Two departure points: Poroy, just outside Cusco, or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From Poroy the full run is about 3.5 hours; from Ollantaytambo it’s roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Service classes run from the Expedition (full windows, standard class) up to the Vistadome with its glass-paneled roof, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham with lunch and a bar car. All see the same scenery; the difference is comfort and food.
If it’s your first time to the ruins, the train is the setup — mountains, river, cloud forest, and the slow build to Aguas Calientes.
Book through Peruways for timetables and bundled citadel tickets.
