The train to Machu Picchu is as much part of the trip as the ruins themselves. The ride is one of the main attractions of a Peru visit.
Starting from Cusco (via Poroy station) or Ollantaytambo, the route follows the Urubamba River through the Andes to Aguas Calientes. Expect snow peaks of the Vilcanota range in the distance, cloud-forest cliffs tightening the gorge, and Inca-era terraces on the far bank.
Trains have panoramic windows on the Vistadome and higher classes. On-board service runs from basic snacks on the Expedition economy car to full gourmet meals on the Hiram Bingham, with live Andean music and an observation lounge on the top-tier service.
Service classes cover every budget — Expedition for the lowest fare, Vistadome for the scenic premium, Hiram Bingham for the journey-as-destination experience.
Peruways books across both operators (PeruRail and Inca Rail) in one platform — see Peruways.
The train ride adds up to about an hour of actual Peru landscape per direction — and some of the best landscape in the country at that.
