Poroy station is the Cusco-side departure point for the long-distance Machu Picchu trains — the premium services that run the full Cusco-to-Aguas-Calientes route rather than starting from Ollantaytambo. Note: Poroy service has been intermittent in recent years, so check current operator schedules before you book.
1. Proximity to Cusco:
Poroy sits about 20 minutes by road from central Cusco, which makes it the easier departure for travelers staying in the city who don’t want to drive to Ollantaytambo at 4 a.m.
2. Gateway to Luxury Trains:
When it’s operating, Poroy is the departure for the Belmond Hiram Bingham and the Vistadome’s premium runs — the services that run the full gorge route from Cusco rather than starting mid-way. Shorter Ollantaytambo-start services skip this station.
3. Scenic Surroundings:
The station itself is a quiet single-platform stop in the hills above Cusco, with Andean peaks on the horizon and almost none of the Aguas Calientes-style tourist bustle.
4. Limited Services:
Poroy is basic — waiting area, ticket counter, small café — and services are thinner than at Ollantaytambo. Bring water and a snack for anything beyond the shortest wait.
5. Altitude Considerations:
At 3,555 meters (11,663 feet), Poroy is higher than Cusco itself. If you’ve arrived in Peru from sea level in the last 24 hours, give yourself a day in Cusco to acclimatize before boarding at this elevation.
6. Ticketing and Boarding:
Have the e-ticket on your phone or printed. Boarding is organized but tight — arrive at least 30 minutes before departure so you aren’t the one holding the train up.
7. Transportation Options:
Taxis and shuttles connect Poroy to central Cusco in both directions. Arrange the return pickup before you leave for Machu Picchu — the station is quiet enough that getting a ride on the fly isn’t guaranteed.
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