Ollantaytambo station is where most Machu Picchu trips really begin. Sitting in the Sacred Valley at 2,792 metres, about 1h40 from Cusco by road, it’s the closer and lower of the two main departure points — the alternative, Poroy, is further and higher but has been largely replaced since the pandemic.
From Ollantaytambo, PeruRail and Inca Rail run multiple departures a day to Aguas Calientes, taking around 1h30. The track follows the Urubamba downstream through the deepening gorge; sit on the left on the way down and the right on the way back for the better views.
Service levels run from the no-frills Expedition and Voyager up to the Vistadome and 360° panoramic cars, and at the top the Belmond Hiram Bingham with a dining car and bar. The scenery is the same across all of them — you’re paying for seat width, meals and the glass roof.
Pair the train with your Machu Picchu entry ticket, Aguas Calientes bus and (if you want) a guide through Peruways, who handle the whole chain so you don’t juggle three operators.
