Planning to travel to Machu Picchu? In case you want to travel to Machu Picchu by train, Have you already bought your tickets? All around Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you’ll find train stations, and for that reason, we made this guide.
Cusco City has a train station near the historic center. However, this time we’ll focus on the types of trains, what you can expect from them, comfort, and the stations in the Sacred Valley. This area is surrounded by several charming attractions. It's easy to fall in love with them. So, we recommend spending more time to explore the area slowly.
Viagens Machu Picchu works with Peru Rail, a Peruvian rail company known for its reliable and well-maintained trains. Therefore, the several Peru Rail train stations located within the Sacred Valley of the Incas are the focus of this guide. Having said that, let’s focus on the trains to Machu Picchu and its respective stations.
Urubamba is a charming town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is known for its stunning scenery, lively culture, and historical importance. Check out the following list of things to do in this charming town. Here lies the Urubamba station. It’s situated in the Urubamba area, 53 kilometers away by road from Cusco. From Cusco, the drive to this station takes about one and a half hours. Two types of train depart from this station:
Vistadome
Vistadome trains feature wide-side coaches and panoramic windows. The breathtaking views are seen from the roof. The entire journey inside the ancient Inca citadel is photogenic.
Perurail has a popular service called Vistadome. It is great for people who want a unique experience. It combines excitement, elegance, and culture in one place. Take a train ride that you won’t ever forget.
Hiram Bingham
Thanks to the attractions and mild weather of this lovely town, many visitors from Peru and the world come to spend their time here. As a result, numerous hotels have expanded and improved over time. Certain hotels became upscale. That's why we include the Marriott Tambo del Inka Hotel in this list.
Closer to this hotel, there’s an exclusive train station. There are departures to Machu Picchu Pueblo from this station. The Hiram Bingham will be the most notable train, but the Vistadome train can also make the trip.
Among the most opulent trains in the world is the Belmond Hiram Bingham. It offers first-rate onboard facilities and services.
This train has gourmet meals in the dining car. It also has amazing views in its observatory car. It also features events, a dining bar, live music, tours to Machu Picchu, and many other train services.
In 2003, Belmond and Peru Rail introduced the train with a 1920s vibe. It bears the name of the fabled American explorer who made Machu Picchu known. The path largely replicates Hiram Bingham's 1911 excursion to the renowned sanctuary. It will be a genuinely unique experience to board this train.
Important Note: From January 1 to April 30, during the rainy season—this station is closed. If you plan to visit Urubamba by train during this season, keep in mind this statement in your trip to Machu Picchu.
Address: Ferrocaril Ave, No number, Urubamba
You should visit Ollantaytambo. It's a little community preserved in time, it has an amazing ceremonial stronghold and an urban environment like Inca colonialism. It's all surrounded by towering mountains!
Ollantaytambo has one of the three train stations in the area. It is the starting point for many visitors to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail starts at a town 30 to 40 minutes away from here.
This station is the most visited by travelers as it has more daily departures. It takes about one hour and forty-five minutes to get there by bus from Cusco (Almost 65 km from Cusco). The Ollantaytambo station has a nice setup. It includes a cafe, a waiting room, and ticket offices.
All Peru Rail services depart daily from that point. They include the local train for Peruvians and opulent services, about thirty trains depart daily.
Unlikely Urubamba station, Ollantaytambo station is open year-round despite the rainy season. It takes about two hours to get by rail from there to Aguas Calientes station. Now, we’ll show you the trains that depart from this station.
Expedition
There are panoramic windows on the wagons of this train. They provide amenities like drinks and food from Peru. A cost-effective and convenient option is the Expedition Train. It has panoramic windows, cozy seating, and onboard entertainment. It's excellent for anyone looking for a fun activity they can do on a tight budget.
Hiram Bingham
As we mentioned before, this railway experience is unmatched in its beauty. Its four cars are each decorated to evoke the luxury of the Pullman era of the 1920s. Vivid colors, brass accents, wood-paneled interiors, and nature-inspired patterns frame the expansive views. They line the route.
Also, the train winds through the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You'll have the chance to enjoy the diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
Address: Ferrocaril Ave, No Number, Ollantaytambo, Cusco
The Hidroeléctrica station is nestled 212 kilometers away from Cusco. It takes about six hours to complete the trip. The distance between the Hidroeléctrica station and the Aguas Calientes final station is just 10 kilometers.
Because of this, the great majority of visitors would rather walk than ride the train. You’ll arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo after two hours of walking to reach Aguas Calientes.
However, keep in mind that the train schedule from the Hidroeléctrica is limited. There is one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Tourist companies and private services don’t offer this route. This is because of its difficult access and walking distance.
Note: Avoid the path from January to April, the rainiest months, because it is in Cusco's rainforest and can be dangerous as heavy rains may occur.
Are you ready to get into your favorite Sacred Valley train? Travel with us, Viagens Machu Picchu, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about is having fun! See our tours to the Sacred Valley and Peru, we’re waiting for you!
