The entrance of Machu Picchu to the list of UNESCO as Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity, made Machu Picchu have to prepare to welcome visitors from all over the world; But it is so much that offers Machu Picchu, that is at present one of the main destinies of world. The inaccessible place where Machu Picchu is built, makes it only accessible by train, or by some of the most amazing walks of the planet.

Traveling to Machu Picchu is amazing

How to get to Machu Picchu?

The first and quickest way to get to Machu Picchu is by train, but first you will have to arrive to Ollantaytambo to take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes, a village where the only vehicles you will find are the ecological buses that go From Aguas Calientes to the entrance to the National Park of Machu Picchu. This is the option that will have to use 2,300 people to enter Machu Picchu in one day, the other 200 people will enter the Inca Trail.

Machu Picchu by train

There are two companies that provide train services to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. They offer daily departures at different times; The most important thing of the trip to Machu Picchu is to book the Machu Picchu tickets in advance, after which you will have to book the train tickets. The train trip to Machu Picchu begins in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and ends at the foot of Machu Picchu Mountain in the village of Aguas Calientes; The astonishing views you can get on the route have put this one among the most amazing short train routes in the world. The train services to Machu Picchu range from tourist class to some of the most luxurious trains in the world, such as Hiram Bingham.

The Trains to Machu Picchu

The companies that provide the train services to Machu Picchu offer you multiple services, each with different characteristics:

• Hiram Bingham (Peru Rail)

  It is one of the most luxurious trains in the world, will provide you with a journey full of amenities, with live shows and first class services. The train has 4 wagons, 2 dining wagons, a bar wagon with observatory and a kitchen wagon and service. It has free bar, live Peruvian music shows, hostesses and almost anything that you crave on board; Includes breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on the schedule you choose. This train departs from the Poroy station, 30 minutes from the city of Cusco and has an incredible 4 hours trip along the Urubamba River, through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

• Vistadome (Peru Rail)

  The design of the Vistadome is spectacular, its domed roof covered with windows will allow an astonishing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, it is comfortable and fast: The train to Machu Picchu leaves once a day of the station of Poroy; You will be in Machu Picchu in 3 hours and 20 minutes; The train from Ollantaytambo station leaves 6 times a day from Monday to Sunday, the journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

• Expedition (Peru Rail)

  Designed for people who are looking for a bit more adventure, as they travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Machu Picchu. The Expedition departs once a day from Monday to Sunday from Poroy station; It will take about 3 hours and 20 minutes to arrive; Also leaves from the station of Ollantaytambo, 6 times to the day 7 days of the week.

• Tourist and Executive Service (Inca Rail)

  The Inca Rail Tourist Service offers wide panoramic windows, comfortable seating as well as drinks and snacks. The price will depend on the date of your visit. The executive service offers comfortable seats with tables and panoramic windows, with capacity for 50 passengers. You can enjoy organic snacks, without preservatives, also varied natural drinks. This train departs every day from Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

• First Class (Inca Rail)

  This service is more comfortable, it is designed for travelers who want a more relaxed trip while enjoying the scenery. It has space for 30 passengers with ample and comfortable seats, it has a library that can take advantage of in the way. It serves gourmet food, has a spectacular service and the wagon is finely decorated. The train leaves 3 times a day from Monday to Sunday, part of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and the trip lasts 1 hour and a half.

• Inca Princess / Presidential Class (Inca Rail)

  It allows you to enjoy a comfortable, luxurious and private trip. Designed for travelers who like exclusivity, the cars are characterized by their colorful, panoramic windows and service “all aboard” with typical Peruvian food tasting of the area. It operates on demand every day of the year.

• Local train (Peru Rail)

  If you have ever heard of a local train to Machu Picchu, well this train is reserved exclusively for people from the region.

Train to Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

The buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will transfer you from the train station, to the main entrance to Machu Picchu via the Hiram Bingham route from 05:30 hrs. At 5:00 p.m. Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the starting point for buses to Machu Picchu. They are modern ecological buses, which will take you comfortably, during the 25 minutes that takes the ascent to the Sanctuary. The buses ascend by a zigzag road in the middle of the cloud forest of Machu Picchu. Buses have departures at all times, so you will not have to queue for a long time.

We are at your disposal, we are experts in trips to Machu Picchu and we will be happy to help you to plan your own experience in Machu Picchu. Communicate through the online chat or write us to info@boletomachupicchu.com.

Important information

• Train tickets to Machu Picchu must be booked when you know the date you will be in Machu Picchu.

• If you do not go by train, know that the Inca Trail is one of the most incredible ways to enter Machu Picchu; However, income must be booked 6 months in advance.

• Before booking train tickets to Machu Picchu, choose the type of ticket you want for Machu Picchu; The ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu must be booked 4 months in advance, otherwise it will be difficult to book a ticket for the dates you want, as you will have to settle for the remaining availability.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Tatiana T

“Amazing Inca City“

“You can not believe that Machu Picchu is more than 500 years old, it is so well preserved; Also it is very amusing to imagine how the Incas did to mount a city like that in that place, although wonderful, is super rugged. I recommend hiring a good guide to Machu Picchu; It is amazing what the details can tell of Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024