Taking The Train To Machu Picchu
Right after graduating university, I took a ten-day adventure-filled trip to Peru, rich with cultural experiences and incredible sights. It was my first time visiting South America, and it turned out to be an unforgettable journey. I was especially excited to (at least attempt to) speak Spanish and immerse myself in a completely different part of the world.
As a civil engineer, one part of the trip stood out to me in particular: the unique transportation system that brings travelers to the ancient site of Machu Picchu. Interestingly, there are no direct roads to the site—this was an intentional decision to help preserve the area and prevent overcrowding.
Following the advice of my friend Hugo, a local Peruvian, I flew from Lima to Cusco and used the city as a home base. From there, I took the scenic PeruRail train to the town of Aguas Calientes. After spending a night there, I boarded an early-morning bus that took me directly to the Citadel of Machu Picchu.
One crucial tip: be sure to purchase your entrance tickets well in advance, as they often sell out months ahead of time. [Here’s the Peruvian Government's official website with the latest ticket prices and availability.].
There are only two main ways for travelers to reach the base town of Machu Picchu also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes. The most popular option is by train, either through PeruRail or Inca Rail, which operate scenic routes from the city of Cusco with intermittent stops along the way. I found it most convenient to stay in Cusco and depart directly from the Cusco Station. (Note: train departure points may have changed since our visit, so I recommend checking the latest routes and schedules on an up-to-date travel planning site this link is a good place to start.)
If you're feeling adventurous and have more time, the second option is the Inca Trail, a world-famous, multi-day hike that takes roughly four days to complete. It stretches from just outside Cusco through the Andes and directly into Aguas Calientes, offering stunning views and ancient ruins along the way. Unfortunately, my trip didn’t allow for that kind of time commitment—but it’s absolutely on my bucket list for the future.
Now with the introduction out of the way, let’s get into the real question: what was the train ride like, and what were the amenities on board?
The train departed Cusco Station at 7:00 a.m. sharp. While waking up that early wasn’t ideal, I was impressed by how punctual and efficient the departure was. I rode in the Expedition Class carriage on PeruRail, and the journey took about 4 hours and 30 minutes. The train traveled at a top speed of 60 kilometers per hour (about 37 mph), and we descended roughly 1,360 meters (4,460 feet) in elevation from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
The scenery along the way was beautiful. We passed through valleys, alongside rivers, and beneath towering mountain peaks. The large panoramic windows made it easy to take in the views, and the seats were comfortable enough for the long ride. The interior of the Expedition carriage was clean, well-maintained, and generally relaxing. Here's a snapshot of the Expedition Carriage Interior from PeruRail, 2024.
There are a couple of things worth noting. First, bring your own snacks and drinks. The café on board was very expensive, even for basic items. Second, prepare yourself for a looping pan flute song that played for about 30 minutes every hour. It was pleasant at first, but after the second hour, it started to get a bit maddening. I’ll try to update this blog once I find the name or a link to the song.
Overall, the experience was much better than anything I’ve had with Amtrak. The seats were more comfortable, the service was friendly, and the train schedule was reliable. I paid about $85 USD for a round-trip ticket, which felt fair given the remote location and the quality of the ride.
If you’d like to hear more about my trip to Peru and see footage from the journey, feel free to check out my YouTube video where I dive deeper into the experience and share more visuals from along the way.
Overall, I’d give PeruRail a solid 8.5 out of 10 and would highly recommend the journey to Machu Picchu to anyone with a love for travel, culture, or adventure. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth taking.
