Experiencing Machu Picchu firsthand feels almost unreal. Hidden high in the Peruvian Andes, this ancient Incan city draws travelers from around the globe with its mystery, beauty, and historical significance.
While hiking routes offer adventure for the bold, the train journey to Machu Picchu remains the most popular option. It combines comfort, panoramic views, and a smooth ride through breathtaking landscapes. If you’re planning your first visit, understanding how the train system works can save you time, money, and a few headaches.
Choosing Your Route
You can start your train journey to Machu Picchu from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, depending on your time, interests, and travel style.
- Cusco: This lively city is the main tourist hub with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and history. The train ride takes about four hours and lets you explore Cusco’s landmarks before enjoying the full stretch of scenic valleys and farmlands.
- Ollantaytambo: Set in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this option shortens your ride to about two hours. It’s ideal if you want to visit nearby villages, Inca ruins, and other archaeological sites before heading to Machu Picchu.
If you’re short on time, Ollantaytambo is the easier choice. But if you’d like a longer and more picturesque journey, starting from Cusco offers a richer experience. Either route gives you views and moments that make the trip just as memorable as the destination.
Picking the Right Train
Choosing the right train is part of the adventure. Several services run between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu, each offering different comfort levels and experiences.
- Standard class: A budget-friendly option with simple amenities and large windows for viewing the scenery.
- Panoramic train: A mid-range choice with glass ceilings, light refreshments, and scenic storytelling. It’s designed for travelers who want immersive views and cultural touches without the premium price tag.
- First class or premium: A high-comfort option featuring fine dining, spacious seating, and personalized service. It’s ideal if you value privacy, calm, and extra attention to detail.
- Luxury train experience: The most exclusive level of travel, combining gourmet meals, entertainment, and interiors inspired by classic rail journeys. It’s designed for travelers seeking a full experience.
If you prefer convenience, you can book luxury train tours to Machu Picchu through a trusted booking service. These curated packages often include premium train tickets, guided excursions, and site entry passes, all arranged for you. It’s a smart choice if you’d rather skip the logistics and focus on the journey itself.
Booking Tickets
Train tickets sell out fast, especially during the high season (May to September), so book at least a few weeks in advance. You can buy tickets directly from the train companies’ websites or from reliable online platforms that bundle transportation and entry tickets together.
When booking, match your train schedule with your Machu Picchu entrance time. It’s best to arrive in Aguas Calientes at least two hours before your entry slot to allow time for the bus ride up. Avoid buying from unofficial resellers since fake or invalid tickets are common pitfalls.
If you’re traveling as a group, reserve early to ensure you sit together. For budget-conscious solo travelers, booking directly through official sites helps you secure the best ticket prices and seat options.
The Journey Experience
Once aboard, settle in and watch the landscape unfold. The route traces the Urubamba River, weaving through canyons and lush forests. You’ll spot local farms, waterfalls, and the occasional llama grazing in the distance, with distant peaks like Machu Picchu Mountain adding to the dramatic backdrop.
The windows are your best friend, so sit on the left side of the train (facing forward) for the best mountain views from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Bring a camera, but keep your eyes off the screen once in a while. The view deserves your full attention.
Arriving in Aguas Calientes
The train stops in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s a small town buzzing with hotels, cafés, and souvenir stalls. From here, you can take a 20-minute bus ride up the winding mountain road.
If you’re visiting on a day trip, check return train times carefully, since missing the last one means an unplanned overnight stay. Many travelers, however, choose to stay overnight so they can reach Machu Picchu early the next morning, when the crowds are thinner and the sunrise casts soft light over the ruins. You can also follow the short trail to the Sun Gate, where the light of dawn washes over the ruins just as the Incas once saw it.
Practical Tips
Keep these quick tips in mind to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable:
- Pack light: Trains have strict luggage limits, usually around 11 pounds (5 kilograms) per passenger. Bring a small backpack with essentials like water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and your passport, which you’ll need to enter the site.
- Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly. Wear breathable layers so you can adjust to warm sun or cool mist as needed.
- Pick the right season: The best months to visit are May through October, when the skies are clear and views are stunning. The rainy season (November to April) brings showers but fewer tourists and lower prices.
- Stay connected: The internet can be spotty in Aguas Calientes. Download your tickets, maps, and hotel info before you travel.
With a little preparation, you’ll be free to focus on enjoying every moment of your journey.
Final Thoughts
Taking the train to Machu Picchu is part of the magic. The route combines comfort with beautiful scenery, making the journey almost as memorable as the destination.
So, take your time. Sip your coffee, watch the river rush by, and enjoy the feeling of moving closer to one of the world’s greatest wonders. Whether you go for a budget ride or a luxurious train, every moment on that track brings you a little closer to history and to a story you’ll remember for years.
