All aboard! Trains are a practical solution for traveling in Peru: they transport travelers between key destinations around the country, and they’re also a wonderful way to take in the landscape and get a taste of old-world glamour. The following rail journeys are classic adventures you won’t want to miss on your trip to South America.
## What You Need to Know Before Boarding Peruvian Trains
The landscapes that unfold outside your train window in Peru promise an unforgettable spectacle. However, the experience you find inside the carriages can vary significantly, depending on the specific train line and service you choose. Train travel in Peru encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from opulent and meticulously curated experiences designed for tourists to more economical and practical services catering primarily to the local population. Understanding these distinctions is key to planning the perfect Peruvian rail adventure.
For the train routes originating from **Cusco**, and particularly the exceptional line connecting **Lima** to **Huancayo**, it is strongly recommended to secure your reservations well in advance of your intended travel date. The popularity of these routes, particularly among both domestic and international travelers, means that tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Keep in mind that the Cusco to **Machu Picchu** train is exceedingly popular, often booked solid weeks ahead, emphasizing the need for advanced planning.
Even on the luxurious train services, where meals are often available, although not always included in the base ticket price, it is prudent to confirm the inclusions beforehand. It’s always a good idea to bring your own supply of bottled drinking water, regardless of the food and beverage options offered onboard. Furthermore, it is wise to pack warm clothing and a coat. Many of these routes traverse high-altitude regions, reaching elevations of nearly 10,000 feet, where temperatures can drop considerably, particularly during the early morning and evening hours. Being prepared for the chill will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
## Ride From Cusco to Machu Picchu: A Journey Through History
Imagine embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime rail journey, a transformative experience that is on the bucket list of most visitors to Peru: the iconic ride from **Cusco**, cradled in the Andes, through the breathtaking **Sacred Valley**, and ultimately leading to the awe-inspiring Incan ruins of **Machu Picchu**. As one of South America’s most coveted tourist destinations, Machu Picchu draws travelers from across the globe, and the journey to reach it, particularly by train, is considered one of the most expensive per mile of track in the world, reflecting the premium placed on this unforgettable adventure.
Two prominent railway companies, PeruRail and Inca Rail, operate trains to **Machu Picchu**, offering a range of services and price points. The departing trains typically leave from Cusco’s **Poroy** rail station or from the station in **Ollantaytambo**, a town located approximately two to three hours by bus from Cusco. It is important to note that the Poroy station is usually temporarily closed between January and April for essential maintenance and repairs. During these months, a convenient bus transfer is provided, transporting travelers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where they can then embark on the train ride to Machu Picchu.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that the **Machu Picchu** train does not actually take you directly up to the archaeological site itself. Instead, the train delivers passengers to the charming town of **Aguas Calientes**, which is also affectionately known as **Machu Picchu Pueblo**. From Aguas Calientes, you will need to take a separate bus that ascends the winding road to the entrance of the ruins.
Peru Rail offers a diverse selection of three distinct services on the **Cusco-Machu Picchu** route, catering to different budgets and preferences. The most lavish and elegant option is the **Belmond Hiram Bingham**, an all-inclusive experience that features welcome cocktails, meticulously prepared gourmet meals, and delightful live music onboard. Another luxurious choice is the **Vistadome**, characterized by its huge panoramic windows that provide passengers with unparalleled views throughout the ride. For travelers seeking a more budget-friendly option, the **Expedition** service offers a more basic and practical experience.
Inca Rail also offers a selection of similar services, including the distinguished **First Class**, which boasts a sophisticated lounge bar, live music performances, and a charming balcony, and the more streamlined and affordable **Voyager**.
Regardless of the specific train you choose, the journey is guaranteed to be a truly memorable one, as you traverse the rugged rocky gorges and verdant hills that define the enchanting **Sacred Valley**. Trains make a stop en route at **Ollantaytambo**, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and explore this historic town. Those traveling on the Belmond Hiram Bingham service also have the privilege of stopping at the **Belmond Río Sagrado Hotel**, a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
**Service Runs:** Daily
## The Journey from Cusco to Puno: A Highland Adventure
Another incredibly popular train ride in Peru, offering arguably better value for the money, is the surreal and strikingly beautiful rail journey from **Cusco** to **Puno**, a bustling city situated on the shores of the majestic **Lake Titicaca**. One of the most unforgettable highlights of this ride is the stop at **Abra La Raya**, which is known as one of the world’s highest passenger rail stations, perched at a breathtaking altitude of 14,150 feet above sea level. The route also offers superb, uninterrupted views of a seldom-visited portion of the Andes Mountains, a stunning landscape dotted with traditional villages steeped in ancient customs, and herds of llamas grazing peacefully on the high plains beneath dramatic, sheer peaks.
PeruRail operates this picturesque route with two different services to cater to diverse passenger needs. There is a standard passenger service that takes you directly to Puno six days per week, departing once per day. Alternatively, for those seeking a more exclusive and luxurious experience, there is the option to charter the train privately. This luxury extended service, known as the **Belmond Andean Explorer**, continues the journey as far as **Arequipa**, a vibrant colonial city located in the southern reaches of Peru.
**Service Runs:** Daily, six days per week
## Adventure from Lima to Huancayo: A Train Ride Through the Andes
This spectacular route tends to attract fewer foreign tourists compared to the more popular Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca lines. This is largely due to practical reasons, most notably the train only runs twice monthly, and the entire trip duration is approximately twelve hours. Nonetheless, the Lima to **Huancayo** train is widely considered to be one of the world’s most epic railway rides. The journey, expertly operated by Ferrocarril Centro Andino, tackles the greatest ascent of any passenger train journey in the world. Starting from the coast, it winds its way dramatically up to **Ticlio**. At a staggering 15,807 feet, Ticlio stands as the highest train junction anywhere on the planet.
The remarkable journey begins at Lima’s ornate **Desamparados** station, a historical landmark in itself. Along the way, the train meanders through otherworldly mining towns and timeless villages, each celebrated for producing some of South America’s most singular and exquisite handicrafts. The incredible trip culminates in **Huancayo**, a city widely regarded as the most cosmopolitan in the Central Andes region. Given the railway’s infrequent service schedule, it is highly advisable to book tickets well in advance to secure a spot on this unforgettable adventure.
**Service Runs:** Twice monthly
## The Trip from Huancayo to Huancavelica: A Local Experience
Offering a unique contrast to the more tourist-oriented routes mentioned above, the **Huancayo** to **Huancavelica** train ride – affectionately known as **El Tren Macho** – is predominantly a service utilized by the local population. The train connects two of the Central Andes’ most culturally significant cities, providing a genuine taste of local life onboard, making it an ideal experience for curious travelers eager to venture off the beaten path.
Passengers on this train have a unique opportunity to engage in friendly conversations with locals and savor a variety of authentic foods from the Andean region. At the end of the spectacular six-hour journey, travelers will arrive in **Huancavelica**, which is considered to be one of Peru’s most picturesque mountain cities. The thrice-weekly services typically depart from the **Chilca** train station. However, please note that repairs are currently underway on the track, so, at the time of writing, the service is not operating as usual. It’s essential to confirm the operating status before solidifying your travel plans.
**Service Runs:** Three times weekly in each direction, when running.
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