Inca Rail Journey to Machu Picchu ~ Video!

What’s the best way to get to Machu Picchu??  You can hike (via the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek), you can take the “Inca Jungle Trek” (which has you rafting, biking, & hiking there), or you can take the easier way: via train from Ollantaytambo.  Two trains offer service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes(closest city to Machu Picchu): Inca Rail & Peru Rail.  In January 2018, my friend Nina & I took the Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu ~ & this video post takes you right inside the journey…

Step inside the Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu with me & Nina! Photo is of Inca Rail’s First Class route ~ which offers fine dining!

What’s the easiest way to get to Machu Picchu?? TAKE THE TRAIN!!

Map of Machu Picchu Route

Most train service to Machu Picchu starts in Ollantaytambo: it’s the main transport hub for travel between Cusco & Machu Picchu, with several trains departing daily.  To get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, most people take a taxi or bus ~ there is no direct train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Inca Rail Journey to Machu Picchu ~ Video!

Below is a two-minute video of our Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu, which starts in Pisac (one of my all-time FAVORITE Peruvian cities).  Following the video, I’ll discuss the differences between Inca Rail & Peru Rail, including pricing, etc.

Video Length = 2:39,  Song = “Now We Are Free,” from “The Gladiator” Soundtrack

Inca Rail vs. Peru Rail

 Inca Rail & Peru Rail both offer four different “classes” en route to Machu Picchu: from “Standard,” all the way up to “Super Luxury” (Peru Rail’s Hiram Bingham train is a whopping $475, but it’s the height of luxury)!  Nina & I took Inca Rail’s “Executive Class” from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu ~ & frankly, I thought it was great!  Seats are roomy & comfortable, windows are huge (great for viewing scenery), & refreshments are served for the 90-minute ride. 

The main thing to note for both companies: “Standard” trains offer more departure times.  Nina & I were working with a very tight schedule, & thus needed trains at very specific times, leading us to choosing the “Executive Train.”

The 4 different “classes” offered by Inca Rail, starting with the least expensive: Executive, the 360, First Class, & Presidential ($55-199+). Full meals are available in First Class & Presidential classes.

Peru Rail is known for their bright blue trains ~ which is the primary difference between them & Inca Rail.  In order from cheapest to most expensive, here are there four train classes: the Expedition Train ($50+), Vistadome (more panoramic windows), the Sacred Valley Train (starts in Urubamba, & offers dining car & Observatory), & finally, the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train (1920’s-style, dining, drinks, & live music ~ but with a more limited schedule).

You’ll know a Peru Rail train instantly: because they’re BRIGHT blue!

For the ultimate in luxury: take Peru Rail’s Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. It’s like you’re stepping back into the 1920’s…

Final Note on Trains

Similar to buying tickets for Machu Picchu: BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE!!!  I’m someone who “wings” a lot of my travel ~ but don’t wing it on this!  Train tickets to Machu Picchu CAN & DO sell out.  I bought tickets about two weeks ahead (in January), & certain times were already sold out.  During high season (June-September), make reservations several weeks prior to your trip!

What You Need at Machu Picchu

Portable Sunscreen

Don’t forget: Machu Picchu sits at 9,000 feet elevation ~ the sun is brutal up there!  Bring a small, portable sunscreen for your day pack.

Inca Rail Journey to Machu Picchu ~ Video!

Goodbye for now, Machu Picchu…

Thanks for checking out this video post on the Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu.  I hope it helps you determine the best route for your trek ~ & as always, if you have any questions about Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, please feel free to ask in the comments below! 

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