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.
Machu Picchu
Aguas Calientes
Ollantaytambo (Train Station)
Cusco
Poroy (Alternate Train Station)
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.Â
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!
Â
What You Need at Machu Picchu
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!Â
Read Next: How to Hike Machu Picchu Mountain!
We didn’t fully understand the whole rail system to Machu Picchu, but this post really helped us get a better idea of what it’s like to get to Machu Picchu. Did you get a feel for which company is “better” than the other, or does it even really matter? Thanks, Mark
Good question, Mark. And no ~ I really don’t think it matters. Unless you’re taking the (very expensive) Hiram Bingham train, which is an experience in itself ~ I think the only thing that REALLY matters is which train company has the TIME you are looking for. It’s best to maximize your time in Peru! Enjoy your trip : )