The Inca Rail Journey to Machu Picchu
What’s the best way to get to Machu Picchu? You can hike there via the Inca Trail, or by the mountainous Salkantay Trek. You can also take the “Inca Jungle Trek,” which has you rafting, biking, & hiking there (my friend & I did this one)! Or you can take the easiest way: via train from Ollantaytambo. Two trains offer service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is the closest city to Machu Picchu: Inca Rail or Peru Rail. In January, my friend Nina & I took the Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu ~ & the video below takes you behind the scenes of this incredible ride….
Step inside the Inca Rail journey to Machu Picchu with us!
What’s the easiest way to get to Machu Picchu?? TAKE THE TRAIN!!
Map of Machu Picchu Area
Most train service to Machu Picchu starts in Ollantaytambo. It’s the main transport hub for travel between Cusco & Machu Picchu, with several trains daily. To get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, most people taxi or bus.
There’s 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” to “Super Luxury.” Peru Rail’s Hiram Bingham train is expensive ~ but it’s the height of luxury! Like the “Orient Express” of Peru. Nina & I took Inca Rail’s “Executive Class” from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu ~ & 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, which is why we chose the “Executive Train.”
The 4 different “classes” offered by Inca Rail. 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, they’ve got: Expedition Train, Vistadome (more panoramic windows), Sacred Valley Train (starts in Urubamba, & offers a dining car & Observatory).
And 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 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
Goodybe…Machu Picchu
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!
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Photos to Inspire Your Machu Picchu Trip
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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 : )