How To Plan Your Trip to Machu Picchu by Train
Planning a train journey to Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines adventure, history, and stunning landscapes. But without a clear strategy, the logistics can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down the process step-by-step to ensure your journey is seamless and unforgettable.
Choose Your Train Service
Selecting the right train service is crucial to balancing comfort, budget, and scenery on your journey to Machu Picchu. Multiple operators offer varied routes and service tiers, so compare schedules and amenities to match your priorities.
Compare Operators and Routes
Trains to Machu Picchu depart from Cusco, Ollantaytambo, or Poroy, with Ollantaytambo being the most popular starting point for its shorter travel time. Operators provide options ranging from budget-friendly coaches to luxury cars with gourmet meals and large panoramic windows.
To secure your preferred route, buy tickets early during peak seasons (May to September). Note that trains from Ollantaytambo take just 1.5 to two hours to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu’s base town), saving you time compared to longer rides from Cusco.
Prioritize Scenic Views
Opt for morning departures to enjoy daylight views of the Urubamba River and Andean valleys. Luxury services often feature live music and multi-course meals, while budget travelers can still relish the scenery by snagging a window seat on the train’s left side (facing forward) for the best vistas.
By weighing route efficiency and onboard experiences, you’ll craft a train journey that enhances your Machu Picchu adventure.
Book Tickets and Secure Permits
Securing your tickets and permits early is essential for a stress-free Machu Picchu trip—delay this step, and you risk missing out entirely.
Reserve Train Seats in Advance
Train tickets often sell out weeks ahead, especially for sunrise visits to Machu Picchu. To secure your spot, consider booking exclusive Machu Picchu train tickets through official operators. This helps you avoid third-party markups and ensures a premium travel experience. Double-check your passport details—they must match your Machu Picchu entry ticket.
Acquire Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets
Purchase Machu Picchu entrance tickets directly from the Peruvian government’s official website. Choose between four circuits (Routes 1–4), with Circuit 1 offering the classic postcard view. Only 2,500 daily visitors are allowed, so book early. Here's a pro tip: Pair your ticket with a Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike for a more immersive experience—these sell out fast.
With these details locked in, you’ll breeze through checkpoints and focus on the magic ahead.
Pack Smart for the Journey
What you pack can make or break your comfort in the Andes—prepare for dynamic weather and strict baggage rules to stay flexible on your journey.
Dress in Layers
Andean weather shifts rapidly. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a light jacket, and a waterproof shell. Sturdy hiking shoes are non-negotiable for exploring the ruins. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen—UV rays are intense at high altitudes.
Carry Essentials Only
Trains enforce strict luggage limits, usually 11 pounds (five kilograms) in a small backpack. Pack your passport, printed tickets, reusable water bottle, and cash (Peruvian soles) for snacks or tips. Leave large bags at your Cusco hotel—storage services are reliable and affordable.
With the right gear and necessities neatly organized, you can tackle unpredictable conditions effortlessly, leaving your mind free to savor the adventure.
Navigate the Machu Picchu Train Experience
Check in 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Stations like Ollantaytambo have cafes and souvenir shops, but avoid overpriced snacks by bringing your own. It's smart to download offline maps or guides, as Wi-Fi is scarce once you’re en route.
Most trains offer snacks, drinks, and bilingual commentary. Luxury services include onboard entertainment, like traditional dances. Remember to keep your camera ready: The final approach to Aguas Calientes winds through lush cloud forests with jaw-dropping cliffside views.
Explore Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes is more than a transit hub—it’s your gateway to beating the crowds. Book a hotel here to catch the early buses (5:30 AM) to Machu Picchu. If you’re on a day trip, note that return trains typically depart by 3:30 PM, leaving limited time to explore.
Kill time before your train by browsing the Mercado Artesanal. Haggle for alpaca sweaters, jewelry, or paintings. Refuel with a menu del día (fixed-price lunch) at a local café—try lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) or quinoa soup.
Tour Machu Picchu Strategically
Guides at the entrance offer insightful tours that bring Machu Picchu’s history to life. Private tours for small groups typically cost around USD$90, while shared group tours are a budget-friendly option at about USD$20 per person. If you’d rather explore independently, consider downloading a GPS audio guide in advance.
Start your visit at the Guardian’s Hut (also called the Caretaker’s Hut) for the classic panoramic photo. Be sure to follow your assigned circuit to avoid penalties. Circuit 2 is the most comprehensive, covering highlights like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone. If you’re up for a short but scenic walk along a cliffside, the Inca Bridge is worth visiting, but note that a separate entry ticket is required.
Return Smoothly to Cusco
Buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes run every 15 minutes, but lines peak around noon. Leave the ruins by 1 PM to catch your train stress-free. Confirm your departure station in advance—some trains leave from Poroy, requiring an extra 30-minute taxi ride to Cusco.
Use the return trip to unwind. Luxury trains offer cocktail services, while budget rides let you chat with fellow travelers. Once back in Cusco, celebrate with a pisco sour (Peru's national drink)—you’ve just checked off a bucket-list wonder!
Parting Words
By tackling each step methodically, you’ll minimize hassles and maximize your Machu Picchu experience. Remember: Flexibility is key. Unexpected weather or travel delays can happen, so build in buffer time. Now, lace up those hiking boots—the Lost City of the Inca awaits!
Image credit: Depositphotos