Peru Rail is a leading company in the tourism and railway transportation sector, established as one of the most prominent in Peru. This company connects Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa, while serving as one of the primary access routes to the historic citadel of Machu Picchu.
With distinct services designed to accommodate various budgets and travel preferences, Peru Rail ensures that the journey itself is as memorable as the destination.
Types of Trains Available
Expedition Train
- The Experience: This is the perfect option for travelers seeking an affordable journey without sacrificing comfort or quality. Designed with styling inspired by Inca culture, it immerses passengers in a traditional atmosphere from the moment they step aboard.
- Key Features:
- Features decorative elements inspired by Incan heritage.
- Equipped with spacious and comfortable leather seats arranged in face-to-face rows of two.
- Includes air conditioning, heating, and a high-quality sound system.
- Offers the most schedule options, operating from early morning until night to accommodate all itineraries.
Vistadome Train
- The Experience: The Vistadome offers an upgraded, more enriching experience compared to the Expedition train. It is ideal for travelers looking to connect closely with nature and Andean culture while enjoying a comfortable ride filled with on-board surprises.
- Key Features:
- Spacious wagons featuring windows that extend all the way up to the roof, providing stunning panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
- Cultural entertainment on the return journey, including traditional dance and music performances.
- An on-board fashion show showcasing garments made from premium baby alpaca wool, including traditional ponchos and Cusco-style clothing.
- Complimentary snacks prepared with local ingredients.
- An audio narration system that shares fascinating historical stories about the landmarks along the route.
Vistadome Observatory Train
- The Experience: As one of Peru Rail's premium options, this train offers a highly exclusive and luxurious way to reach Machu Picchu. It operates on limited schedules and stands out due to its incredible observation car.
- Key Features:
- An outdoor-concept observatory car that connects you directly with the passing scenery.
- An elegant lounge area where passengers can sip signature Peruvian cocktails.
- Live performances of traditional music and dance from Cusco.
- Gourmet snacks inspired by authentic Peruvian flavors.
- An exclusive baby alpaca wool fashion show highlighting the region's finest textiles.
Hiram Bingham Train
- The Experience: This is Peru Rail’s most prestigious and luxurious train, running exclusively between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The ultra-luxury service begins the moment you arrive at the station and includes your admission tickets to the Machu Picchu citadel. Due to its high demand and limited capacity, it is strictly recommended to book this train at least two months in advance.
- Key Features:
- VIP Welcome: A pre-boarding reception in the station waiting area featuring a live welcome show with traditional Peruvian dances, accompanied by complimentary drinks and appetizers.
- Gourmet Dining: A high-end gourmet lunch served on board, complete with premium beverages and a fine dessert.
- The Observatory Car: An open-air observation wagon designed without windows, allowing for completely unobstructed panoramic views and photographs of the Andean landscape.
- Live Band: On-board live musicians playing a varied repertoire of traditional Peruvian songs alongside international classics.
The Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)
To ensure year-round connectivity, Peru Rail offers a practical Bimodal Service that starts and ends directly in the city of Cusco.
- Leg 1: A shared bus departs from the Wánchaq Station in Cusco and drives to the Ollantaytambo Station in the Sacred Valley (and vice versa).
- Leg 2: From Ollantaytambo, passengers immediately board their designated train to the final destination at Machu Picchu Pueblo Station.
Unique Advantages of Peru Rail
- Local Accessibility: It is the only railway operator that provides a dedicated "Local Train" service reserved for Peruvian citizens, offering an affordable ticket price of 12 soles for a round-trip journey.
- Alternative Routes: It is the sole company operating trains from the Hidroeléctrica Station, which serves as one of the most budget-friendly ways to access Machu Picchu by rail.
- Long-Distance Travel: Peru Rail is the exclusive operator providing long-distance tourist train travel out of Cusco to Puno and Arequipa, fully equipped with premium comforts.
- World-Class Luxury: Its legendary Hiram Bingham train is globally recognized as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, combining an all-inclusive fine dining, open bar, and private tour guide experience.
