PeruRail is the only method of travel to Machu Picchu if you do not want to walk the Inca trail, with train departures from Cusco and Ollantaytambo.

Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the most famous examples of Inca architecture and is located 112 km from the city of Cusco(a 3 ½ hour journey by train), 2,350 meters above sea level.

The ruins are surrounded by lush jungle and are believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec.  Lost in history, the ruins were not discovered until 1911 by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham.

This famous citadel combines the visual and spiritual force of magnificent natural scenery with a historic sanctuary, and was recently recognized asCultural and Natural Heritage of the World. Only the Inca and his nobles, priests, priestesses, and chosen women had free access to Machu Picchu.
The ruins themselves are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two separate areas - agricultural and urban.  The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings and canalisations) and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares and royal houses).

Although the buildings have an obvious difference in the degree of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection.

The construction was generally in stone and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with straw.  The walls lean slightly inward to protect against earthquakes.
Situated opposite Machu Picchu, is Huayna Picchu, the peak of which offers panoramic views of the imposing spread of the Machu Picchu ruins and the Urubamba Valley