Machu Picchu: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Train Journey
Before travelling, review this essential information to understand how a visit to Machu Picchu works and plan your journey more effectively.
Machu Picchu is the world’s most visited Inca citadel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is located in the Urubamba River valley in the Cusco region of Peru. Getting there requires planning several stages, including the train journey, purchasing admission tickets and taking the final bus transfer to the citadel. In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your visit to Machu Picchu step by step.
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Altitude
2,430 masl -
Dry season temperatures
17°C - 19°C -
Rainy season temperatures
19°C - 21°C
Trains to Machu Picchu
PeruRail operates three train services to Machu Picchu, each designed for a different type of traveller.
Expedition
Ideal for practical travellers looking for a convenient and accessible option, with panoramic windows and frequent departure times.
Vistadome
Designed for travellers seeking greater onboard comfort, with overhead windows, a snack service and cultural performances on selected departures.
Vistadome Observatory
Ideal for travellers who want to make the most of the views, with fully panoramic carriages, music and an immersive onboard experience.
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Plan Your Trip to Machu Picchu
Find the most important information for organising your visit, from how to reach Machu Picchu to ideas for making the most of your time at the destination.
Travel Cusco and Machu Picchu at Your Own Pace
Travelling through Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu independently allows you to move freely, beyond the limitations of traditional tour packages. By purchasing your train tickets with PeruRail, you also gain access to exclusive benefits that enhance your journey from start to finish.
Selected Accommodation
Well-located stays in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Gastronomic Experiences
Partner restaurants ideal to enjoy before or after your tours.
Services That Simplify Your Journey
Transport options and complementary experiences designed to enhance your itinerary.
FAQ
The most convenient way to reach Machu Picchu is to travel by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo. From there, visitors continue by bus to the entrance to the Inca citadel.
Depending on the selected train service, departures may be available from stations in Cusco, including San Pedro, Wanchaq and Poroy, or from Ollantaytambo Station in the Sacred Valley.
For a more complete experience, it is advisable to set aside at least one full day for your visit. Many travellers choose to spend one night in Machu Picchu Pueblo, allowing them to organise their journey at a more relaxed pace.
In addition to exploring the Historic Sanctuary, you can discover Machu Picchu Pueblo, visit nearby attractions and complement your journey with cultural or nature-based activities.
It is advisable to check train availability first, followed by the latest admission information and, finally, the activities you would like to include at the destination. Planning these elements in advance will help you create a smoother travel itinerary.
Yes. Many travellers organise their own trip to Machu Picchu without using a tour agency. However, it is important to check transport options, departure times, admission tickets and access requirements in advance.
No. ‘Machu Picchu’ is the name of the mountain on which the Inca citadel is located. ‘Llaqta’ means ‘citadel’ in Quechua and is the term used to refer specifically to the Inca city. Machu Picchu Pueblo, formerly known as Aguas Calientes, is the town from which visitors access the citadel.