Peru · TRAIN JOURNEYS

The 15 Best Train Journeys in Peru

46 tours  ·  from $170 a head

Two operators, one narrow-gauge line up the Urubamba gorge, and a price that swings by a factor of four depending on the carriage. These 15 compare the services on seat, on window, on what is served and on what time they get you to the gate.

Cusco: Machu Picchu 2-Day Inca Trail with Panoramic Train - The 4 a.m. start from Cusco
2-Day Experiences, Inca Trail & Salkantay Treks, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

Cusco: Machu Picchu 2-Day Inca Trail with Panoramic Train

1.Machu Picchu 2-Day Inca Trail with Panoramic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 260 reviews · 2 days · from $582Our pick

This two-day trip combines the 12 to 16 km short Inca Trail with Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, the Sun Gate, and a full Machu Picchu tour. English or Spanish-speaking guides lead groups of up to 16, with chef-prepared trail meals, one hotel night, and a Vistadome train ride home. Guide names vary, with past groups praising Gilbert, Jason, Alejandro, and Abelardo.

“fantastic experience. the guides were brilliant. the company were efficient and well organised and were were lucky to be with a great group of people. the whole trek was hard, but to arrive at Machu Pichu this way, after having to make a really effort, made the whole experience so much more worthwhile.”

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The First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail - The ride through the Sacred Valley
Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

The First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

2.The First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 182 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $855

Travel from Cusco toward Machu Picchu in Inca Rail First Class, with an observatory carriage, three-course meals, drinks, live music, a guided citadel visit, and private bus transfers. The package begins at 11:15 am and includes a Cusco VIP waiting room, though your hotel-to-station transfer is not included.

“Everything was great - from Machu Picchu pick-up, complimentary dinner in the restaurant near the station to the train experience and live music. I got to be the only first class passenger so it felt even more luxurious.”

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From Cusco: 1-day Machu Picchu Tour by Train - Ollantaytambo and the Tourist Train
1-Day Tours, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

From Cusco: 1-day Machu Picchu Tour by Train

3.1-day Machu Picchu Tour by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 138 reviews · 12 hours · from $360

Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu by tourist train, with hotel pickup, round-trip rail, bus tickets, entrance, and a two-hour guided visit. Guides such as Richard, Eric, Miguel, and Juan Carlos Quiño bring Inca history to life. Expect a very long day, changing train times, and possible waiting in Aguas Calientes.

“We were abit anxious about the 15hrs day trip but Libertrek Peru Travel arranged a very good itinerary for the day. The highlight of course was visiting Machu Picchu. Our guide Richard and driver Yuri were very helpful making sure our trip went smoothly. Richard was very accommodating and gave us a pretty good briefing about this historical site and took us to the best locations for photos. The scenic ride with PeruRail was also another highlight. Highly recommended. Richard is your man..”

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2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by train from Cusco ( All included ) - The train along the Urubamba River
2-Day Experiences, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by train from Cusco ( All included )

4.2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by train from Cusco ( All included )

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · from $485Top rated

Travel from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, stay one night, then tour Machu Picchu with an English-speaking guide. The package covers trains, buses, breakfast, entrance, hotel transfers, and lodging. Ask about guide assignments, since Luis and driver Gonzalo earned special praise for their care and professionalism.

“Excelente experiencia hicieron hasta lo imposible para acomodar nuestras necesidades muy complacidos éramos cuatro y todos estamos muy contentos, nuestro guía Luis super professional, muy amable y con mucho conocimiento. El conductor Gonzalo respetuoso, educado y muy profesional. Lo recomendamos 100%”

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From Cusco: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour by Train - Chinchero, where textiles still carry local meaning
2-Day Experiences, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley Tours, Sacred Valley Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

From Cusco: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour by Train

5.Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 79 reviews · 2 days · from $499

Travel from Cusco through Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. The next morning, a guide leads you through Machu Picchu. Groups are limited to 10, with English, Spanish, or Portuguese guides, hotel pickup, rail tickets, buses, lunch, and one hotel night included.

“Guide Viktor & Carlos did an excellent job! Super good organization from FlyCusco!”

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Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train - Day one: Humantay Lake and a night at 4,150 meters
5-Day Experiences, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Cusco, Inca Trail & Salkantay Treks, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

6.5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 5 days · from $655

Trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass, with glamping at 4,150 meters, cloud-forest huts, a Pachamanca feast, coffee tasting, and a night overlooking the citadel at Llactapata. Small groups of up to 16 travel with English or Spanish guides, cooks, muleteers, and a panoramic train back to Cusco.

“Fantastic trip! All of the staff were incredible. The food was delicious and better than the restaurant food we had in aquas calientes. Cesar was a brilliant guide and looked after us really well. Some highlights. Salkantay mountain standing over our campsite first night. The night sky first night. The very distant view of macchu picchu on the fourth night. Some tips - you need cash in Peru. Be prepared. Altitude was a problem on the first day of the trip and medication (acetazolamide) helped those who had it.”

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Machu Picchu 2-Day Adventure by Train with Overnight Stay - Day two: entering Machu Picchu early
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Machu Picchu 2-Day Adventure by Train with Overnight Stay

7.Machu Picchu 2-Day Adventure by Train with Overnight Stay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $597

Travel from Cusco through the Sacred Valley by minibus and train, stay one night in Aguas Calientes, then enter Machu Picchu early with a private English or Spanish-speaking guide. You get a two-hour guided visit, free time at the citadel, return transport, breakfast, and tickets, while meals, hot springs, and mountain hikes cost extra.

“Heidi was super helpful organising this trip. After booking this trip, we contacted her to get an upgrade of the train to a vistadome carriage and she was able to sort that for us without any issues. She was also able to meet us in Cuzco and explain our trip, even upgrade us to have a tour of the sacred valley the day before! In addition, she managed to secure a discount for a Moras and Moray trip for us too (highly recommend). The whole trip went smoothly and she was there every step of the way. I encourage anyone who has any questions about the booking, including booking huaynapichu…”

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Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train - The overnight stay and included dinner
2-Day Experiences, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train

8.Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $399

This two-day trip takes you from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train, with one night in Aguas Calientes and an early morning walk to the citadel. You get entrance arrangements, a guided visit, dinner, breakfast, and return transport. Carlos, Nixon, and guide Jorge have been praised for thoughtful service, though ticket confirmation and hotel details need checking.

“Excellent tour company with a very helpful staff. They held my bags for me while I went to Macchu Picchu and sent them to my hotel. Everyone was so thoughtful and hospitable. Great company.”

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4 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by 360° Train - Day 2: Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 meters
4-Day Experiences, Inca Trail & Salkantay Treks, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

4 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by 360° Train

9.4 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by 360° Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $820

You’ll hike the classic Inca Trail from KM-82 to Machu Picchu over four demanding days, passing Llactapata, Dead Woman’s Pass, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Inti Pata, and Wiñay Wayna. A guide, cooks, porters, meals, private tents, permits, and the return train are included. Bring strong fitness, patience, and careful questions about pickup and equipment.

“DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY "HAPPY GRINGO TOURS" This company is hopeless. Very bad communication and management. They never contact and share any booking details until very last minute. Finally they contacted us 1.5 days before the inca trial start date was to inform us the start date need to PUSH BACK ONE DAY. Happy Gringo Tours claimed there is a new ticket system from Machu Picchu new management and everyone in the tour will be affected but ended up it is a LIE. We have to reschedule our accommodation and other planned activities because of this last minute change. Do not book with them unless you want a…”

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Tour to Machupicchu By Train Full-Day - Aguas Calientes: the important ticket checkpoint
Full-Day, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

Tour to Machupicchu By Train Full-Day

10.Tour to Machupicchu By Train Full-Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 56 reviews · 18 to 20 hours (approx.) · from $360

Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu in one long day by minivan, bus, and train. Pickup starts at 4:00 am, with a bilingual guide joining you at the site for a two-hour visit. The $360 price covers transport, train tickets, entrance arrangements, and the return trip, but confirm your entry ticket and Cusco drop-off before paying.

“Wonderful tour! Everything was well-managed and enjoyable. I had an incredible experience, would book it again.”

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2-Day Sacred Valley Machu Picchu by Train with Llama Experience - Ollantaytambo: the last great stop before the train
2-Day Experiences, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley Tours, Sacred Valley Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

2-Day Sacred Valley Machu Picchu by Train with Llama Experience

11.2-Day Sacred Valley Machu Picchu by Train with Llama Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $457

You’ll visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo with a guide, ride the Voyager or Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, and spend a full day at Machu Picchu. The package includes transfers, one hotel night, entrance tickets, shuttle buses, and guided visits. Confirm whether the advertised llama experience is included in your departure.

“I recommend this llama experience tour. I traveled for my vacation to Peru and had one of the best experiential experiences in a rescue center with South American camelids, it is an inexplicable connection with nature to see the Andean condor and feel its majesty is unforgettable.”

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2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train - Small Group Tour - Awana Kancha brings the Andes close
2-Day Experiences, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Sacred Valley Tours, Sacred Valley Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train – Small Group Tour

12.2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $599

Travel from Cusco through the Sacred Valley with a group of up to nine. Visit Awana Kancha, Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, then take the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes. A guide leads your Machu Picchu visit the next morning. Guides may include Ruben, Elvis, Pedro, or Diego.

“Ruben managed everything from beginning to end with amazing expertise and friendliness. Before going to Ollantaytambo to board the train, we saw pisaq , urubamba ,ollamtaytambo Without ever stressing us, Ruben told interes”

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Machu picchu one day by train all included - The bus up to Machu Picchu
1-Day Tours, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

Machu picchu one day by train all included

13.Machu picchu one day by train all included

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $315Best value

You leave Cusco around 3:30 to 4:00 a.m. for Ollantaytambo, ride the Expedition or Voyager train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, then take the bus up for a guided Circuit 2 visit. A guide handles the key steps, while lunch and an exact return-train choice are not included.

“Hot, wind, rain, cold and hot again. You can fell the energy and the power of the nature. Don't forget a light jaquet for all seasons or the only experience you will have is the Karate kid movie (put the jaquet, remove the jaquet...). Lol Enjoy. You will love it.”

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Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train - Ollantaytambo and the train to Aguas Calientes
Full-Day, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train

14.Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $379

Travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu in one long day with shared transport to Ollantaytambo, a tourist train, CONSETTUR buses, and a guided citadel visit. Guides may include Nilton, Yeni, or Jhoel. The tour includes transport, tickets, entry, and 24/7 assistance, but meals and optional mountain tickets cost extra.

“Very long day, very well organized. The Vistadome train option deserved it. Our Guide NILTON was Excellent.”

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Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train - A 4:10 a.m. start from Cusco
2-Day Experiences, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Cusco, Inca Trail & Salkantay Treks, Machu Picchu Tours, Machu Picchu Tours in Cusco, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cusco, Train Journeys

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train

15.Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $795

Walk from KM 104 past Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, then reach Machu Picchu on foot. This 2-day tour includes permits, trains, buses, meals, one night in Aguas Calientes, and a guided citadel visit. Guides named on past departures include Abel, Alwyn, Andy, Gabriel, Daniel, Samuel, and Jorge.

“I was keen on hiking the real Inca Trail of 4 days but eventually ended up hiking this as the permit for the other was sold out. Overall this was a nice experience. There were a few Inca ruins along the way. The guide knew them well and spoke fair English too.”

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