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Above:
The PeruRail Puno-Cuzco 'Andean Explorer' train stops for a photo stop at
the highest point. Photo courtesy of 's' |
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Peru has several train services
of interest to visitors, including the famous train
from Cuzco to Machu Picchu. There are two separate
networks:
There are 4 different trains daily from Cuzco (the
nearest city, also spelt Cusco) to Machu Picchu, all run by
www.perurail.com, part of the Venice Simplon Orient
Express group:
1.
The Hiram Bingham. This is the luxury option, from
around $295 (£148) each way per person, including gourmet
meals, cocktails, entertainment, bus connections & entrance to the Machu
Picchu citadel plus guided tour. This train actually starts
at 09:00 from Poroy station, a local halt 17 kilometres (10 miles, a 30 minutes'
coach drive or 20 minute's taxi ride) west of central Cuzco.
2. The Vistadome. This starts at Cusco main
station at 06.50, and takes 4 hours. It costs
around $71 per person including complimentary snacks & non-alcoholic
drinks served at your seat. It's a series of diesel
railcars with panoramic windows
as its name suggests, see the photos below.
3. The Backpacker. The budget option, from
around $48 each way per person. This also starts from
Cusco main station 06:05, taking 4 hours. It has basic
but reasonably comfortable seating an a buffet car where you
can buy non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
4. The Local. A subsidised train service for
the local Peruvian communities and (at certain times of year) Peruvian citizens only,
leaving Cusco at 07:15 for Aguas Calientes, 2km beyond
Machu Picchu station. Foreigners aren't allowed to
take this train.
In addition, there are extra shuttle trains between
Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo) & Machu Picchu at
intervals through the day, see
www.perurail.com.
What's the journey like?
The Vistadome & Backpacker trains leave from Cusco's main
San Pedro station on the Avenida Sol and spend half an hour
climbing a series of Switchbacks or 'zig-zags' up the
mountainside to gain height. Hiram Bingham passengers
are bussed to Poroy, and so miss this section. After
Poroy the train descends into the Sacred Valley and the
Andean foothills, along the Urubamba river. You'll
pass colourful villages and herds of llamas.
Cusco to Machu Picchu is 107 km (67 miles). The
station at Machu Picchu is in fact called Aguas
Calientes, which is 8 km (5 miles) from the ruined Inca city
itself. A bus link runs frequently from the station to
the ruins costing about $10 return.
How to buy tickets
You can book the three tourist-orientated trains online at
www.perurail.com.
Useful links:
www.peru-machu-picchu.com,
www.machupicchu.org.
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Above: The
'Backpacker'
train from Cusco approaches Machu Picchu. Photo courtesy
of 's'. |
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Above:
The Backpacker train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Photo courtesy of Dennis Nichol |
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Above: The
'Vistadome' train at Aquas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
Photo courtesy of Nicola Herbert |
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Above:
Inside the Vistadome train
Photo courtesy of Nicola Herbert |
PeruRail also run the 'Andean Explorer' 3 times each week from Cusco to Puno
on Lake Titicaca, 385 km in a 10-hour scenic daytime journey from $143 per person.
Departs Cusco 08:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays.
It departs Puno at 08:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays. See
www.perurail.com for times, fares and online booking.
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| Above:
The 'Andean Explorer' train from Cusco to Puno, stopped at Laraya for a photo opportunity. Photo courtesy of Dennis Nichol |
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Above: The pullman-style interior of the Andean
Explorer.
Photo courtesy of 'Dennis Nichol |
The
air-conditioned 'Tren de
Sierra' links Lima & Huancayo once or twice a month,
with touristico (1st) class & clasico (2nd) class & bar
car. Touristico fares (around 160-200 Soles or
£32-£40) includes breakfast and complimentary tea,
coffee, water and soft drinks. Classico fares
start at 100 Soles £20. You can check departure dates
& book tickets online at
www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe. In Lima, the train
departs from Desamparados or Monserrate stations.
Twice daily trains link
Huancayo with Huancavelica.
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