Machu Picchu by train

Travel with ease to Machu Picchu and give yourself more time to explore Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas.

Climb aboard the train and wind your way through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. From the comfort of your seat, notice the changing views as you travel deeper into cloud forests set amid the Andean mountain peaks. After making the journey from Cusco, (if you're not already excited) the anticipation will set in and you’ll be feeling fresh and ready with plenty of time to explore the mother of all Inca ruins – Machu Picchu.

Take the Train to Machu Picchu

Our Machu Picchu trips via train

Train map

Train map

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 855 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure

Wan Jing · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 13 Oct 2024

Classic Peru

Cynthia · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 12 Oct 2024

Classic Peru

Franz · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 12 Oct 2024

Classic Peru

Matthew · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 12 Oct 2024

Classic Peru

Susannah · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 12 Oct 2024

Meet our team

Woman standing in front of the ruins of Machu Pichu
Maritza, operations manager

"I am passionate about empowering local Indigenous communities, especially women, and am also a committed defender of Mother Earth, known in the Andes as Pachamama. I have also worked tirelessly with local communities and governments to help improve the sustainability of treks in the Cusco region".

Man standing in front of the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru
Paul, leader

“It will be a pleasure to share our traditions and beliefs, take you to the most amazing sites and, most importantly, interact with the locals! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour where we’ll visit hole-in-the-wall restaurants and find the best picarones (Andean doughnuts). I’ll be waiting for you here, in my beloved Peru."

Man smiling into the camera with camping gear in the background
Fernando, general manager

"I like working for Intrepid because their social and environmental philosophy isn’t just a slogan to sell more trips, they really do care about it. I have changed my life in so many aspects due to all the learning coming from Intrepid, from recycling to accepting myself, and being proud for who I am."

Local woman with a backpack on along the Inca Trail in Peru
Valentina, porter

"I come from Huilloc Community in Ollantaytambo town in the Sacred Valley (Cusco), and I started working as a porter on the Inca Trail in 2021. I love walking the Inca Trail and I'm very happy to be working for Intrepid as my income enables me to provide a better education for my 7 children". 

A smiling man standing in front of the Intrepid logo at an office in Peru
Teofilo, porter

"I'm from the Community of Kalla Rayan (Calca town) in the Sacred Valley, and I'm 53 years old. I've worked as a porter for Intrepid since 2009, mainly because I love it and we have very good working conditions. Thanks to my job, I've saved money to spend on my wife and better education for my children". 

Life on the rails

To reach Machu Picchu, it’s a two hour journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, followed by a 90 minute train ride to the gateway town of Aguas Calientes.

Depending on your trip, you will spend the night prior in either Ollantaytambo or Cusco – then rise early to arrive for the 30-minute bus ride taking you to the entrance.

Once you’ve arrived at Machu Picchu, your local guide will share the history of the site with plenty of time left to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take the 2-hour return walk up to the Sun Gate or take it all in next to a grazing llama on the terrace. Check out the gallery below to see what the train to Machu Picchu looks like.

Prefer to hike?

If you'd prefer to hike to Machu Picchu, simply let us know at the time of booking whether you'd prefer the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail.

If you'd prefer not to hike to Machu Picchu, please tell us at the time of booking and we will arrange a train ticket on your behalf. Please check the detailed Essential Trip Information of your chosen trip for more details. 

Get inspired on The Good Times

Articles of Machu Picchu