The Train Service to Machu Picchu
The Train Service.
The train is the ONLY way to get to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. There used to be a helicopter service, but this has been suspended indefinably.
The operator is Perurail. They offer 3 types of trains.
The Backpacker. This is the normal service train. 2 of these trains leave Cuzco about 6am and 6.30am each morning for the 3.5 hour trip to Aguas Calientes. It costs about $65 round trip.
The Vista dome. This is a special observation car train that leaves Cuzco at 6.45am. The cost is about $101 round trip.
The Hirem Bingham Train. This is a super luxury train. It leaves from a point just above Cuzco, to avoid the zig zag switchbacks necessary to get out of Cuzco. It departs at 9.00am. Included are cocktails, wine, 3 course gourmet meals, private bus up to the ruins, Entrance, guide, afternoon tea at the ruins. Cost is $476 per person.
The Backpacker and Vista dome trains include only the train service. You then need to get a ticket for the bus up to the ruins and pay the entrance for the ruins, plus guide.
The best way to do it is to take an all inclusive package from Cuzco... train, bus, entrance, guide and food.
