Train Ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- To read the entire story about my train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru, go to holeinthedonut..., and if you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing to my UA-cam channel.
Visitors to Machu Picchu in Peru can get there one of two ways - by hiking for either four or seven days, or on a train that can be boarded at either Cusco or Ollantaytambo. I took Peru Rail's Vistadome, which provides large side windows and overhead skylights that give the best possible views of this incredible journey through the Sacred Valley and the cloud forest that is home to the ancient Inca ruins. The video shows the train and the services it provides, including the zig zag tracks that allow it to descend the steep grade into the river valley, where spectacled bears roam the banks and orchids carpet the trees. The price for the 3.5 hour, 57 mile trip was approximately $75 USD each way.
I am a 76 year old railfan and thought that this video was magnificent. With such beautiful scenery and coverage by the camera operator it could have gone on for another hour. Superb. Thank you
Thank you smilevideotrains - that's a lovely compliment
76 yes life soon passes us old buggers by I shall be 75 this month
Notice how clean everything is and the obvious pride of the people - we can learn from this.
Thank you for sharing. My biggest wish is to go there one day. I don't know why but I think those mountains must be feel like heaven. You took me there for 7 minutes today. Gracias!
Hi Sir Rosco. Machu Picchu is in a valley that is significantly lower than Cusco, so it stays fairly warm all year round. The bottom is considered semi-tropical (hundreds of varieties of orchids thrive there). The ruins are a bit higher up, but not much, so temps don't get terribly cold. The most you have to deal with is rain and fog, which is quite common, so take a rain slick. Usually, the fog and rain clear a bit in the afternoon. Otherwise a shirt, sweater, and maybe a light jacket will do.
I enjoyed your video. I went to Peru in 2002, but I only had a camera, no video recorder. It was nice to see again what I saw then. I took the backpacker train, though. It was about $40 and was definitely full. I still can't believe I walked all over Machu Picchu. Cusco was incredible, but I got terribly sick from the altitude.
Brilliant video Barbara the guy with the handycam in front is the luckiest guy and got the best view.
Amazing journey in Peru.
I went there one Christmas a few years ago. Christmas Eve in Cusco was lovely!
The trip to the base of Machu Picchu was uneventful, but the train coming back broke down, so they had to send out a second engine to come and rescue us.
Even better, *_that_* broke down too, so they had to send a *_third_* engine out to get us back to Cusco!
Oh, that must have been a riot! Thanks for sharing.
One of the most fantastic trips my wife and I had the greatest pleasure to enjoy. The most amazing historic view of Machu Picchu.
i guess Im asking randomly but does anyone know a method to log back into an Instagram account?
I somehow lost the password. I love any assistance you can give me!
@King Camdyn Instablaster :)
@Adan Vivaan thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out atm.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Adan Vivaan it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
Thanks so much you saved my ass!
@King Camdyn Glad I could help xD
I'm Machu Picchu bond in September. I hope to enjoy my train trip as well. I was a loco jockey for the good ol' BM&LP Railroad back in the day.
Hope your trip is as wonderful as mine was!
what paradise looks like from a train all good.thanks for posting
Thanks! Appreciate your comment.
Perú is wonderful..
is Amazing..
the Peruvian Food is Delicious 😍
the Best of World ..
Nice video...
Come to my restaurant.
So nice that the local people can be of service to you.
thank you for your effort to share to us all. i wish one day i can visit this place with my son (now 5 years old)
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. You'll be amazed by Machu Picchu - I was and I've seen so many places it's hard to impress me.
Hi Barbara, when did you go to Cusco/MP? I am planning to go in March but am concerned about the weather? I heard it's the rainy season then and it can be dangerous to travel around then?
Hi RJ: I believe that is the rainy season, but there are upsides to going then, as the crowds are smaller. One year (I don'tremember which) the rains were very heavy and washed out the track, but that was very unusual.
I’m going next January. I noticed the train was quite empty. Is it because of the cost or the time of year or both?
Did you encounter much rain?
Hi Angelica: Thanks so much for your comment and glad you enjoyed my video. It is definitely a little piece of heaven there.
Barbara Weibel lorrycrashes
Barbara Weibel next morning
Muy buen video y saludos para l@s herman@s de Perú.
Sorry, there is no such thing like Machu Picchu Village, this village at the end station is called "Aqua Caliente" due to the hot water pools. To go to the Machu Picchu you have to get a bus and climb up the mountain, from that village. Btw there is a big daily market with nice stuff. It is anyway appropriate to spend the night there and take one of the early buses in the morning.
Hi Hanspeter: I’m sorry, but that’s not correct. The original name of the village is Aguascalientes, but the government renamed it a while back to Machu Picchu Village to make it clearer. There was apparently a lot of confusion over people thinking they were going to Machu Picchu not knowing they needed to buy a train ticket to Aguascalientes. I’m sure the local people still refer to it as Aguascalientes, but the train station is now named Machu Picchu Village.
Hi Barbara, I was there in Aguas Caliente in 2012, I think this is a bad decision from the government, as it will confuse tourist as you mentioned.
I took the train from Ollantaytambo to Agaus Caleentes. Indeed, it is a pretty ride. I stayed 1 night in lovely Ollantaytambo, so called "living Incas". Of course, Machu Picchu, what an amazing and mist-cloaked lost city. I like your film. Reminder me a lot of the wonderful journey. Could I share your film with my friends?
Of course Angela, feel free to share it with anyone you like. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Heather:
I got on the train just outside of Cusco. There were only a handful of passengers there because most go overland to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley & stay overnight to see the ruins there. That town is about halfway to Macchu Picchu. When we stopped there the train filled up. I had taken a day tour through the Sacred Valley so didn't need to see them and I was very glad I took the train from Cusco because it was a wonderful experience being doted on by the crew the first half.
Well Hello again. I am now coming up to 82 years and had another view. So surprised not to see more comments. Nice to come with you again.
Well thanks for stopping by again!
Very educational video! Thanks for sharing. BTW, the Backpacker train is now known as the Expedition train.
This video can help you decide what is the best way to get to Machu Picchu. There are 5 options to choose from ua-cam.com/video/8k-Fi3VfeDM/v-deo.html
EXTRAORDÍNÁRIO VÍDEO DESSE LINDO PAÍS QUE É O PERU. GOSTEI IMENSO. É UMA MARAVILHA. PARABÉNS E FELICIDADES PARA O PERU.
So happy you liked it!
I traveled here with the woman who is now my Wife, native to Ecuador, in all the places I have seen during my life this is the greatest, all was professional, people were fantastic. I was happy she arranged this train ride as the ride is as beautiful as the actual ruins are and worth every penny it cost, a must do if the chance ever comes to you, Thank you for posting this video,
You're very welcome, Ira. I agree - Machu Picchu is one of the most magnificent places on this planet.
+Ira Shafer
glad you enjoyed
Bien,bien. Bonito Peru
Thanks for uploading video im going on March of 2013 and this video gives me an idea of what to expect! thanks once again
the train ride was beautiful but they really need to repair the tracks they were very worn when i travelled this way in 2011, i thought Peru and her people were absolutely beautiful ,thanks for the memory
You're welcome Felix, glad it brought back good memories
Hi Barbara, thanks for sharing your interesting video. The views there look spectacular. I have just now subscribed to your channel. I live in Melbourne Australia. Whenever I travel, I always make a point to ride on all the public transport. Anyway, wishing you the very best. Robert.
Thank you Robert. So kind of you too leave A comment. And thanks for subscribing.
Barbara thank you for your beautiful Video. I am planing on going in September and I really appreciate the information you provided.
God Bless
Juan
You're very welcome Juan. Have a wonderful trip!
Simplemente espectacular 👌.... muy lindo, me gustaría algún dia hacer ese viaje
I really like the way you make this video! thanks for share Barbara. : )-
Thankks for sharing Barbara...was there 30 years ago, , I need to go now, are few changes..
wow...nice Video! greetings from Switzerland
Thomas1980 thanks so much. I also love Switzerland 😊
very well photographed.Planning to visit one of these days!
Thanks for the video, I’m actually considering this trip next year.
Take the early train if there still are 2.
Corona be like:🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@vitmirzeqiri557 Yep, I’m in Brazil, was supposed to go to Peru in the middle of the year, but wasn’t going anywhere in the middle of this lol.
THE ANNOUNCER SAID : NO SMOKING INSIDE THIS TRAIN.!! I love my country!
Loved your video. I'm hoping to go to Peru in September and celebrate my 50th birthday. Your video was very helpful.
Glad you enjoyed it YoliGZ! And it's a wonderful birthday gift to give yourself :-)
well if you can afford why not go there and enjoy it
Thank you for sharing this amazing sight.
Good video! Excellent thanks
Magnifique paysage, bien filmé, je me suis abonné ☺☻
Very useful video thanks
You’re welcome 😊
The local train is different, also you can carry your llamas and vicuñas on it, is just for cusquenian people
Beautiful video. Thank you. Going Jan 2019! Can’t wait!
Thanks so much Fran. Have a wonderful trip.
Thank you for this video. @ 1:48 looks like abandoned town.
thanks for sharing your videos
thank you so much!
Ten years ago..the bus ride on another video looks dangerous! I would go to machu if i had to take bus. I also heard it can get very cold at nite so bring warm jacket cap gloves.
Hiking the Inca trail from 82 kilometer to Macchi Picchu is the best way to experience everything!
You’re probably right Aaron. But not when you’re 67, with.a bad hip. I think my long-haul trekking days are behind me...though I still do easier day treks!
Thanks for visiting my country
and be as natural
of heart and sincere face 😍❤
I hope to all in my land
POZUZO
awesome and amazing place. Loved it in March this year 2018
Great, when you leave the train how do you travel up ? Do you get altitiude sickness?
You buy a ticket in town for the bus that takes you up the hill to Machu Picchu. I didn’t have any problem with altitude sickness because it doesn’t start to affect me until 4,000 meters (about 14,000 feet) and Machu Picchu is only 2,430 meters (about 8,000 feet high)
@@BarbaraWeibel thanks for that at age 74 with High blood pressure I had a doubt
This is beautiful. How long was the walk to the mountains after the peru rail train ride?
Hi Leyla. I took the bus up the mountain to Machu Picchu. It’s about a 20-minute trip. You could walk it if you preferred.
This was a great video, my wife and I visited in November last year and we were fortunate (very) to travel on the Hiram Bingham train totally fantastic. The people are so really very nice, service and food was out of this world they really know how to help everyone enjoy the journey, I hope to repeat it some day. As for Machu Picchu it will blow you away truly remarkable, however a lot more can be learned about the construction if you do some research on google you will be amazed stunned at what you will learn.
Thanks for sharing your video it brought back lovely memories.
Thanks so much for your comment Forbes. I’m pleased you enjoyed my video and that your experience in the train was equally good.
this is my plan someday with my wife go to machu pichu
Great film.
Thanks so much Arnold
Great video. Barbera
love my country love Perú
I don't blame you jaky my late wife and I never had the money to travel but in the past one of my daughters brought a computer in a taxi which I never wanted I hated technology anyway not anymore as I get great pleasure traveling around the world sat here on the sofa
I had 2 places to go on my priority list: Teotihuacan in Mexico en Machu Picchu. Guess I'm still missing the 2d one, and can't wait to go...
I did it! Wonderful!
So glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!
Simply AMAZING! 😍
I was..year 1977....and was terrible......Times changes.....great...
Fantastic!
Nice video but how did you edit out all of the people? I was there in April 2019 and you couldn't see anything for the crowds, a solid line from Ollantytambo through Machu Picchu and back. I finally had to laugh. Agua Caliente had a solid line of Grayhound-size buses all the way through from the train station out the other end of that little town. MP and etc., Peru's greatest attraction. A guide told me that there were two million(!) Peruvians in the tourist business.
Wow! Guess I just got lucky. I was there in the off season, so I guess that helped.
Hi Princess: The altitude nearly killed me as well, but if you ever go back, buy a pill called Sorochepill - all the altitude sickness will magically go away!
Barbara Weibel sorochepil
I prefered the trains which ran in 1986. They were old but clean. Pullman trains. Travelled from Runius to Cusco. The decent into Cuso was interesting at night??
I'm surprised at how luxurious that train was but there didn't seem to be many other passengers - or were they all in the backpacker class?
Any troubles with altitude sickness at Ollantaytambo or anywhere ??
Dizzying heights.
Hi Walter. I didn't have any negative effects from the altitude, but I don't start to feel the effects of altitude until about 14,000 feet, and I believe Machu Picchu is lower than that.
A Young Bear called Paddington from Peru.
I've should've taken the train all the way to the Amazon jungle.. the hot water thermal baths are nice on a rainy cold day at Agua Calientes..
Where are all the junk laying around and garbage?like there would be in the USA?
there are 3 wagons for tourist and 6 wagons for peruvian people. That cost 14 dollar.
hi miss weibel! i love your video - it's very informative without too much talk :-) however, you mentioned something about luggage allowance at the start of the video - what was that about? we will be travelling with two suit cases to aguas calientes/MP. any tips/ further info regarding luggage? thank you very much!
Hi Ariel. All the information online said that luggage space was not guaranteed, but I had no problem taking luggage with me, especially since most people do it as a day trip.
thank you ms. weibel for clarifying - we should be ok. will downsize :-)
Why do you say from Cusco when the train departs from Poroy & there is no village called Machu Picchu the train arrives at Aguas Calientes. How was the train empty when at the zig zag track, then full at the end?
Hello Luredaddy: I explain in the first 1
20 seconds of the video that the Train Station is in Poroy, about a 20-minute taxi ride from the center of Cusco. However, despite its location, it is still referred to as the Cusco Station for Machu Picchu. As for the names Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes, the original name of the town Is Aguas Calientes, however some years ago the Peruvian government decided to rename the town Machu Picchu Pueblo, due to confusion about what was the destination for the Machu Picchu ruins. The name Machu Picchu Pueblo is what is currently shown on maps. The difference in passengers is that there are very few passengers from Poroy to Ollantaytambo, but the train fills up at the Ollantaytambo stop.
@@BarbaraWeibel Thank you for your reply. On my trip in 2014 I was driven by car from Cusco to Ollantaytambo & pick up from there & driven back to Cusco. I would like to know now why I didn't leave from Poroy, but as the agent is no longer open I guess I will never know. I was pick up very early from my hotel driven to Ollantaytambo a agent met in the car park walked to the train. The train was packed & I didn't have a good seat, when I arrived I was met again by a guide who sent my bag to the Hotel before we took the bus up to Machu Picchu & was given a 2.5 hour tour of Machu Picchu after I could get a free lunch in the cafe. I knew nothing of this drive or guide it was so unexpected. Before I departed I looked at my ticket & it had seat 2 which was right at the front of the train, with that large window it was like watching a movie looking at the vista. Now I understand why there were no people & then there were.
Great video of this wonderful journey. But the sad thing is, the train used to go all the way from San Pedro station in the centre of Cusco, and climb out of the city via an impressive series of zig-zags and horseshoe-curves. Now they have chopped the service back to Poroy which is in the middle of nowhere and requires a taxi ride often through congested traffic to reach. I don't know why they have done this as the line from San Pedro is still there and obviously used by something as the rails are still shiny. When I was there no-one could give me a convincing answer as to why this retrograde decision had been made. I wonder if trains for locals use it, that are not available to tourists?
Hey barbara, I know this trip happened over 5 years ago and so you might not remember too well but i am planning a trip here in june and i was wondering if you remember there being any tunnels on the way to machu pichu on the train? I suffer from extreme claustrophobia and so i just want to make sure there are no tunnels before i plan my trip. Thank
you!
Allthingspeny Hi! As you say, I took this train quite some time ago, so I’m not 100% sure, but I don’t remember any tunnels. If there are any, I’m sure they were just short ones.
@@BarbaraWeibel Thank you very much
@@CoachPenelopeCruz :-)
Thanks. We are staying in Cuzco for 6 nights. Not going to do machuu Picchu till the 4th day I think. We'll do day tour stuff from Cusco. We'll have all the right meds for the altitude. Ha! We are staying in Lima for a week too. Great video!
How was your trip? Im planning Cusco-Machu Picchu and other parts in early 2020 :D
Im sooooo excited!!!
Any advice or pointers for a first time vistor?
Esperienza indimenticabile 2007
How clean the town. Compare this with Los Angeles or Muslim middle east.
or the Philippines.
Ms. Weibel, Did you experience any altitude sickness or shortness-of-breath on this trip to Machu Picchu? I have been told that there are actually "oxygen stations" along the way for people, who feel they may need some oxygen replenishment. I'm 65 and in fairly good shape for my age, but not athletic by any stretch of the imagination, and slightly worried about my upcoming trek to Machu Picchu.
这又是什么地方？那么多山脈？
Wow what an experience! I Just moved to Brazil and Im planing to do alot of travelling. Who did you book this journey through if you dont mind me asking? You mentioned you travelled alot so you must have some good tips?...
I believe at the time I booked it through the Peru Rail website, but I have heard lately that the site is not working properly. You can buy tickets once you arrive in Peru, and any hotel should be able to help you with this.Yes, I travel most of the time. Check out my blog for more info: holeinthedonut.com
Hi I went this year in March with my daughter who booked it with Gate 1 Travel. Awesome service, price and touring.
amazing
That’s the only word for it!
its a place i definitely want to visit... :-)
well why not travel there by you tube
Any tunnels on this trip? With the topography, I would have figured there would be a few.
Oh yes! Plenty of tunnels and trestles as well.
WONDERING ARE THERE BATHRMS ON THE TRAIN....AND HOW LONG IS THE RIDE...
Joyce Andreassen sorry Joyce but I just don’t remember if there were toilets on the train, but it was only a 3.5 hour ride from Cusco, as I wrote in the notes for the video.
Yes there are toilets and sinks in each compartment of the train.
How did you handle the thin air?
I get altitude sickness at 4,000 meters, but Machu Picchu is lower than that, so I had no problems
thanks!!!!!! I really enjoyed and learned from your nice video.
great, I rode it in the early 1960s
The bloke at 4:30 has a valid point.......
To me it would be worth a trip to Peru just for the train ride.
nice video!
We plan on taking the trip in May of 2017. You mentioned that they allowed no suitcases. Can you tell me more?
Hi Music Man. I had no problem taking my 22" carry-on size suitcase on board. Most people do a day trip so there was plenty of room.
How was your trip?
Great.
You took a suitcase to Machu Piccu ?
Yes, because I stayed three days
How are you doing
Barra what diference in price tken the train in cusco station ? Miguel from Costa Rica
Hi Miguel: I don't know the fare price from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, but the fare from Cusco was $75 each way, which included lunch. At the time I went, there was also a lower fare of $59 available, most likely for a less luxurious train. Read more details here: holeinthedonut.com/2012/02/13/machu-picchu-peru-train (scroll to the bottom for specifics).
Thanks anyway..Barbara
Hello! What type of shoe would you recommend for this trip if I am taking the train to Machu Picchu, as you did?
+Natalie Gillespie-Gaskins High heels ....HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!
tiberio135 perfect, thank you!!
+Natalie Gillespie-Gaskins THIS TIBERIO IS SENDING YOU UP. USE SNICKERS OR ANY FLAT SHOE. YOU HAVE TO WALK A LOT
Enrique Rodriguez caido del palto.
hi Juan, can I also use the wagon for peruvian people? or it is forbiden for tourist...cause I prefair the local way to travel.
Lo que Peru ya deberia estar planeando es invertir unos mas de 1.000 MILLONES de dolares para que el agua en todo el Peru se pueda tomar del caño como paises desarrollados Peru tiene el recurso para hacerlo, cambiaría todo el Peru por supuesto.
Nacida en Chosica, Peru un residencial pueblo y con pokas vecinos, pokoa s casa, alrededor, he bebido buen agua potable, casi dulce, mejor ke la sprin g wtaer de USA, mis hermnaos y yo, tomabamos del canio y nunca nos enfermamos, los suizos algunos italinaos despues y los peruano, recogian el agua del rio Rimmmmac y lo subian por tubos arriba y luego bajab a par a las casa, y si ahora no hay agua y el sabor es desabrido, creo ke es por la poblacion ke aumn eto, vinieron del norte, del centro a la capital, y este sera el problema, ke falt agua, , nacida en los 50s, nunca falto agua , y la califdad era excelente,gracias. Chosica fue diseiaida por el Ingles James Impett, los puentes, parke, municipio, colegios, etc, eramos pokitoos, mayoria descendientes de britanicos, algunos alllem naes e irlandeses, etc.a mis 60 , nadie em cree mi eda,,mucahs frutas,, rio limpio, etc.
I'm planning on going next year. Great video! Are the seats assigned or is it a free for all?
It was reserved seating, for sure. See if you can get the front seat in the front car, next to the engineer's cabin, as it has a huge window.
That's what we are aiming for! Thank you so much! Did you go up MP Mountain or Huayna Picchu or was it just the archaeological site?
Have a bad hip, so the Huayna Picchu was too much for me. I settled for the rest of the archaeological site, which was plenty, plus an easier hike to the back entrance to see the Mayan bridge. Also, try to stay overnight. By 3 p.m. all the day trippers are gone and you have the park practically to yourself for a blissful couple of hours. It is wonderful to sit on the elevations above the site and watch the sun set.
I think we are going to do our first night in Olly and see the Sacred Valley after a good night's rest. I wasn't even thinking about the Sacred Valley but since our flight lands around 11am, there are no more trains going to AC from Cusco and the new schedule isn't up yet for 2016. Then we'll take the train to AC and overnight there so we can be in the first group. I don't think we will be able to do Huayna Picchu on "this trip" but we are going to attempt MP Mountain. We'll definitely be there all day. I just want to see a sunrise/sunset if possible and I'll have to check times for since it will be the very end of April. I sent your video over to my sis-in-law since it will be the 2 of us going. She loved it and is just as excited as I am!
is this the train from tintin book....
why is empty ?