How to Reach Machu Picchu Without Hiking (2 Easy Steps!)

One of the most convenient ways to reach Machu Picchu without hiking is by taking the train.

There are two train companies available: the PeruRail and the Inca Rail.

The train journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes of the Andes Mountains and lush valleys, providing a scenic and comfortable ride to Machu Picchu.

The train ride itself is an adventure, with large windows that allow you to soak in the panoramic views while enjoying onboard amenities.

Let’s take a look at each train company:

PeruRail is a popular train service that operates in the region of Cusco, Peru, providing transportation to Machu Picchu and other destinations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

PeruRail offers a range of train options, from budget-friendly to luxurious, providing travelers with different levels of comfort and amenities to suit their preferences.

The train routes operated by PeruRail include:

• PeruRail Expedition

This is a budget-friendly option that offers comfortable seating, large panoramic windows, and basic amenities such as snacks and beverages for purchase on board.

The Expedition train is a great option if you are on a budget but still want to enjoy the scenic journey to Machu Picchu.

• PeruRail Vistadome

The Vistadome train is a mid-range option that provides larger windows and glass ceilings, allowing for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

It also offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and beverages, as well as entertainment, including traditional music and dance performances.

The Vistadome train is ideal for travelers who want a slightly higher level of comfort and a more immersive experience during their journey.

• Belmond Hiram Bingham

This is the luxurious and premium option offered by PeruRail, named after the famous American explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham train provides an upscale experience with elegant interiors, gourmet dining, live music, and a bar car.

Passengers on the Belmond Hiram Bingham train also enjoy exclusive access to a lounge at Machu Picchu, as well as guided tours and other personalized services.

It is important to note that PeruRail trains depart from Cusco or the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Also, PeruRail runs one Vistadome train from Urubamba.

Tickets for PeruRail sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons, so book in advance to secure your preferred train class and departure time.

Inca Rail is another popular train service that offers transportation to Machu Picchu.

Similar to PeruRail, Inca Rail provides different train classes to cater to various traveler preferences and budgets.

Inca Rail offers the following train classes:

• The Voyager

This is the standard class that provides comfortable seating with large panoramic windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley during the journey.

The Voyager train also offers onboard snacks and beverages for purchase.

• The 360°

The 360° train is a premium class that offers panoramic windows that wrap around the ceiling, providing passengers with unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes.

It also features spacious and comfortable seating, complimentary gourmet snacks and beverages, and a bar car.

The 360° train is designed for travelers who want a higher level of comfort and luxury during their train journey.

• The First-Class

This is the luxurious option offered by Inca Rail, providing the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

The First-Class train features plush seating, gourmet dining with a menu inspired by Peruvian cuisine, an open-air observation deck, and a bar lounge.

Passengers in First-Class also enjoy additional amenities such as welcome cocktails, live music, and a private bus transfer to Machu Picchu from the train station.

Inca Rail trains depart from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

Just like with PeruRail, it’s important to book your Inca Rail tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred train class and departure time.

• Be prepared to book your train tickets at least 6-4 months in advance to secure the best departure and arrival times, as well as be able to select the train class that is the best for your budget.
• Go to the official website of the train operator you wish to book with. For Perurail, the website is https://www.perurail.com/ and for Inca Rail, the website is https://incarail.com/.
• Important: Make a note that there is no train station precisely in Cusco but rather there is Poroy Train Station and it is located about 20 minutes from Cusco. In my opinion, the best way to get to Poroy Train Station is to take a taxi. My hotel arranged a taxi for me. It cost me 50 soles. However, if you book a taxi yourself, or catch a taxi from downtown Cusco, it will cost you much less, around 20-30 soles.
• Important: Make another note that there is no train station exactly at the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. The train will take you to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
• Poroy Train Station is 86 km (54 miles) from Aguas Calientes. The trip takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
• Once you book your tickets and make a payment, you will receive your train tickets via email. Make sure to print and keep a copy of your tickets handy for boarding the train.
• You will be able to catch the best views if you sit on the left-hand side of the train going up to Machu Picchu and on the right-hand side returning. The train follows the river and the river is on the left side going towards Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, when you book your tickets, PeruRail or Inca Rail will not let you choose your own seats. You will be assigned seats and hope that you are sitting on the left side going towards Machu Picchu. All in all, if there are any empty seats on the left side, then move over and enjoy the views.

Just a couple of last thoughts: as mentioned earlier, the PeruRail runs one Vistadome Train each day from Urubamba Station to Aguas Calientes.

If you are traveling from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then the journey time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Once you reach Aguas Calientes you will either need to take a bus to reach Machu Picchu or you can hike. Let’s take a closer look at each option.

From the town of Aguas Calientes, which is the gateway to Machu Picchu, you will need to catch a bus that will take you on a winding road up to the entrance of the archaeological site.

The bus ride takes about 30 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 8 km (5 miles) and offers stunning views along the way.

• The bus terminal is located in the central part of Aguas Calientes, right next to the train station.
• The buses operate on a regular and frequent schedule, starting early in the morning before the site opens and continuing throughout the day until late afternoon.
• Be prepared for a fast and bumpy ride with lots of twists and turns. If you suffer from motion sickness, then it might be a rough ride. For me dry crackers and carbonated soda work well.
• The bus ticket prices are subject to change and can vary depending on the season and availability. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at the bus terminal in Aguas Calientes. It is a good idea to have cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles) as credit cards may not always be accepted. It’s also a good idea to have exact change, as the ticket booth may not provide change for larger bills.
• When buying the tickets, you will be asked to provide your name, passport number, and entry time to Machu Picchu.
• The bus trip takes about 30 minutes up the switchback road (aka Hiram Bingham Highway) to the official tourist entrance to Machu Picchu.
• The bus will drop you off in a small parking area in front of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. There are bathrooms, a snack bar, and a luggage storage room. 

If you do not want to take the bus and are physically fit and enjoy trekking, then lace up your boots, take a deep breath, and get ready for an unforgettable hiking adventure!

• Machu Picchu is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from Aguas Calientes.
• The elevation difference between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu is 1,279 feet (389 meters).
• Specifically, Machu Picchu is at an elevation of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level compared to Aguas Calientes, at an elevation of 6,693 feet (2,040 meters) above sea level.
• The distance is quite manageable, however, it is the elevation change that is something to think about. Hiking to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes is a strenuous endeavor. The hike is steep and pretty much up the hill the entire time.
• It will take you about 2-3 hours to complete the hike. You will be hiking along Camino Peatonal Trail.
• Personally, I enjoyed the hike and I am recommending it. I wrote a detailed post about it, so check it out: Hiking to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes in 4 Easy Steps.

Camino Peatonal Trail from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu / How to Reach Machu Picchu Without Hiking