Peru Rail - Trains

Trains

On the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu, PeruRail transports the vast majority of visitors and provides several different services.

The Hiram Bingham Pullman, named for Machu Picchu's American discoverer, Hiram Bingham, is the highest service. It departs from Poroy at 9 a.m., later than other departures. Meals, guides, bus service and entrance to the ruins are included.

Other services include Vistadome services provided by 1965 vintage German Ferrostaal refurbished railcars with large side and overhead windows, allowing views of the mountainous terrain, complete with at-seat refreshments included, and Expedition trains which offer basic service in upholstered seats at a lower price. Snacks are sold and space is provided for backpacks, particularly for Inca Trail hikers.

Although not advertised, PeruRail also offers local trains equipped with wooden seats and that are available only to Peruvian nationals for a fraction of the price charged for tourists.

First class service is also offered on the Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Puno in refurbished coaches that include dining cars and an open-air observation bar car.

The interiors of the First Class coaches on the Cusco to Lake Titicaca trains were designed by James Park & Associates, the same company who designed the elegant First Class cabins for Singapore Airlines. The actual work, however, was done in Cusco by Cusquenian workers. After the refurbishment was completed, a traditional ceremony 'Pago a la Tierra' (payment to Mother Earth), an Andean tradition, was organised to 'bless' the train. A local shaman presided over the ceremony, which involved many traditional rites.