Poroy train station, ideal for long train journeys

For many, this station is considered as the passage from Cusco to the east of Cusco, towards the areas that exactly adjoin the high jungle. There is not much information about the creation of the station since this district was only created in the year 1941. In addition, this district keeps a lot of history that is enriched because at present and probably in the past through this same territory, the road was taken until Machu Picchu by the Inca Trails and now by the railway lines. Let’s learn more about the services of the station and also a little about the history of Poroy.

Train station in Poroy


Details about Poroy and the train station

Waiting room of the Poroy train station

Poroy station is located approximately 30 minutes from Cusco. It is a station that helps to relieve the abundant presence of travelers to Machu Picchu. Its location allows a better route to Ollantaytambo and then to Aguas Calientes. The Poroy train station also plays an important role in promoting economic movement in this district because several travelers can stay or get there to then start their journey by train.

Poroy, as a district, seems to have a lot of history and relationship with the myths that were created throughout history. Some attribute this place to the last resting point for Pizarro and the rest of the Spaniards before arriving in Cusco. A legend that is also narrated is that from Poroy the stones turned into warriors emerged to help defend Cusco from the invasion of the Chancas. This battle is considered one of the greatest feats performed by the Inca Pachacuteq. According to María Rostworowski, Poroy would have been the place of the long battles that the Incas fought against the Chancas, hence the legend of the stone men. Another important fact is that, according to the chronicler Bernabé Cobo, one of the most important huacas of Tawantinsuyo was located in Poroy, which received the name of Poroypuquio.

How to see the importance of this territory is immense both because of the history it stores within its territory. It is also important to highlight that if it is true that the presence of the huaca has been true, it is likely that one of the paths to Machu Picchu from Cusco has been precisely through the current Poroy, just as it is today, although this time along the tracks of the railway. In addition to this being the case, we could be talking about one of the first resting points to reach the jungle or Antisuyo, spaces little explored by the Incas.

Poroy currently maintains in many aspects a large part of the culture and tradition of the ancient peoples. It is easy to get lost in the landscapes it offers under rustic houses’ predominance. These adobe houses transmit in many cases the legacy of the colonial era combined with the style of some houses in ancient Peru. The district is located at 3499 meters above sea level.


Poroy train station services

Sale of snacks, drinks and more at the Poroy station

Poroy station is likely to have functioned as one of the first stations. Remember that the railway project that would unite Cusco with Quillabamba was ruled in 1907 and being close to Cusco, it probably began operating long before 100% completion of the work, it is important to note that this project took more than 65 years. However, Machu Picchu was reached in 1929. An aspect that surely motivated the investigation that was carried out in the recent archaeological site in 1911.

Poroy station was built when the Cusco or San Pedro station could not function properly. Whatever the case, the services offered by the Poroy station are similar to the train stations in Cusco. You can find the train services of PeruRail and Inca Rail, both companies offer all their services at different times. TYou can also buy train tickets at the station itself, although this can be somewhat dangerous because you probably won’t find any available seats. The best option will be to make the reservation online and days in advance. It will be important that you take into account the entrance time you have for Machu Picchu, a ticket that you must also book in advance.

Poroy station will have a space dedicated to the waiting room, and the presence of some establishments that sell drinks, souvenirs, sandwiches, snacks, and other foods that can get you out of trouble. We will also find restrooms and even VIP waiting rooms from both companies. It is important to mention that the Poroy train station does not operate between the months of January to April. This period serves to maintain the roads and because the presence of tourists decreases as it is the low season.

The best way to get to Poroy
The best way to get to Poroy is to travel by taxi, although this may result in a higher expense option, it will be the best alternative. The distance from Cusco to Poroy is 11 kilometers, a considerable distance especially if you take a public transport service where the travel time can vary drastically. To avoid problems, it will be better to spend a little more and arrive as soon as possible at the Poroy station.


How to get to the Poroy station?

Poroy station is located 20 or 30 minutes from Cusco. The time will depend on the traffic congestion or if the trip is made by private or public transport service. The prices to get to Poroy are varied and will depend a lot on the service you choose. For this, you will need to have cash. If you have purchased services from a tourism agency, it is normal for them to offer you transportation from the door of your hotel to the train station. This is an option that will facilitate the travel experience avoiding inconveniences and more.

In case you want to do it on your own, a taxi ride would be the best option. You will only have to tell the taxi driver your desire to arrive at the aforementioned station. The price of transportation will depend on the driver. In Peru the taximeter is not installed, therefore the price can vary from 25, 30, or 35 soles. While a trip by public bus costs 5 to 10 soles, these buses are on Pavitos Street, 1.3 kilometers away if we take the distance from the main square. As we mentioned, this path will be the first step into the Cusco jungle and we will also pass through the first landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

As in any transportation service scheduled under schedules, it will be necessary for you to arrive 30 minutes before the time indicated on your travel ticket. In the case of Poroy, remember to leave Cusco with the necessary anticipation, remember that the trip can take up to 30 minutes. The Poroy station operates from 5:00 in the morning to 10:00 p.m. E It is important to mention that there are hotels near the station.


Tips and recommendations for the trip to Machu Picchu

Departure from Poroy station

In case you want to visit Machu Picchu, it will always be advisable to make a reservation of entrance tickets to the wonder of the World as a first step. Currently, it is one of the most visited destinations worldwide, so it is difficult to find a ticket from one day to the next. Something to highlight is that 5 types of tickets are handled, in case you are lucky to get one of these tickets one day before the trip it would be almost considered a miracle, believe me, we are not exaggerating.

Something that can help you better plan your trip to Machu Picchu or Cusco is that, you can book Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets in advance from the comfort of your home. This way you will guarantee a better travel experience since the visit to Cusco or Peru will have more meaning. Here are some tips and recommendations that will help you on your visit to Machu Picchu:

  • Backpacks must not exceed the dimensions of 40x35x20 cm.
  • If you want to make professional recordings, you must make a special request to the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
  • You cannot feed the animals that are inside Machu Picchu.
  • Damage to the facility is punishable by fines and custodial sentences.
  • You cannot make noise during the tour.
  • People in a state of intoxication or under the influence of drugs are not allowed access.
  • It will be necessary to present an identity document to validate the income.
  • You cannot extract plants from the Machu Picchu site.
  • Leaving garbage or waste inside the citadel is prohibited and punishable.
  • You must respect the circuits and maintain order.
  • Recording with drones, paragliders, or similar is not allowed..

 

By Imachupicchu – Last updated, June 5, 2023

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