PeruRail Expedition Train: Details and travel information

The Expedition train is one of the trains with the greatest demand for the relatively comfortable prices they offer. The routes that it covers are departures from Cusco to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo and the trip can be completed by walking or by bus to the Inca citadel. This train has different schedules that can facilitate travel and at the same time complete the tourist flow from Cusco to Machu Picchu. If you want to know more details and have more information about the company PerúRail, about the services and schedules of this private transport service, join us.

What is PeruRail?

PeruRail is one of the main tourist train operating companies in Peru. Its foundation was given in 1999. This project was promoted by the Peruvian Lorenzo Sousa Debarbieri. Born in Lima in 1960, as well was a businessman with book publications inclined to promote entrepreneurship in areas near Machu Picchu. Lorenzo Sousa is also co-founder of the company Belmond Ltd. and the hotel chain with the same name.

PeruRail has been operating since its foundation with direct and staggered trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Currently, another train company operates on the same route with the name of IncaRail. Both companies act as means of transport so that all people interested in making quick trips to Machu Picchu can do so.

PeruRail, grew exponentially as it is the only means of transport that connects Cusco with Machu Picchu. Since then it has been considerably improving its services. Today, in addition, it has destinations beyond Cusco, we mean that you can make trips that connect Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa. The great thing about this entire route is that you can see incredible landscapes, ideal for moments of peace in the company of loved ones or traveling alone. Finally, mention that PeruRail has many trains, and all of them with different services that try to satisfy the most exquisite needs of travelers from all over the world.

The Expedition Train

The train PeruRail Expedition is a tourist train, known and in great demand. Its main characteristic is being one of the cheapest trains, between the sections from Cusco to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. This train is for the exclusive use of tourism, for this reason, it organizes its wagons so that a limited number of people can access each one of them and a comfortable trip can be made.

In this sense, aboard the Expedition Train, you can find several services. Among these services, the variety of schedules and the frequency of service stand out. Each of the wagons has background music and an adequate volume so that conversations on board are not interfered with. It also has audio tourist information. These are audios that will answer some concerns or frequently asked questions to travelers.

The wagons are spacious and 52 comfortable seats were arranged inside them. The seats are comfortable and can recline, but only a little. Approximately 13 wooden tables can be found where 4 travelers can sit around them. As it is an exclusive service, you will also find toilets and a space to place your luggage. All wagons are decorated and maintain an ideal space for the trip. The windows have UV protection and at all times we can request the help of PeruRail ‘s travel assistants.

Expedition Train Services

Apart from providing exclusive wagons for tourism. The PeruRail Expedition train has served on board. As we indicated above, it has background music and staff dedicated to solving any unforeseen event or question that may arise. As it is an economic service, it does not have many services, but it does have what is necessary such as:

• Snack sale.
• Sale of Beverages.
• Staff service, qualified for any emergency or unforeseen event.
• Sanitary facilities.
• First aid kit.
• Expedition Train from three stations: Ollantaytambo Station, Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes Station, and Poroy Station.
• There are two travel options: Bimodal Service and Regular Service. The first of them consists of a first trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by bus and continues with the trip to Aguas Calientes by train. The second of them consists clearly of the train trip to Aguas Calientes.
• The travel time from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• The travel time from the Poroy Station to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Departure and arrival times

Departure of trains to Aguas Calientes

What is the best time to travel?

The Expedition train is one of the most used trains, this is due to its benefits and the relatively comfortable price for those who wish to visit Machu Picchu. As we have seen, there is a wide variety of schedules. Choosing the right one will depend a lot on the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. The entrance time to Machu Picchu starts at 6:00 am. In case you have an entrance ticket at that time, we recommend that you travel a day before to Aguas Calientes so that when you wake up early you only have to take one of the ecological buses and you can reach the access area of the wonder of the world. In this sense, the appropriate option would be to make a trip in the afternoon to get to Aguas Calientes with the hotel reservation ready or also look for a hotel room. The options are many and with different services and prices.

In case you have time to enter Machu Picchu that is not in the early hours (6:00 to 9:00), the option would be to leave Cusco at dawn in the direction of Aguas Calientes. The average travel time from Cusco to the same access area to Machu Picchu, following a trip first by bus, then by train, and again by bus is 4 hours and 30 minutes or approximately 5 hours. This is a somewhat rushed trip. That is why this option would be the best and most economical so that you do not have to spend on a hotel or other details. If you take this option you can return to Cusco the same day in the afternoon and you will rest at the hotel you booked in Cusco. This type of trip is known as the Machu Picchu Full Day. Another of the main options is to travel to Machu Picchu with little time. is to get this tour package with a travel agency in Cusco.

What do I need to purchase this Expedition train ticket?

It is not very complicated to book the Expedition train ticket, you just have to be aware of availability and also:

• Have the identity document or, failing that, carry the current Passport.
• You can make the reservation on our website, right here Reserve – Trains to Machu Picchu (imachupicchu.com).
• To board the train you will have to present your ID along with the printed or digital train ticket.
• It will be necessary to show up 30 minutes before the train departure time.
• Remember that Machu Picchu is located in a tropical zone. It is very hot and the presence of mosquitoes is felt.
• We recommend using mosquito repellent and sunscreen. It will also be necessary to wear light clothing and a hat.
• You can take snacks and drinks during your ascent to Machu Picchu but remember to keep the waste well and throw it in a garbage can.