Machu Picchu is the holy grail for any traveler visiting South America, and although the Inca trail is one of the best hiking trails in the world, you don’t have to walk for 4 days to get to the wonder of Machu Picchu, you can use the train; However, the Inca Trail is perhaps the most magical and impressive way to enter Machu Picchu. But if your time is limited, you are worried about the physical challenge or simply are not willing to sacrifice your comfort, you can still reach Machu Picchu by train and effortlessly.
Advantages of choosing the train on your trip to Machu Picchu
More than 75,000 people travel the 40 kilometers of the Inca trail to the Inca city of Machu Picchu every year. The landscapes are really impressive, but it is not for the faint of heart; altitude, steep climbs, extreme weather and camping deter many people from making the Inca trail. Only 6% of people who enter Machu Picchu each day do so on the Inca Trail, so more than 85% of daily visitors to Machu Picchu choose to arrive by train; The final station is in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) the closest town to Machu Picchu.
You will arrive in Machu Picchu in less time
The main station to board the trains to Machu Picchu is in the city of Ollantaytambo; It will take two hours to reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Moreover, you can visit Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco in just one day. This will leave you time to see the main places in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
It will carry less luggage, and that is always an advantage
You will not need to carry a heavy 30-liter backpack on your back during your trip, nor could you board the train with it; but we mean you won’t need tents, rain ponchos, portable kitchens, energy bars, etc. It will be enough with your headphones, a book, your camera, sun protection, water and a couple of other things. The train trip to Machu Picchu allows you to worry only about enjoying the trip, so create unforgettable memories.
You will have the level of comfort you want
The train journey will not only allow you to sit comfortably, but you can choose the train, depending on the service you want on board. Put the list of music you chose to relax while touring the Andean natural landscape of the Sacred Valley. There are many train services, all high-level, choose one and read that book under the warm rays of the sun, make new friends from around the world or just close your eyes and enjoy, you are about to reach the Inca city of Machu Picchu
Experience the luxury of Hiram Bingham
The Hiram Bingham train is the most luxurious train to Machu Picchu and one of the most luxurious in the world. It will take you on a trip where you can enjoy the elegance and details inspired by the old “Orient Express”; It will take you on a trip as comfortable as it is lovely. You can enjoy a gourmet lunch, live Peruvian music show, the bar car and its varied menu of drinks, and the observatory car, with a panoramic view of all the amazing places in the valley.
How to enter Machu Picchu?
It would be unfair to tell him about Machu Picchu and not tell him that he has to book the tickets in advance, even more so if he wants the ticket that includes the Huayna Picchu mountain; This has to be booked several months before. But it is not enough with just the Machu Picchu tickets to get to the wonder, you will also need to book the train tickets, they are sold out weeks before. During the high season (May – August) all reservations must be made months in advance.
Most trains to Machu Picchu depart from Ollantaytambo station; Once in this place you will board your train to Machu Picchu, as long as you have booked the tickets in advance. It is impossible to get tickets available at that time.
The best way to make your visit to Machu Picchu
One of the best strategies to get to Machu Picchu on time, whether you just want to be one of the first people, or if you book the Machu Picchu tickets that include the mountains in the first groups is; if possible, spend the night before your visit in Aguas Calientes and be one of the first people to enter Machu Picchu, the dawn will seem magical and is the closest you will be to being alone in Machu Picchu; However, people entering Machu Picchu in the afternoon shift can enjoy the sunset. The light of 4 pm is considered by many expert and amateur photographers, the best time to photograph Machu Picchu.
If you decide to go beyond Machu Picchu and ascend to one of its fabulous mountains – Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu – know that these tickets are very limited and that to access them you must book several months before.
