If you're planning your desire trip to the Andes, you're possibly wondering how long is the train to Machu Picchu from Cusco so you can actually chart out your itinerary with no losing your thoughts. The short solution is it usually takes between three and four hours , but like many things in Peru, there's a little bit more to it than just a single number.
Based on which usually station you keep from and which train service a person pick, that time-frame can wiggle around quite a bit. It's not only an issue of hopping on a rail car and closing your own eyes; the journey itself is portion of the whole encounter, winding through the Sacred Valley plus watching the panorama shift from high-altitude mountains to rich, green cloud forests.
Understanding the different starting factors
When individuals talk about taking the train from Cusco, they're usually referring to one associated with three different stations. This is exactly where things obtain a small confusing for first-timers. You might believe you're boarding best in the middle of the city, but that's not really always the situation.
San Pedro Station
This is the nearly all convenient one due to the fact it's right within the heart of Cusco, near the San Pedro market. If you capture the train here, the ride to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu) takes about 4 hours and fifteen minutes . It's the longest path because the train has to get around a series associated with "zig-zags" to climb up out of the Cusco valley before it can actually pick up speed. It's slow, but it's pretty cool to see the train move backward and forward to obtain elevation.
Poroy Station
Poroy is located about a 20 to 30-minute taxi ride beyond Cusco's main pillow. Most people prefer this over San Pedro if they will want to get rid of a little period off the rail portion. From Poroy, the train ride is roughly 3 hrs and 30 mins . It's the solid middle surface, but you do have to matter in the time and cost associated with getting a cab out to the place.
Ollantaytambo Station
Now, this is the one particular most travelers actually turn out using. Also though it's not really within Cusco, many people take a bus or a private van to Ollantaytambo first. Exactly why? Because the train ride from right here is only about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hrs .
If you add the two-hour drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, the total journey time is still around 3. 5 to 4 hours, but it's frequently cheaper and provides you more flexibility with train schedules. In addition, Ollantaytambo is an incredible Inca city worth seeing on its own.
The "Bimodal" Service: A popular shortcut
When you're looking with tickets on the PeruRail or Inca Rail websites, you'll see something called "Bimodal" service. If you're wondering how long is the train to Machu Picchu from Cusco when utilizing this particular option, the solution is still regarding 4 hours total .
Here's how it works: the company selects you up in the private bus from the Wanchaq place in Cusco and drives you to Ollantaytambo. There, you hop off the bus and immediately board the train for the final leg to Aguas Calientes. It's a very streamlined process. Many travelers find this easier than trying to coordinate their very own taxi to a distant station. It requires the guesswork out of the logistics, which usually is a huge relief when you're dealing with high-altitude mind fog.
Does the type associated with train change the time?
Think it or not really, the speed associated with the train doesn't really change very much whether you're spending for a budget seat or the luxury cabin. The tracks are what they are, and the train can only go so fast through the winding river valleys. However, the experience of that period changes drastically.
The Expedition or The Voyager
These are the standard, "no-frills" options. You get the comfortable seat and a window. The time passes at the same price, but you're mainly there just to get from point A to stage B. It's totally fine for most individuals, especially if you're trying to save your valuable soles (the currency, not your feet) for a wonderful dinner later.
The Vistadome
The Vistadome is the mid-range option, and it's famous for having massive panoramic windows that wrap into the ceiling. If you're worried about the 3. 5-hour ride being boring, this particular is a great fix. They usually have a fashion show with alpaca wool clothes and traditional dancing on the way back again. It makes the time fly by mainly because there's always some thing to look in, either inside or outside the cabin.
The Hiram Bingham
This is the "bucket list" luxury train. If you're upon this one, you most likely won't even care and attention how long is the train to Machu Picchu from Cusco due to the fact you'll be as well busy sipping drinks and eating the gourmet three-course meal. It takes regarding the same quantity of time as the other teaches from Poroy, but it feels much faster because you're becoming pampered the entire way.
Why the journey takes as long since it does
You might take a look at a map and think, "Cusco to Machu Picchu isn't that far, exactly why is it having four hours? " It's a fair question. The cause is the geography. The train paths follow the Urubamba River, snaking through deep gorges plus hugging the sides of steep hills.
The train can't go fast because the terrain is incredibly rugged. Also, because you descend from Cusco (which is around 11, 000 feet) to Aguas Calientes (around six, 700 feet), the train has to handle a significant drop in elevation. It's a slow, steady crawl, but honestly, you wouldn't desire it to be any faster. The views of the Urubamba River crashes against the stones are something you'll want to picture, not blur past at 100 kilometers per hour.
Factoring in the "hidden" travel time
When you're calculating how long is the train to Machu Picchu from Cusco , don't make the error of thinking you'll be at the ruins the moment the train halts. There's a bit of a "buffer" you require to accounts for.
- Arriving at the station: You need to be at the train station in least half an hour before departure. These are quite strict concerning this.
- The Aguas Calientes walk: Once you jump off the train, you'll walk via a massive artisan market. It takes about 10-15 a few minutes to reach the bus stop.
- The shuttle service bus: To get from the town up to the real Machu Picchu entrance, you might have to consider a 25-minute coach ride up the series of switchbacks.
- The line: Depending on the time, you might wait 10 to 30 minutes just to get on that coach.
So, in case your train leaves Cusco at 6: 00 AM, you'll likely be entering the actual Machu Picchu citadel around 10: 30 or even 11: 00 ARE.
Tips to make the trip feel shorter
If you're someone who gets restless on long trips, here are the few things to keep in mind. First, sit upon the left side of the train when planning toward Machu Picchu from Cusco/Ollantaytambo. This side generally has the best views of the riv and the altering vegetation.
Second, don't neglect to hydrate. Even though you're going down in elevation, the air is nevertheless dry. Most trains offer a small snack and a drink (tea, espresso, or water), but it's always clever to have a container of water in your bag.
Lastly, just appreciate the transition. It's one of the few places within the world exactly where you can watch the ecosystem change so drastically in just a few hrs. You'll start with dry, golden Andean valleys and result in the humid, vibrant green jungle environment.
The bottom line
At the finish of the day, when you ask how long is the train to Machu Picchu from Cusco , you need to plan for a half-day affair. Regardless of whether it's 3. five hours or 4. 5 hours doesn't matter much when you see that 1st glimpse of the ruins through the clouds.
A lot of people find the train ride to be one of the highlights of their trip. It's a chance to sit back, relax, and realize that you're lastly about to see among the wonders of the globe. Just be sure you guide your tickets within advance, because they do sell out, especially during the dry season from May to September. Safe and sound travels!