Luxury Trains in PeruLuxury Trains in PeruThere are four luxury train owners in Peru Belmond - Offering ultimate luxury rail travel across the Ande Mountains of Peru PeruRail - Offering luxury rail travel across the Ande Mountains of Peru and special luxury trains to Machu Picchu Inca Rail - Offering luxury rail travel to Machu Picchu Huancayo Central Train Service - Offering luxury rail travel across Peru from Lima to Huancayo Click here for: Luxury Trains Going to Machu Picchu Belmond Hiram Bingham The world famous Belmond Hiram Bingham is Machu Picchu's luxury train it is the best way to arrive at Machu Picchu. With its 1930s Pullman-style carriages, including a gorgeous bar car and a dedicated, open-backed observation carriage, the comfort levels on the Hiram Bingham eclipse anything else available on this route. Outbound Journey Service from Cusco - Machu Picchu
The downside? Well, there really isn't one, you get a fantastic train journey to Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham give you a proper gourmet lunch, free drinks all the way, and high tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu Belmond Andean Explorer Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s first luxury train that combines genuine daytime getaways with sleeping accommodations at night, all while traversing the Peruvian Andes. The Belmond Andean Explorer train travels along one of the highest train routes in the world, crossing through breathtaking cities on its way from Cusco to Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Arequipa, and exploring natural wonders and ancient kingdoms on one and two-night trips. The spa car will start operating during the year 2018. Luxury accomodation is provided in four class of cabins DELUXE DOUBLE BED CABINS JUNIOR DOUBLE BED CABINS TWIN BED CABINS BUNK BED CABINS Luxury rail cars for your entertainment LOUNGE CAR DINING CARS SPA OBSERVATION CAR 4 Luxury journeys to select from ''PERUVIAN HIGHLANDS'' Embark on the ultimate Peruvian escape and journey from Cusco to Arequipa in style, visiting charming Puno and the majestic Lake Titicaca. Tours each day let uncover the hidden gems of this fascinating land. Cusco - Puno - Arequips: 3 Days, 2 Nights ''ANDEAN PLAINS & ISLANDS OF DISCOVERY'' Travel from Arequipa to Cusco in unforgettable style. Savour the unforgettable indulgence of the Belmond Andean Explorer train as you are whisked through Peru’s most spectacular destinations, including the spellbinding Lake Titicaca. Arequipa - Puno - Cusco: 2 Days, 2 Nights ''SPIRIT OF THE WATER'' Be swept up in the beauty of Lake Titicaca, the stunning final destination as you travel from Cusco to Puno. Train journeys aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer promise countless memories to treasure. Cusco - Puno: 1 Day, 1 Night ''SPIRIT OF THE ANDES'' Discover the ''Spirit of the Andes'' as you journey aboard this luxury train from Puno to Cusco. Let yourself be enchanted by some of South America’s most beautiful scenery as you travel along one of the highest train routes in the world. Puno - Cusco: 1 Day, 1 Night Machu Picchu Trains Luxury Trains going to Machu Picchu Due to its location on top of a mountain, Machu Picchu is inaccessible by road, and while it is possible to hike to the site via the Inca Trail or an alternative trek, most tourists choose to arrive by train. The train station is actually located in the town of Aguas Calientes, at the bottom of the mountain, from there it is just 20 minutes by shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. The three companies that serve the route are Belmond, Peru Rail and Inca Rail ( I must stae that Belmond and PeruRail are a 50/50 venture). All of which offer a range of train services, linking Aguas Calientes to various stations in the Sacred Valley and to the station of Poroy for the city of Cusco. Trains depart daily throughout the year and cater to every budget, from the ‘backpacker’ Expedition train to the 5-star luxury Hiram Bingham train. ''As a website we recommend if it is affordable to you, to take the Belmond Hiram Bingham train it is a one off journey in a life time of travel'' Editors Note: If you have a few days in Machu Picchu, why not travel each day on a different rail service. ''Back packers need to remember you cannot camp near or at Machu Picchu'' Peru Rail PeruRail are the original train operator in Peru and have been running trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu for over 40 years. They offer three classes of train on this route, and we work with all three - in fact, the Vistadome is the standard option - but for many people the question boils down to: should I choose the Expedition or the Vistadome? Peru Rail EXPEDITION TRAIN to Machu Picchu If you are looking for an adventure on your way to Machu Picchu at an unbeatable price, on a train with all the onboard comforts you could ask for, the Expedition train has just what you need. The train cars of the Expedition train are steeped in the designs of Incan culture, making them the perfect way to start your trip to the Machu Picchu citadel. The Expedition gives you the chance to take in the unbelievable scenery and take incredible panoramic pictures of a journey unlike any other. You will be waited on by a highly-trained staff member for the duration of your trip, offering you a hot or cold beverage and a snack made from Andean ingredients. If you wish, you’ll be able to take advantage of some onboard shopping, offering you everything you need for your visit to the Incan citadel. Departures are scheduled everyday, with a variety of schedules and frequencies For more information on what is and is not included, depending on the type of trip (inbound or outbound only, roundtrip) we recommend reviewing the “Service Details” for the Expedition train. Between January 2 and April 30, 2018, PeruRail will operate the Bimodal Service (Bus + Train), a service that combines bus and train travel, departing and returning to Cusco City. Passengers using the Expedition bimodal service (Expedition 33) board a private bus at Wanchaq Station, 5 minutes away from Cusco’s historic center, and arrive to Ollantaytambo Station. From here, passengers board the train and head to their final destination: Machu Picchu Station. The return journey is the same in reverse (Expedition 34). For additional information regarding the service and a route map, please click here. Regular services departing from and arriving into Ollantaytambo or Urubamba Stations will not be affected. Peru Rail VISTADOME TRAIN to Machu Picchu If you love nature and the countryside, the Vistadome is exactly what you’re looking for. The panoramic windows located beside and above your seat will bring you close to nature unlike anything you’ve experienced before. The Vistadome train offers a unique connection with the scenery along the way to Machu Picchu, making passengers feel as if they were somehow part of the nature that surrounds them. Return trips on the Vistadome also offer an onboard fashion show, featuring the exclusive baby alpaca wool collection with the latest trends in alpaca apparel, all available for sale. As an added bonus, you can enjoy live dances inspired by the ancient culture of the Andes. Passengers also receive a snack made from local ingredients, so you can get the full Andean experience through our cuisine. The trip also includes non-alcoholic beverages for your onboard refreshment. Departures are scheduled every day, with a variety of schedules and frequencies* For more information on what is and is not included, depending on the type of trip (inbound or outbound only, roundtrip) we recommend reviewing the “Service Details” for the Vistadome train by clicking here. (*) Vistadome 601: Arrival at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado at 07:02 hs. Departure at 07:12 hs to the Machu Picchu train station. Exclusive stop for hotel guests. Vistadome 304: Arrival at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado at 18:21 hs. Departure at 18:31 hs to final destination Urubamba train station. Exclusive stop for hotel guests. Between January 2 and April 30, 2018, PeruRail will operate the Bimodal Service (Bus + Train), a service that combines bus and train travel, departing and returning to Cusco City. Passengers using the Vistadome bimodal service (Vistadome 31 & 203) board a private bus at Wanchaq Station, 5 minutes away from Cusco’s historic center, and arrive to Ollantaytambo Station. From here, passengers board the train and head to their final destination: Machu Picchu Station. The return journey is the same in reverse (Vistadome 32 & 604). For additional information regarding the service and a route map, please click here. Regular services departing from and arriving into Ollantaytambo or Urubamba Stations will not be affected. PeruRail SACRED VALLEY TRAIN from Urubamba to Machu Picchu The design of the PeruRail Sacred Valley train is inspired by the elegance of the 1920´s which is reflected in both its Dining Car and Observatory Bar Car. The experience starts upon your arrival at the station, where you will be greeted with an Andean infusion to enjoy in the Observatory Bar Car while you delight yourself with the landscapes of the Sacred Valley. On your way to Machu Picchu, you can savor a gourmet lunch; while a gastronomic feast will be offered for dinner on your way back from the Inca Citadel. Both meals include an appetizer, entrée and dessert, which may be accompanied by a glass of wine and delicate petit fours to be enjoyed in the Dining Car. The PeruRail Sacred Valley train travels through Urubamba to Machu Picchu, making a brief stop at the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, allowing its guests to board and disembark from its station. The train makes a daily, round-trip with an approximate duration of three hours each way The PeruRail Sacred Valley train operates every day except for the first Sunday of each month. PeruRail TITICACA TRAIN from Cusco – Puno – Cusco Crossing the Andes on the Cusco – Puno – Cusco route and visiting Lake Titicaca is an unforgettable experience all on its own. But doing it aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train will make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The PeruRail Titicaca train was created to provide passengers with all the luxuries they could want in a trip, while offering them a chance to forge a mystical connection with nature. The PeruRail Titicaca train features an open-air observatory car, allowing you to take in the majestic views while enjoying the typical music and dances of the Peruvian highlands. During your trip, you will have the chance to take panoramic pictures of some of the quintessential Andean landscapes. The route covered by the PeruRail Titicaca train is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with a trip that lasts ten and a half hours. At the start of the journey, passengers are welcomed at the Wanchaq Station (Cusco) or the Puno Station, where local musicians will provide background music as you board the train. Once aboard, you can enjoy the two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman cars of the 1920s. Also, during the trip, you will have the finest in gourmet food. The quality of our personalized service is guaranteed. The PeruRail Titicaca train runs to and from Puno every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can bring your carry-on bag aboard the train, and the rest of your luggage will be stored safely on the luggage car, where it will be carefully received and stored. For more information on what is and is not included, depending on the type of trip to or from Puno, we recommend reviewing the “Service Details” for the PeruRail Titicaca train by clicking here. PeruRail Train to Arequipa Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train glides from Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, across the lofty Andean plains to the white city of Arequipa. Take in the region’s spectacular highlights on route, including Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon. Route: Cusco, Puno and Arequipa PeruRail Train to Puno Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train glides from Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, across the lofty Andean plains to the white city of Arequipa. Take in the region’s spectacular highlights on route, including Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon. Route: Cusco, Puno and Arequipa Inca Rail Inca Rail has been running trains to Machu Picchu since 2013, and has provided much-needed competition on the route. Their entry-level class (known as Executive) compares well to PeruRail's Expedition class, and they also have First Class carriages which are similar to the Vistadome. Inca Rail don't have separate First Class trains in the way that PeruRail operates the Vistadome, however - more like British trains, they just have separate carriages on the same service. Inca Rail Executive Class Inca Rail's Executive class is pretty similar to the Expedition class on Peru Rail. Again, you have reasonably comfortable seats, all with a table, and you get a free drink and snack. The windows are the same size as the Expedition, but you don't get the roof panels. Because the two trains are basically similar prices, we would probably go for the Expedition but would have no hesitation in using the Inca Rail Executive class either. There are several services a day between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, but only one which runs right the way through from Cusco. This departs at 05:55 and gets you into Machu Picchu at 08:48 - all the Inca Rail services have a slightly shorter journey time than the Peru Rail alternatives. Inca Rail First Class While the Executive and the Expedition are pretty similar, Inca Rail's First Class option offers something a little different to the Vistadome, in that you actually get a full at-seat lunch service as well as little bonuses like a welcome cocktail. It's just a little more expensive than the Vistadome (by around £10 or so) but if you'd like to arrive at Machu Picchu having had lunch and ready to explore, than it's well worth considering. The only slight downside is that the First Class carriages only operate on the 11:15 departure between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu - no problem if you stayed overnight in the Sacred Valley beforehand, but if you're coming from (or going back to) Cusco then we'll need to arrange the extra transportation for you. Huancayo Central Train Service Until very recently, when the new Chinese line to Lhasa took the title, the railway from Lima to Huancayo was the highest passenger railway journey in the world, reaching a mammoth 4782 metres above sea level. The line passes through no fewer than 69 tunnels and crosses 58 bridges and is one of the most impressive feats of railway engineering anywhere in the world. Trains leave Lima's historic Desamparados station at 7am, arriving in Huancayo at 7pm that evening. There are two classes of coach on the train, Classic and Tourist, but for the small extra amount we definitely recommend the Pullman-style comfort of the Tourist coaches. The service only offers fixed departures, usually at the rate of two per month, but we can easily plan your holiday to fit in with these departure dates. At the moment there are planned departures for 2017 as follows: April: 13th and 28th May: 25th June: 16th and 29thJuly: 28th August: 10th and 27th September: 14th October: 5th and 29th November: 23rd The dates above are for the journey from Lima to Huancayo. Once there, you can either take the return train journey, which generally leaves from Huancayo 3 days later, or you can head back down to Lima by coach. This is a much quicker option, taking only 7 hours compared to the 12 by train. Alternatively you can also fly back to Lima from the city of Jauja, 45km to the north of Huancayo. Read also our other many web pages on Peruvian Rail Transport: *Luxury Rail in Peru:
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