“Complete Peru Rail Guide”

Complete Guide to Peru Rail: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a visit to Machu Picchu or want to explore southern Peru in style and comfort, this Complete Guide to Peru Rail is for you. Peru Rail is one of the country’s leading railway companies, offering unique onboard experiences as you travel through the most stunning landscapes of the Andes.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: routes, train types, tips, prices, FAQs, and how to organize your trip. Discover how to make the journey part of your adventure with Peru Rail.

From luxury services to more affordable options, Peru Rail allows all types of travelers to enjoy the majesty of the Andean route. Beyond being an efficient means of transportation, a train journey becomes an immersion into Peru’s culture, landscapes, and hospitality.

Learn more→

What is Peru Rail?

Peru Rail is a Peruvian company founded in 1999, specializing in passenger rail transport, particularly to iconic tourist destinations like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. It’s known for efficiency, safety, and quality service across various levels of luxury.

• Operates routes in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Puno, and Arequipa.
• Services designed for both backpackers and high-end tourists.
• Partnerships with luxury brands like Belmond to offer premium experiences.

The company strives to promote sustainable tourism and support local economies. Many of its staff are locals, and it backs cultural and environmental conservation initiatives. This makes Peru Rail not only a comfortable option but also an ethical and responsible choice.

Main Routes and Destinations

This Complete Guide to Peru Rail highlights its most popular routes. Each journey is carefully curated to offer breathtaking views and memorable experiences:

• Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu: A classic, direct route to the Inca sanctuary.
• Poroy – Machu Picchu: A departure close to Cusco, ideal for acclimatized travelers.
• Cusco – Puno: A luxury route across the Andean highlands, connecting to Lake Titicaca.
• Puno – Arequipa (Belmond Andean Explorer): An exclusive experience aboard a world-class train hotel.

All of these journeys allow travelers to enjoy southern Peru’s most iconic landscapes in comfort and safety. Each stop offers opportunities to explore Andean towns, local markets, and archaeological sites that enrich the experience.

Train Types and Experiences

Peru Rail offers various categories of trains tailored to different traveler profiles. In this Complete Guide to Peru Rail, we show you the main options:

• Expedition: Affordable, comfortable, and functional. Ideal for independent travelers.
• Vistadome: Panoramic windows, snacks, ambient music, and an onboard cultural show.
• Hiram Bingham: A luxury train with gourmet meals, cocktails, an onboard guide, and bar car. An unforgettable experience.
• Andean Explorer: South America’s first luxury sleeper train. Perfect for long trips between Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa.

Each train is designed to offer a distinct experience—from backpackers seeking practicality to discerning tourists looking for maximum comfort. Onboard service also includes multilingual staff, climate control, clean restrooms, and spacious interiors.

Ticket Purchase

Booking tickets with Peru Rail is simple. This Complete Guide to Peru Rail shows you how:

• Online: Visit www.perurail.com and choose your route, time, and service.
• Agencies: Offices in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Puno, and Aguas Calientes.
• Ticket Counters: Direct purchases at stations (recommended only in low season).

Booking in advance ensures availability, better pricing, and smoother trip planning. You can also find packages that include transportation, guide, Machu Picchu entry, and additional services.

Practical Tips

1. Bring your passport: It’s required for boarding.
2. Check luggage weight: Allowed up to 5–8 kg per passenger.
3. Don’t forget your Machu Picchu ticket: Purchased separately.
4. Stay hydrated and acclimatize: Especially if departing from Cusco.
5. Enjoy the views: Bring your camera; every curve reveals a postcard-worthy sight.
6. Check weather conditions: Delays may occur during rainy season.

Prices and Rates

Prices vary depending on the train type and season. Here’s an estimate:

• Expedition: From S/ 180 per leg.
• Vistadome: From S/ 250 to S/ 350.
• Hiram Bingham: From S/ 1,800 per passenger (all-inclusive).
• Andean Explorer: From S/ 4,000 per person for the full journey (two nights).

There are promotions for families, student discounts, senior rates, and resident fares. Booking in advance or traveling off-season can result in significant savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do trains run every day? Yes, but schedules vary by season.
• Can I change my ticket? Yes, if your fare type allows it.
• Is there access for people with disabilities? Yes, upon prior request.
• Is food included? Only in Vistadome (snacks) and Hiram Bingham (full meals).
• Is there WiFi? Only on luxury trains.
• Can I travel with children? Yes, and there are special rates for them.

Conclusion

Thanks to this Complete Guide to Peru Rail, you now have everything you need to plan your rail journey through southern Peru. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxury experience, Peru Rail offers something for every traveler.

Don’t leave it to the last minute: book early, choose your favorite route, and get ready for a journey filled with culture, history, and dreamlike landscapes. Peru Rail is not just transportation—it’s an experience in itself that begins from the very first kilometer.

Remember, the details matter: pick your seat wisely, check the weather, get your camera ready, and let the moment carry you. A trip with Peru Rail is much more than a transfer—it’s a core part of the memory you’ll carry from your visit to Machu Picchu and the heart of Peru.