Tag: Peru Rail

Train to Machu Picchu in Peru Machu Picchu is located on a mountain, surrounded by other mountains and valleys and there is actually no train to Machu Picchu. But most visitors travel by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. This is the new touristic name of Aguas Calientes, a small town at the feet of the mountain that carries the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. There are no roads to Aguas Calientes, therefore your will either have to take the train or walk to reach this town. Those who want to walk, will have to start at the train station for the Hydraulic power plant on the other side of the mountain that carries Machu Picchu. You can take local/ tourist transport from Cuzco to this train station and then walk the last 12 km along the railroad. From Aguas Calientes it is an 8 km hike, or short bus ride to reach Machu Picchu. Two train companies in Peru The railroads in Peru are owned by the government and currently they allow only two train companies to operate the route between Cuzco and Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu Pueblo. The biggest and most known company to offer trains to Machu Picchu Pueblo, is called Peru Rail. Peru Rail started operating in 1999 and is now owned for 50% by a Peruvian company and for 50% by the huge British Orient Express, who also owns the most expensive Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and the Luxury Hiram Bingham Train. Inca Rail en started operating in 2007 and is now owned by CROSLAND Business Group and the Carlyle Group. Both are huge international investment groups. Carlyle even invests in mining… The differences between the train to Machu Picchu from Peru Rail and Inca Rail Other then the different owners as described above, both train companies