A llama standing above a deep green Andean valley

Peru · Rail Journeys

Luxury Train Journeys

Some of the world’s great rail journeys climb through the Peruvian Andes. Sip a pisco sour in an observation car as the train winds down to Machu Picchu, or sleep aboard a luxury train bound for Lake Titicaca.

  • 5 signature journeys
  • 4,300 m+ La Raya pass
  • 1920s Pullman-style elegance

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

All aboard

Peru’s Most Beautiful Train Journeys

Some of the world’s most scenic railways climb through the Peruvian Andes. Tap through to meet each one.

Machu Picchu glowing in golden light, the destination of the Hiram Bingham train

Belmond Hiram Bingham

Named after the explorer who brought Machu Picchu to world attention, this is the most luxurious way to reach the citadel. Polished wood and brass carriages, an open-air observation car and live Andean music set the mood.

Brunch is served on the way down the valley, and a festive dinner with pisco sours on the way back.

Route
Cusco (Poroy) to Machu Picchu
Journey
about 3.5 hours each way
Includes
Dining, drinks and guided visit
Clouds over the peaks around Machu Picchu

PeruRail Vistadome

Panoramic windows curve up into the roof so you can see the snowy peaks and cloud forest as the train follows the Urubamba River. A light snack, a little folk dance and a fashion show of alpaca garments add to the fun.

Route
Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
Style
Panoramic and relaxed
Best for
Great views at a gentler price
A llama on the terraces of Machu Picchu

Inca Rail 360° & First Class

Inca Rail’s premium services offer panoramic windows, an observation car and, in First Class, a lounge bar and multi-course meal, with fewer seats and a quieter atmosphere.

Route
Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
Style
Boutique and comfortable
Best for
Travelers based in the Sacred Valley
Arequipa cathedral with El Misti volcano behind, a stop on the Andean Explorer

Belmond Andean Explorer

South America’s first luxury sleeper train crosses the high Andean plateau between Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa. Cabins have private bathrooms, and there’s a spa car, a piano bar and an open-deck observation car.

Along the way, the train crosses La Raya pass at over 4,300 m before reaching the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Route
Cusco, Puno (Titicaca) and Arequipa
Journey
one or two nights
Includes
All meals and excursions
Reed boats at the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca

PeruRail Titicaca

A daytime journey across the altiplano from Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca, with an observation car, live music, a three-course lunch and afternoon tea. Herds of alpacas and remote villages slide past the windows.

Route
Cusco to Puno
Journey
a full day of about 10 hours
Best for
Reaching Titicaca in style

Side by side

Compare Peru’s Train Journeys

JourneyRouteDurationExperienceBest for
Belmond Hiram BinghamCusco (Poroy) to Machu PicchuAbout 3.5 hoursUltra-luxury, all-inclusive diningCelebrations and once-in-a-lifetime arrivals
PeruRail VistadomeCusco or Ollantaytambo to Machu PicchuAbout 1.5–3.5 hoursPanoramic windows, light snackViews at great value
Inca Rail First ClassOllantaytambo to Machu PicchuAbout 1.5 hoursLounge, bar and gourmet menuA quiet, boutique feel
Belmond Andean ExplorerCusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa1–2 nightsSleeper cabins, spa car, excursionsSlow travel across the Andes
PeruRail TiticacaCusco to PunoAbout 10 hoursObservation car, lunch and teaScenic day travel to the lake

We’ll fit the perfect train into your route, and add a private transfer to and from every station.

Plan My Rail Journey

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

Machu Picchu glowing in golden morning light

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

Cusco’s Plaza de Armas at dusk, framed by a colonial archway

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

Reed boats at the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca

Good to know

Peru Train FAQs

Is the Hiram Bingham worth it?

If you love a sense of occasion, yes. Dining, drinks, live music, the bus to the citadel, the entrance ticket and a guided tour are typically included, so it turns the journey into part of the experience. It’s perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays.

Which station does the train to Machu Picchu leave from?

Trains run from Poroy, about 20 minutes from Cusco, and from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Some seasonal services start at San Pedro station in Cusco. We’ll pick the station that fits your route best.

Can I take the train one way and hike the other?

Absolutely. Many travelers hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and return on a panoramic or luxury train, a great way to rest your legs and celebrate.

How much luggage can I take on the train to Machu Picchu?

Trains to Machu Picchu limit luggage to a small bag of roughly 5 kg. We’ll keep the rest of your luggage safe at your hotel or send it ahead to your next stop.

How far ahead should I book Peru’s luxury trains?

The Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer run on set dates with limited cabins. For the dry season, we reserve as soon as you decide on your dates.

How does the Andean Explorer handle the altitude?

The train is designed for comfort at altitude and includes oxygen on board. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least two nights before boarding.

Begin your journey

Your Dream Peru Getaway

Peru is a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Tell us about the trip you’re dreaming of, and one of our Peru specialists will start designing it with you.

  • A tailor-made itinerary, designed around you
  • Machu Picchu tickets, trains and permits handled
  • Hand-picked hotels with exclusive perks
  • Support before, during and after your trip

Complimentary consultation

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Peru Specialists

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