Early Morning Start for the Machu Picchu Train Journey
The day I was heading to Machu Picchu, my pickup was scheduled for 5:55 a.m. My hotel, the Taypikala Valle Sagrado Deluxe, was kind enough to open breakfast early so I could eat before the long day ahead. I’m not an early-morning eater, and that day was no exception. I managed to eat a small portion of chicken and rice before giving up. In hindsight, I recommend pushing through and eating as much as you can; you’ll need the energy later.
Packing for the Trip
The night before, I had packed my day pack for the excursion. Lima Tours did an excellent job ensuring the rest of our luggage was transferred to our next hotel. In my one-night pack, I included an extra shirt, a rain jacket, sleeping clothes, half of my toiletries, and a fresh pair of pants for the return trip the following day.
Arrival at Ollantaytambo Station
At exactly 5:55 a.m., I was picked up and shuttled to the Ollantaytambo train station. I felt tired, nauseous, and a little nervous. I had read online that the train station could be confusing, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, which I don’t. Upon arrival, I was ushered into a waiting room.
My ticket had the letter “Z” printed on it, indicating my cabin. I looked around until I spotted a person holding a tall, colorful stick with a “Z” sign. When I asked what I needed to do, she simply told me to wait in the room.
Because the internet had made it sound complicated, I made it more complicated for myself. After about fifteen minutes, the woman with the sign came into the room and called for everyone in cabin “Z” to follow her. We filed out in a single line toward the train. She twirled her sign and danced while a young boy played the pan flute beside her. About halfway there, a reminder echoed through the crowd: “Have your boarding tickets and passports ready!” I watched as a young couple in front of me looked at each other in panic and ran back toward the waiting room. I assume they forgot their passports. They didn’t make it back in time.
Onboard the Voyager Train to Machu Picchu
Once I boarded the Voyager train with IncaRail, I finally relaxed. I had made it! Despite how tired I was, the excitement woke me right up. The landscapes outside were beautiful. Everyone in the cabin was glued to their windows. Over the speakers, facts about the terrain were announced first in Spanish, then in English, followed by the sounds of rainforest and birds chirping. About thirty minutes into the ride, a cart service came through offering snacks, coffee, and tea, much like on an airplane. Wifi is included on the way there and back.
After the service, a woman dressed in traditional Inca attire came through the cabin and handed out Inca bracelets for free. I unfortunately lost mine later that day during the hike. As we continued, the scenery transformed from city to countryside, to terraced stone farmland, and finally into lush rainforest. The mountains grew taller and more dramatic as we approached Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, our guide was waiting right outside the exit, a piece of cake!
After hiking and spending the night at El MaPi in Aguas Calientes, it was time to head back. The next day, I arrived at the train station around 3:30 p.m. for my 3:40 p.m. departure. I was glad I gave myself extra time because they started lining passengers up by their letter right on the dot. My return cabin was labeled “U.” The sign for this group wasn’t as colorful as the first, but the boarding experience was just as lively; a band played traditional music as we processed toward the train. This time, I made sure to have my boarding pass and passport ready.
Onboard the 360° Train Back
On the return trip aboard the 360° IncaRail, everyone seemed more tired than before, myself included. The attendant came through offering complimentary snacks: two cookies, a piece of dark chocolate, and a choice of coffee or tea (I chose tea). Afterward, the same man and woman who had served us reappeared in colorful Inca costumes and performed a traditional love story in the Inca language. The man fought to win the heart of a princess, humorously fighting other male passengers. When he finally “won” her heart, the crowd cheered for them to kiss, but they simply laughed and changed back into their clothes.
About thirty minutes later, passengers were invited to visit the 360-degree observation car, where live music was playing and there was room to dance. It looked similar to the other cabins, but without seats or tables, just open space and lively energy. I joined in briefly, but since I get motion sick easily, I didn’t last long. Some passengers stayed in that car for the rest of the ride, never returning to their original seats.
IncaRail vs PeruRail
When we arrived back, I found my transfer but couldn’t help noticing the line for PeruRail, which operates the blue trains with the yellow logos. Compared to IncaRail’s green trains, PeruRail looked more like standard public transport, simple and functional. IncaRail, on the other hand, made the journey feel special and immersive.
The Train to Machu Picchu Is Easier Than You Think
Reflecting on the entire experience, I realized how fun and surprisingly easy it turned out to be. I can’t imagine trying to organize all this on my own, especially without speaking Spanish or the Inca language. I learned that the internet isn’t always your best source for preparation, and it’s better to stay present, ask questions, and trust the process.
Enjoy the ride!
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