highlights Machu Picchu
Self-confessed rail buff Benjamin Coren reports back from a scenic train ride to Peru’s 15th-century citadel
Forget everything you think you know about anorak-wearing trainspotters. It’s official: rail travel is back in vogue, even for adventurers.
I’ve always loved travelling on different railways and along famous routes, so I was champing at the bit to ride the PeruRail train from the town of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes.
Most visitors to Machu Picchu fly in to Cusco and from there it’s an overland journey down into the Sacred Valley – and it really is down, as the lost city is actually lower than Cusco, at 2,430m.
The rail journey passes the start of the Inca Trail, and whether passengers are on the PeruRail Expedition train or the Vistadome with its overhead views across the valley, they can sit back and enjoy the landscapes over a leisurely journey of one hour, 50 minutes. The views from the train are amazing, and for clients who don’t fancy a multi-day hike, it’s the best way to travel to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, the station leads out into a colourful market packed with souvenirs. From there, it’s a bus journey to Machu Picchu along a series of hair-raising switchbacks – unless you are feeling fit enough to walk up. Buses depart regularly, but with only a small fleet, so it’s essential travellers purchase tickets in advance, or book with an escorted touring company that will do it for them. The first bus departs at 5.30am and the last returns from Machu Picchu at 5.30pm. Tickets for Machu Picchu must also be bought in advance (adults from $70; eight to 17-year-olds $41), and once visitors have passed through the turnstiles, they can stay on the site for up to four hours. Those arriving via the Inca Trail will be met with the awesome sight of the city from the sun gate, located in the hills above. It’s a truly amazing site, so urge clients not to rush and to take their time to appreciate the architecture and history of this amazing citadel.
BOOK IT: G Adventures’ 10-day Inca Journey starts and ends in Lima, taking in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train and the Amazon,
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gadventures.com
September 2019 27
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK
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