PeruRail's
Expedition Train was built for the more adventurous passengers seeking
comfort and security without all the frills. It has been newly refurbished
and now features seats upholstered with indigenous fabrics, which
give the train a touch of local flavor. Additional storage space is
available for backpacks, and snacks are served.
The Expedition Train
runs between Cuzco-Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu. Passengers
can also board and alight in Poroy (the closest stop to Cuzco), avoiding
the switchback in and out of Cuzco and saving approximately half an
hour off the total journey time.
The train
will depart at approximately 6:15 AM and arrive at the
Aguas Calientes train station at the base of the 
mountain at
about 10:30 AM. Along the way, passengers will enjoy a spectacular
journey through a changing landscape. After
the steep climb out of Cuzco, the train descends into the Sacred
Valley, passing lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills
of the Andes. Upon arrival, a mini-bus will take you up a serpentine
road to the dizzying heights of the ruins, where you will begin your
walking tour with a small group and an English-speaking guide. Most
tourists return to Cuzco on the afternoon train, so you will have
a couple hours to explore the ruins on your own, before the last bus
takes you back down to the base of the ruins. The gates to the ruins
remain open until 5:00 PM.
For many
visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Taking the Expedition Train allows passengers to travel in economy
and safety as only PeruRail can provide.
PeruRail is widely recognized
as not only one of the highest rail routes on Earth, but also one of the
world's most scenic railway services.
PeruRail
links most of the tourist highlights of the Andes in Peru and is undoubtedly
the most spectacular way to discover the ancient land of the Incas,
taking you through scenery of outstanding beauty and to places almost
inaccessible by any other means.
PeruRail
offers a choice of main routes - between either historic Cuzco or
the Sacred Valley and the legendary Machu Picchu and between Cuzco
and Lake Titicaca.
ITINERARY
Day
One: Machu Picchu Overnight A special
adventure begins. Depart by train and journey back into the mists
of time, arriving at the foot of Machu Picchu. Mini-buses follow a
serpentine road to the heights of the ruins. Take
a walking tour with your expert guide and a small group. 
You
and the lucky few who will spend the night here will have a few more
hours to explore the site after the crowds have returned to Cuzco.
Those who select the Deluxe or Deluxe
Plus category hotels will enjoy an additional dinner. The Sanctuary
Lodge (Deluxe Plus) is located just outside the gate to Machu
Picchu at the top of the mountain. The other hotels are located in
the quaint village of Aguas Calientes at the base of the ruins. (B,
L)
Day Two: Machu Picchu to Cuzco
Continue to explore Machu Picchu before winding back down the mountain
by bus to catch your afternoon train for Cuzco. NOTE:
Transfers from Aguas Calientes to/from Machu Picchu and entrance fees
are NOT
included this day. (B)
