The VistaDome's spectacular carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and photographic opportunities. With glass surrounding them on all sides, passengers feel as if they are part of Peru's remarkable landscape. VistaDome is the quickest way to visit Machu Picchu and apart from the carriages of the Hiram Bingham, the most comfortable. Snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included on the journey. The VistaDome 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 leaves from Cuzco in the morning taking a spectacular journey through a changing landscape while guests enjoy continental breakfast and beverage service. 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. From there, the journey is highlighted by wonderful vistas of the mountains and the beautiful Urubamba River which runs through the Sacred Valley. On arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, guests are taken by bus to Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge for lunch, which overlooks the ancient citadel. A guided tour of the citadel with an English-speaking group follows before the return transfer to the station in the early evening. The train ride back to Cuzco takes 3½ hours (beverage service only). For many visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking the VistaDome train allows passengers to enjoy all the visual wonders the trip has to offer, in comfort and style that only PeruRail can provide. PERURAIL 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) |