We have recently ridden the Backpacker from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back to Poroy as well as the Andean Explorer from Cusco to Puno. A couple of years ago, we rode the Vistadome from Aguas Calientes to Cusco. All of the rides were enjoyable. We actually enjoyed the Backpacker more than the Vistadome. All were priced quite reasonably for... more

We had a very nice experience on our daily trip to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo! The views were amazing and we enjoyed very much our trip. Excellent choice! more

ok, we went with the backpacker train and as such we didn't expect much and the train itself is not that bad however not convenient. The view is wonderful though (probably as good as with the Hiram Bingham train ;) )What is bad however is: -the price: 95 dollars returnticket for a 100 km ride -The monopoly: Perurail is the... more

We used Perurail to get to Machu Picchu and to Puno from Cusco. We had a great experience making reservations online by emailing the reservation people directly. A wonderful agent named Lisbeth helped us with all our arrangements. We took the Backpacker train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; the Vistadome from Aguas Calientes to Cusco after our Machu Picchu visit;... more

We took the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and back again, as almost everyone does. We traveled backpacker class, the cheapest. My best advice is to try and get a seat in the A car as each car back the ride gets bumpier and bumpier. There's also this annoying switchback thing both leaving and coming back into Cusco where... more

You have some choices on how to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco. I took a cheap Taxi to Ollantaytambo Station (1 hr. 45 mins. @$25.00) - then took the Vistadome train from there to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Station). 1.5 hours @ $60.00 one way. Essential to buy tickets well in advance. SECRET*****Try to get the first row on... more

We really loved our day on the Andean Explorer and felt the additional cost compared to road travel was well worth it. We booked it months in advance although since the train wasn't full this was probably not necessary. The booking clerk was called Gladys Human and was very helpful both on email and subsequently when we actually met her... more

The train journey itself is incredible, it's 9-10hrs, but unfortunately, it soon goes. We went on the Andean Explorer both ways, which was pricey. There was food included which was nice, but not amazing, no drinks though. There was some entertainment on board, which was exactly that! The viewing platform was dissappointing, generally i wanted to take photos, but you... more

In March 2005 I traveled between Cusco and Puno, Peru on Perurail's train. The train runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Departs at 8 AM, arrives around 6 pm. This is a super trip for any railfan or tourist. Service is fantastic and the scenery is spectatular in the Andes. Peru rail also operates from Cusco to Machu Picchu, a... more