The two authorized companies
Currently, only two companies hold the concession to operate this exclusive route to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World:
The pioneer in Peru’s tourist railway services, with over two decades of experience connecting millions of travelers to Machu Picchu.
The modern and specialized alternative, focused exclusively on offering unique experiences to the Inca citadel with personalized services.
Both provide high-quality tourist services, with different price ranges and comfort levels. Their trains depart from Cusco and Sacred Valley stations, connecting thousands of travelers every day with this wonder of the world.
Routes and operations of the companies
Although PeruRail and Inca Rail reach the same destination (Machu Picchu Pueblo), there are important differences in how they operate their routes:
🔹 PeruRail: The full experience
- Offers more daily departures, meaning more schedule options
- Runs exclusive routes to other top tourist destinations like Puno (Lake Titicaca) and Arequipa via the luxury Belmond Andean Explorer
- Mainly operates from Ollantaytambo, but also from Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro) during the dry season
🔹 Inca Rail: Exclusive specialization
- Focused solely on Machu Picchu, no routes to other destinations
- Services depart from Ollantaytambo year-round
- During rainy season, offers the bimodal service (bus + train), starting from Cusco (Av. El Sol)
- Though it has fewer departures than PeruRail, it provides exclusive and more personalized services
👉 Important: From January to April, due to heavy rains, Cusco stations usually close and both companies apply the bimodal service, where passengers first travel by bus to Ollantaytambo and then continue by train to Machu Picchu.
Reliability and safety
Both PeruRail and Inca Rail are considered reliable companies with high safety standards:
- Trains undergo constant maintenance and comply with strict technical regulations
- Punctuality is essential: trains depart exactly on time, so passengers must arrive early (at least 30 minutes before)
- In case of contingencies (landslides from rains, protests, railway interruptions), both companies follow similar protocols: rescheduling or alternative bus transfers
📌 Differences in perception:
| Aspect | PeruRail | Inca Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | More schedules during high demand | Tickets sell out quickly |
| Experience | Diverse range of services | More exclusive and personalized |
| Rolling stock | Larger fleet | Smaller but modern fleet |
Policies and passenger benefits
Both companies offer secure online purchase channels through their official websites (PeruRail.com and IncaRail.com) and through authorized agencies.
🔹 General common policies
- ~50% discount for children up to 11–12 years old
- Free travel for infants under 3 years old, as long as they don’t occupy a seat
- Change and cancellation policies, with penalties depending on how far in advance the request is made
🔹 Differences in benefits
- Promotional fares for Peruvian residents in certain seasons
- The only operator of the Local Train, a basic low-cost service (~S/20 round trip), exclusively for Cusco residents
- Has the Latam Pass frequent traveler program, allowing passengers to earn miles when purchasing train tickets
- Offers a VIP lounge at Ollantaytambo station, with coffee, music, and free Wi-Fi for premium passengers
Combining experiences
A growingly popular option among travelers is combining services from both companies:
Combination example: travel to Machu Picchu with PeruRail Vistadome and return with Inca Rail 360°.
This way, travelers can enjoy and compare both experiences, taking the best of each.
This strategy allows travelers to experience different service levels, compare culinary and cultural proposals from each company, and create a more complete and enriching experience.
Your perfect choice
Both PeruRail and Inca Rail offer safety, comfort, and unique experiences to reach Machu Picchu.
If you want greater schedule availability and route variety: PeruRail is your best option.
If you prefer a more exclusive and personalized experience: Inca Rail offers unique services like The Private or First Class.
In any case, the train journey is not just transportation: it’s the beginning of the adventure that will take you to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.