The train journey is the most important means of transport for get to Machu Picchu, since it connects the Sacred Valley with the town of Aguas Calientes. This scenic route is a key component for visiting one of the best destinations in Peru. For travelers looking for a transport experience better than the standard, the choice centers on the panoramic category services that offer optimal views of the Andean environment.
The Vistadome trains (from PeruRail) and The 360° (from Inca Rail) are the most requested services within this category. Both are designed to maximize the appreciation of the landscape that descends through the Peruvian highlands toward the jungle brow. The competition between these two options is based on the quality of the onboard service, the size of the windows, and the comfort of the carriages, essential factors for a 3 to 4-hour journey.
This guide is designed to learn the logistical and service differences between the Vistadome and the Inca Rail 360°. We will objectively analyze their features, the departure times from the main stations, and the costs. The goal is to provide the precise information needed so that the traveler can select the train service that best fits their itinerary and budget for reaching Machu Picchu in 2026.
Vistadome train (Perurail)
The Vistadome Train, operated by Perurail, is the panoramic category service that is in the mid-range of the market. It is designed to offer a superior scenic experience, with cars that have wide side windows and overhead panoramic windows (on the roof). The on-board service includes ambient music, snacks, and drinks; also, Perurail offers entertainment with a traditional Peruvian dance show on the return trip.
The Vistadome is the most versatile service for the route to Machu Picchu. Although the trains leave from Poroy (Cusco) and Urubamba (Sacred Valley), the most used station is Ollantaytambo. The choice of Ollantaytambo is logistical, as it reduces the travel time to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes) and allows travelers to make their acclimatization better in the Sacred Valley.
Detailed Features of the Vistadome Train
- Logistics and Travel Time: The Vistadome Train operates from two departure stations to Aguas Calientes. From the Poroy station (near Cusco), the trip lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, is the preferred boarding station, with a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and a greater frequency of daily schedules.
- Comfort and On-Board Experience: The Vistadome design puts the visual experience and comfort first. The cars are equipped with wide panoramic windows (side and on the roof) that allow a full view of the landscapes. The train has an air conditioning and heating system, and ergonomic seats. The on-board service includes snacks and drinks; what's more, to make the experience better, a short show of traditional Peruvian music and dance is offered on the return trip.
Inca Rail 360° Train
The 360° Train, operated by Inca Rail, is the main panoramic service that competes in the mid-high range of the market. It is designed specifically to offer an immersive travel experience to Machu Picchu, aiming to maximize the appreciation of the landscape on the route to Machu Picchu; also, its cars have wide side and roof windows that allow passengers to appreciate the complete transition from the Andean ecosystem to the jungle brow.
What sets the 360° Train apart from other services is its focus on innovation and interaction with the environment. It is the only rail service on the route that has an outside observation car with a bar enabled so that passengers can enjoy the view without the reflection of the windows.
Detailed Features of the 360° Train
- Logistics and Design: The service operates mainly from the Ollantaytambo station. The cars are equipped with comfortable seats, leather cushions, and fold-down tables. The design maximizes the view of the exterior with wide side windows and panoramic roofs.
- Observation Car: The great differentiator of the 360° Train is its outside observation car with a bar (the only one of its type on the route). This car allows passengers to enjoy the view without reflections and take photos outdoors, improving the travel experience to the Inca citadel.
- Service and Technology: The on-board service includes a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks made with Andean ingredients. A unique feature is the entertainment application that provides information about the route and the Inca civilization.
Machu Picchu 360° Train - Inca Rail
2 day Machu Picchu Tours from Tierras Vivas
Best Tours to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek
- 5 Day Inca Trail
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- Lares Trek
- Short Inca Trail
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
