The Cuzco to Machu Picchu line re-opens
30th June 2010
Following months of intense reconstruction, Peru Rail has announced that services from Cuzco to the historic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu will resume normal service from July 1st.
Following months of intense reconstruction, Peru Rail has announced that services from Cuzco to the historic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu will resume normal service from July 1st.
All trains to Machu Picchu – a travel destination which attracts a mind boggling 400,000 visitors a year - will be up and running for the peak season. This includes an upgraded backpacker service called Expedition (the economical, no-frills service), refurbished Vistadome trains (a service with panoramic windows), and the luxurious Hiram Bingham train (named after the explorer who discovered the Inca city in 1911).
The only train route between Cuzco and Machu Picchu was destroyed in January 2010 after devastating flooding washed away large sections of the track.
The heaviest rainfall in 15 years resulted in Machu Picchu being closed to visitors for over two months after floods damaged thousands of hectares of crops, washed away bridges, damaged highways and left thousands of people homeless. Emergency helicopters were rushed in to rescue thousands of tourists who were left stranded near the Inca citadel.
Although a provisional service was established to Machu Picchu from temporary station Piscacucho in April, visitors had to use a bus and train combination to reach the ruins from the popular base of Cuzco.
Now, with the direct line back in action, travellers who have been eyeing up Machu Picchu for their next adventure have plenty of transport options to choo-choo-choose from.
Fancy a bigger challenge in the stunning Andes (the train, of course, would be far too easy)? Start planning your trip on our Inca Trail experience page…