TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
What you need to board the train
- A valid Passport or Identity Card
- Luggage: 08kg / 17.64lb and 157 cm (5 ft) (height + length+ width)
- Be at the station 30 minutes prior to departure time
- Present your digital or printed train ticket
Before your journey
Luggage
When travelling to Machu Picchu, you are permitted a bag or backpack on board that weighs a maximum of 5 kg/11 lb and does not measure more than 157 cm (5 ft) (height + length + width). There are no restrictions on the journey to Puno, Cusco, and Arequipa (depending on the train service you have booked) since there is a luggage storage coach.
Stations
We operate in the San Pedro, Poroy, and Wanchaq (bi-modal service) stations in the city of Cusco. Also, at the Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley, and at the Machu Picchu Pueblo station. In Puno and Arequipa, we start at the Titicaca station in Puno-Muelle and the Arequipa station.
Weather and Clothing
The weather in Cusco, Puno and Arequipa varies throughout the year. For more details and about the many other destinations our services can take you to, please click on the Destinations button.
Your journey
How to board the train:
1. On your boarding pass:
Verify the time, train, coach, and boarding station given on your boarding pass. Remember to be at the station 30 minutes before departure.
2. At the station:
When you are in the departure lounge and your train arrives, you will be able to identify your coach by the large letters on each coach.
How to locate my seat:
1. On your boarding pass:
Your seat number is located on your boarding pass next to the letter of your coach.
2. On the train: Our service staff on board will guide you at all to help you find your seat quickly.
Note: To request seat changes on board trains, you can do so by filling out this form by clicking here.
Food and beverages on board
On board our trains to Machu Picchu you will be able to purchase different foods and beverages. However, hot drinks, water in glass bottles and complimentary snacks are only offered on board the PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Vistadome Observatory trains.
Service on the PeruRail Titicaca train includes teas, water, coffee, and a three-course gourmet lunch. There are also other items you may order at an extra cost.
You can make special requests for vegetarians, vegans or kosher diets in our luxury Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train; Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train (trains.peru@belmond.com) and PeruRail Titicaca trains (reservas@perurail.com). If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please specify to the same contact emails.
Other notes of interest
Health recommendations
Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa are cities that lie above some 3000 masl (9800 ft) above sea level. It is possible that you may feel dizzy or have other mild physical complaints, which are usually related to altitude sickness or soroche. To prevent feeling ill, we recommend:
- Rest and take things slowly during the first days of your journey
- Begin your visit with a city tour to get accustomed to the altitude
- Drink coca tea or take altitude sickness tablets, both are excellent remedies
- Remain well hydrated
- Eat light meals since digestion is slower at high altitudes
Getting around the city
In Cusco, there is an abundant offer of taxis available at any time of the day. Taking the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) as your starting point, the cost of a ride can vary between S/ 3 and S/10, the latter to get to the Velasco Astete International Airport. For more information on transportation in other cities, we recommend you consult reference prices at the Iperú offices before negotiating the fare with taxi drivers.
CUSCO
- IPERÚ Cusco Plaza de Armas
Address: Portal Harinas 177 (Traveler Point of the BCP) – Plaza de Armas
Phone: (084) 596159 / 979980236
Email: iperucusco@promperu.gob.pe - IPERÚ Machu Picchu
Address: Av. Pachacútec block 1 s/n, Of. 4 (DDC Building)
Phone: (084) 211104 / 980328761
Email: iperumachupicchu@promperu.gob.pe
PUNO
- IPERÚ Puno Plaza de Armas.
Address: Esquina de Jr. Deustua con Jr. Lima – Plaza de Armas
Phone: (051) 365088 / 951973682
Email: iperupuno@promperu.gob.pe - IPERÚ Puno Airport
Address: Inca Manco Capac Airport – Juliaca (arrivals hall)
Phone: (051) 639549 / 979981247
Email: iperupunoapto@promperu.gob.pe
AREQUIPA
- IPERÚ Arequipa Plaza de Armas
Address: Portal de la Municipalidad 110 – Plaza de Armas
Phone: (054) 223265
Email: iperuarequipa@promperu.gob.pe - IPERÚ Arequipa International Airport
Address: Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón International Airport
Telephone: (054) 299191
Email: iperuarequipaapto@promperu.gob.pe
We are concerned for your safety
At PeruRail we consider the security of our passengers to be the most important issue in our operations. We ask you to obey the law and not risk your life with reckless actions near the railway line. Thinking of your comfort, the following tips may also help during your visit:
- Always take care of your personal belongings
- To move around, use taxis with visible license plates and that clearly identify the service company
- Do not open emergency windows under normal circumstances
- Do not lean out of the windows
- Do not cross between coaches
- Smoking on board is s forbidden
- Blocking doors and corridors is forbidden
We are concerned for your safety
Peru’s currency is the Sol (S/). Banks and money Exchange offices are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Saturdays until noon. There are ATM machines in the main cities in the country and most are connected to Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club.
You may withdraw money in Soles and in US Dollars. Some establishments also accept US Dollars and Euros as payment. Bills that are worn or in bad condition are not accepted.
Type of power outlet
Voltage in Peru is 220v. You will need an adaptor if the voltage in your country is 110v. The most common outlets are Types A, B and C.