Most Scenic Train Rides in Peru

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Peru offers some of the world's most breathtaking train journeys, winding through the dramatic Andes mountains, ancient Inca territories, and diverse landscapes. These railroad adventures combine stunning natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, providing unforgettable experiences through one of South America's most spectacular countries.

1st

Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu

Cusco to Aguas Calientes

This luxury train journey follows the sacred Urubamba River through the heart of the Sacred Valley, offering panoramic windows and gourmet dining. The route passes through cloud forests, ancient Inca terraces, and towering peaks before arriving at the base of Machu Picchu.

* Luxury service to world wonder
2nd

Belmond Andean Explorer

Cusco to Arequipa

South America's first luxury sleeper train crosses the Altiplano at over 14,000 feet elevation, passing Lake Titicaca and snow-capped volcanoes. Passengers enjoy observation cars with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of the Andes.

* Highest luxury train route in the world
3rd

PeruRail Vistadome to Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

Features panoramic windows and glass-domed ceilings providing 360-degree views of the Sacred Valley's mountains and rivers. The journey includes traditional Andean music and dance performances while traveling through increasingly lush cloud forest terrain.

* 360-degree panoramic viewing
#4

Ferrocarril Central Andino

Lima to Huancayo

One of the world's highest railway lines, reaching 15,685 feet at Ticlio Pass with incredible views of glacial peaks and mining towns. This engineering marvel includes 58 bridges and 69 tunnels while crossing the continental divide of the Andes.

* World's second-highest railway
#5

PeruRail Expedition to Machu Picchu

Cusco to Aguas Calientes

An affordable option offering large windows showcasing the Sacred Valley's archaeological sites, traditional villages, and changing ecosystems. The route provides excellent views of the Urubamba River and surrounding Andean peaks throughout the journey.

* Budget-friendly scenic option
#6

Train to Huacachina Oasis

Lima to Ica region

This journey crosses Peru's coastal desert, offering views of vast sand dunes and the dramatic transition from Pacific coastline to inland desert landscapes. The route provides unique perspectives of one of South America's driest regions and its surprising oasis destinations.

* Desert landscape journey
#7

Sacred Valley Railway

Pisac to Ollantaytambo

Travels through the heart of the Sacred Valley, passing ancient Inca ruins, traditional markets, and terraced mountainsides. The scenic route offers intimate views of local communities and agricultural practices unchanged for centuries.

* Authentic Sacred Valley experience
#8

Tren Macho to Huancayo

Lima to Central Highlands

Climbs dramatically from sea level to high Andean peaks, showcasing Peru's incredible geographic diversity in a single journey. Passengers witness the transformation from coastal fog to alpine landscapes and traditional highland communities.

* Dramatic elevation change
#9

Arequipa to Puno Railway

Southern Peru highlands

Crosses the Altiplano plateau with views of volcanic peaks, alpaca herds, and traditional indigenous communities. The route passes through some of Peru's most remote and pristine high-altitude landscapes near Lake Titicaca.

* Altiplano plateau crossing
#10

Jungle Train to Quillabamba

Cusco to Amazon basin

Descends from Andean highlands into tropical cloud forest and jungle regions, showcasing Peru's incredible biodiversity. The journey offers views of coffee plantations, exotic wildlife, and the dramatic transition between mountain and rainforest ecosystems.

* Mountain to jungle transition