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Inca Rail Company: The Story Behind Peru’s Premium Train Operator to Machu Picchu
Inca Rail S.A. is a Peruvian railway operator that has connected travelers with Machu Picchu since September 2009. The company operates passenger train services on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route, one of the main rail corridors in Peru for visitors traveling through the Sacred Valley toward Machu Picchu. Headquartered in San Borja, Lima, Inca Rail is part of Peru’s tourism transport network, offering scheduled train services designed to support different travel preferences.
Founded in 2006, Inca Rail was created with the goal of developing a Peruvian-operated passenger rail service for one of the most visited destinations in South America. What began as a new railway project in southern Peru gradually expanded into a broader operation with locations in Lima and Cusco, a dedicated maintenance and operations yard near Ollantaytambo. Inca Rail also operates The Bimodal Service, which combines bus transportation from Cusco with train service from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo throughout the year.
Today, Inca Rail operates regular passenger train services on the Machu Picchu railway route, connecting travelers from Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu through a range of onboard experiences. The company works with travel agencies, tour operators, and international travel partners, contributing to the wider tourism network that enables access to Machu Picchu.For travelers planning a Machu Picchu train journey, Inca Rail operates regular passenger services along the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route, maintaining a reliable and consistent service as the operator behind one of Peru’s primary rail connections to Machu Picchu.
Inca Rail Company Profile: Key Facts and Overview
Here you’ll find the key facts about Inca Rail S.A., including its history, operations, and structure.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | Inca Rail S.A. |
| Year Founded | 2006 |
| Start of Commercial Operations | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Lima, Peru |
| Main Route | Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu |
| Operational Presence | Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| Service Type | Passenger train services and tourism transport |
| Core Function | Railway operator providing scheduled passenger access to Machu Picchu |
| Train Services | The Voyager, The 360°, The Prime, The First Class, and The Private |
| Travel Experience Types | Economy, premium, luxury, and private rail journeys |
| Service Frequency | Up to 14 daily frequencies |
| Role in Region | Connects the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu access point | Fleet | 21 narrow-gauge railcars (914 mm gauge) |
A Brief Company Story: How Inca Rail Began and Evolved
Inca Rail’s story begins with a simple but ambitious idea: to offer a Peruvian-operated rail service on one of the most iconic journeys in the world. In 2006, the company was founded as part of a broader effort to participate directly in the growing tourism route to Machu Picchu, a destination that experienced a significant increase in global demand after being named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
When Inca Rail launched its first commercial services in September 2009, the route between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu was already well known, but the experience of traveling it was still limited in options. The company entered with a focus on building consistent rail operations and developing a range of service experiences for travelers along the route, not just the journey itself.
Over time, the brand expanded beyond its early beginnings. A key milestone came in 2013 with the integration of Andean Railways, which helped strengthen operations and expand capacity along the route. In the years that followed, Inca Rail invested in its infrastructure near Ollantaytambo, establishing its operations and maintenance base to support daily departures.
As demand for Machu Picchu train services continued to grow, the company introduced new onboard experiences designed for different types of travelers—from practical daily services to more immersive panoramic and luxury journeys. Each step reflected a gradual shift: from simply operating trains to shaping how people experience travel through the Sacred Valley.
Today, Inca Rail is recognized as one of the main operators on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu railway, operating alongside PeruRail within Peru’s regulated rail system, offering a range of train services that connect travelers to Machu Picchu Pueblo while highlighting the landscapes, culture, and rhythm of the Andes along the way.
What We Do at Inca Rail: Operating Rail Services
Inca Rail operates passenger train services that connect the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu Pueblo along the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu railway route. Our role is to provide a reliable travel connection for visitors reaching Machu Picchu, while offering different onboard experiences that match a range of travel preferences.
Where We Operate: Our Presence Across Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu
Inca Rail operates along the southern Peruvian tourism corridor that connects Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Pueblo. This region is at the center of Peru’s rail-based tourism network, where most travelers begin their journey toward Machu Picchu through a combination of road and rail transport.
Lima: Corporate and Administrative Headquarters
Lima serves as Inca Rail’s corporate headquarters, supporting the company’s administrative, commercial, and strategic functions while coordinating operations across locations in southern Peru.
Cusco: Commercial and Travel Coordination Hub
Cusco serves as a key commercial point for Inca Rail, where travel coordination and passenger support services are managed. It is also the main starting point for travelers using the Bimodal Service, which combines bus transportation from Cusco with train service from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo Operations Base
Inca Rail’s primary operational base is located near Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. This is where train maintenance and daily operational preparation take place, supporting scheduled departures along the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu Pueblo route.
This location is central to the company’s rail operations and ensures continuity of service along the corridor.
Machu Picchu Pueblo: Arrival Point and Passenger Services
Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes) is the final destination of Inca Rail’s train services. It is the primary arrival point for passengers traveling to Machu Picchu and serves as the operational endpoint of the railway journey.
Inca Rail provides passenger coordination and service support in this location as part of the overall travel experience to Machu Picchu.
The Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu Corridor
Connecting all of these locations is the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu railway corridor, which runs through the Sacred Valley and follows the route toward Machu Picchu Pueblo. This corridor forms the core of Inca Rail’s operations and defines our entire geographic footprint in Peru.
Inca Rail: Operations and Scale in Numbers
The following highlights provide an overview of Inca Rail’s operational presence and service delivery.
Explore More About Inca Rail
To better understand Inca Rail as a company, you can explore our core pages. Each section provides a deeper view of who we are, how we operate, and how we contribute to Peru’s tourism and rail transport system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inca Rail Peruvian?
Yes. Inca Rail S.A. is a Peruvian railway operator founded in 2006 and headquartered in Lima, Peru. Since beginning commercial operations in September 2009, Inca Rail has operated passenger train services on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route, connecting travelers with Machu Picchu Pueblo.
What services does Inca Rail offer?
Inca Rail operates five passenger train services to Machu Picchu Pueblo: The Voyager, The 360°, The Prime, The First Class, and The Private. The company also operates The Bimodal Service, which combines bus transportation from Cusco with train service from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.
Where does the Inca Rail journey start?
Most Inca Rail train journeys begin at Ollantaytambo Station in the Sacred Valley. Travelers coming from Cusco can also use The Bimodal Service, which includes bus transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo followed by a train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Are Inca Rail trains comfortable for tourists?
Yes. Inca Rail trains are designed for tourist travel to Machu Picchu, with different onboard service categories ranging from practical to luxury experiences. Depending on the service selected, travelers may find panoramic windows, lounge seating, onboard refreshments, open-air observation areas, live music, and premium dining experiences.
How far in advance should I book Inca Rail tickets?
We recommend booking Inca Rail tickets as early as possible, especially during the high travel season between May and September. Train tickets to Machu Picchu can sell out weeks in advance due to limited rail capacity on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route.
What should I expect on an Inca Rail journey?
An Inca Rail journey combines rail travel through the Sacred Valley with views of the Andes, river valleys, and cloud forest landscapes on the route to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Depending on the train service selected, you can expect onboard seating, panoramic viewing areas, refreshments, entertainment, and different levels of onboard comfort and service throughout the journey.
Inca Rail: Trusted Rail Operations on the Machu Picchu Route Since 2009
Magic is on the roadSince 2009, Inca Rail has operated scheduled passenger train services on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route, forming part of the regulated railway corridor that connects the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu Pueblo. For travelers, this is the main rail access route to Machu Picchu, where train services are the primary way to reach the destination after arriving in the region.
Learn more about traveling with Inca Rail