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About Inca Rail: The People and Operations Behind Peru’s Rail Service to Machu Picchu
Inca Rail’s story is ultimately shaped by the people who operate the railway every day. Since 2009, teams across operations, maintenance, stations, onboard service, and planning have worked to keep the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route running within one of Peru’s most demanding tourism corridors, where geography, weather, and high visitor volumes require constant coordination.
Behind each departure is a system that depends on precision and collaboration. Engineering, logistics, customer service, and leadership functions operate as a connected structure, ensuring that trains move safely and consistently along a corridor that is both tightly regulated and operationally complex. The focus is less on visibility and more on continuity—keeping the network functioning day after day.
Over time, this operational reality has defined Inca Rail as much as its presence on the route itself. The company’s identity is closely tied to the teams that sustain it, from field operations and technical maintenance to commercial and service roles, all working within a shared responsibility: maintaining reliable rail access between the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Our Origin Story: How It All Began at Inca Rail
Inca Rail was established in 2006 and began commercial operations in 2009 as part of an effort to develop a Peruvian-operated passenger rail service on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route. Inca Rail's early years were shaped by the challenge of entering a highly regulated and geographically complex corridor with growing tourism demand. From initial operations onward, the company’s development has been defined by a series of structural and operational milestones that expanded its infrastructure, fleet capacity, and service portfolio over time.
2006–2009: Foundation and First Operations
Inca Rail was established in 2006 to develop a passenger rail service connecting the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu. After a period of preparation and organizational development, the company began commercial operations in 2009, marking its entry into Peru’s passenger rail sector.
2013: Operational Expansion
Inca Rail expanded its operational capacity in 2013 through the integration of Andean Railways, strengthening its presence on the route and supporting the development of its fleet and service structure.
2015–2016: Development of Operational Infrastructure
Between 2015 and 2016, the Huayrajpunku Operations and Maintenance Yard was established near Ollantaytambo, becoming a central facility for rail maintenance, operations coordination, and long-term service support.
2018: Service Portfolio Expansion
In 2018, Inca Rail introduced the panoramic 360° train service, expanding its onboard portfolio with a panoramic rail experience designed to enhance visibility and the overall passenger journey experience.
Our Ownership Journey: Growth Through Different Phases
Inca Rail’s ownership history reflects its evolution as a company within Peru’s passenger rail sector. Over time, different ownership phases have supported the development of its operations, infrastructure, and long-term presence on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route.
2006–2016: Founding Phase under Grupo Crosland
Inca Rail was established and developed under Grupo Crosland, beginning operations in 2009. This period focused on building the company’s initial presence on the route and establishing its core operational foundations.
2016–2026: Carlyle Peru Fund Ownership Phase
From 2016 to 2026, Inca Rail operated under Carlyle Peru Fund. During this period, the company expanded its service offering and strengthened its operational structure while adapting to significant changes in the tourism sector.
2026–Present: RBB Andes Holdings Phase
Since 2026, Inca Rail has been under the ownership of RBB Andes Holdings Limited. This phase continues to focus on operational continuity and the long-term development of rail services within Peru’s tourism transport network.
The Leadership Behind Inca Rail’s Operations
Inca Rail is led by a senior management team with experience across railway operations, tourism services, commercial development, and corporate governance. The leadership structure is designed to support day-to-day operational reliability while ensuring long-term continuity of service on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route.
Armando Pareja — Chief Executive Officer
Armando Pareja is an engineer with over 20 years of experience in the Peruvian railway sector. Before joining Inca Rail, he held senior operational roles within the country’s rail industry, including General Manager at PeruRail. His background spans operational management ... , financial oversight, and service coordination within regulated passenger rail systems. As CEO, he oversees Inca Rail’s overall operations, safety performance, and strategic direction.
Executive Team
Inca Rail’s executive team brings together specialists in finance, operations, commercial strategy, legal affairs, and sales. Together, they coordinate the systems that support rail operations across Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, ... and Machu Picchu Pueblo, ensuring alignment between infrastructure, service delivery, and commercial activity.
Our Mission and Values: Guiding Principles Behind Our Operations
Inca Rail’s mission and values define how we approach our daily operations, long-term development, and responsibility within Peru’s passenger rail sector.
Our purpose is to share the magic of Peru through unique and transcendent experiences. Our vision is to be the benchmark in providing comprehensive solutions to tourists traveling to the Inca Empire, delighting them through unique and transcendent experiences and an excellent railway operation. Our values guide how we work every day:
- Understand and Help — We are part of an empathetic culture that cares about understanding people and is always willing to lend a hand.
- Safety First — We prioritize safety awareness, compliance with protocols, and collective responsibility to ensure safe operations for everyone.
- Own the Change — We continuously seek improvement, embrace innovation, and turn ideas into action.
- Never Stop Learning — We maintain a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Be Authentic — We foster a genuine, inclusive environment where people can be themselves without judgment.
Our Impact on Peru’s Tourism Ecosystem
Inca Rail operates passenger train services on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route, forming part of the transport system that connects travelers with Machu Picchu Pueblo and the surrounding Sacred Valley. This route is a key corridor within Peru’s tourism infrastructure, where rail transport plays a central role in managing daily visitor access.
Discover More About Inca Rail
To discover more about Inca Rail, you can explore the main sections of our corporate site. Each page offers a different perspective on how our organization is structured, how we operate, and how we participate in Peru’s tourism and rail network.
Our Company Story, Operations, and Presence
Learn more about Inca Rail’s corporate journey, what we do as a railway operator, and where we operate across the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route and surrounding regions.
See Must-Know Info about Our Company
How We Operate Responsibly
Learn more about the principles guiding our operations, including safety practices, environmental responsibility, and our engagement with local communities across the regions where we operate.
Learn About Our OperationsMachu Picchu Train Tickets and Scenic Rail Journeys
Inca Rail has received recognition from international travel platforms and tourism institutions that reflect its role within Peru’s passenger rail sector.
View Press & Awards DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
How did Inca Rail begin?
Inca Rail began as a railway project aimed at entering Peru’s passenger rail sector on the route to Machu Picchu. After its establishment in 2006, the company went through a development period before launching its first commercial train services in 2009 on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu corridor.
Who is the CEO of Inca Rail?
The CEO of Inca Rail is Armando Pareja, an engineer with more than 20 years of experience in Peru’s railway industry. His background includes senior operational and management roles within the sector, giving him direct experience in railway operations, planning, and service delivery in regulated transport environments.
How is Inca Rail structured operationally?
Inca Rail is organized around key operational areas that include rail operations, maintenance, station management, customer service, and commercial functions. These teams work together across different locations in Peru, including Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu Pueblo, to support daily train operations.
Why is the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route important?
The Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route is the only rail corridor that directly serves Machu Picchu Pueblo for passenger train services. It is a key part of Peru’s tourism infrastructure, connecting travelers from the Sacred Valley to the final access point for Machu Picchu.
How does Inca Rail fit into Peru’s tourism sector?
Inca Rail operates as part of Peru’s tourism transport system, providing rail connectivity that supports visitor access to Machu Picchu. Our operations form part of a broader ecosystem that includes transport providers, tourism operators, and local stakeholders within the Sacred Valley region.
Is Inca Rail only a tourism company?
While Inca Rail operates within the tourism transport sector, our core function is railway operations. This includes managing passenger train services, coordinating logistics, and maintaining infrastructure support systems required for safe and consistent rail operations.
What makes Inca Rail different from other Machu Picchu train operators?
Inca Rail is an independent passenger rail operator on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route, operating within Peru’s regulated railway system alongside other providers on the same corridor. We differ in our internal operational structure, with dedicated teams managing train operations, maintenance, and passenger services as part of a single coordinated system developed through long-term activity on the route since 2009.
Inca Rail: Where People and Operations Come Together Magic is on the road
What defines our work is not only the route itself, but the people behind it. Our teams across operations, maintenance, stations, and onboard service work together to keep daily train services running within a highly regulated and shared railway environment. Each part of the system depends on coordination between people on the ground and the operational structure that supports them.
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