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PortugueseSafety & Sustainability at Inca Rail: How We Operate Responsibly
Safety and sustainability are part of the operational responsibilities involved in running passenger rail services. At Inca Rail, these responsibilities include complying with Peru’s railway regulations, supporting environmental initiatives connected to the regions where we operate, and maintaining operational practices designed to support the daily movement of passengers along the corridor.
Our operations take place within a regulated railway environment involving multiple public and private entities responsible for transport oversight, infrastructure management, tourism activity, and protected natural areas surrounding the route. Within this system, safety and operational coordination remain central to how rail services are planned and delivered each day.
Alongside operational responsibilities, our work also includes participation in environmental and community-focused initiatives connected to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu region. These efforts include local environmental programs, educational activities, and participation in broader sustainability initiatives involving public and private stakeholders across the tourism sector.
Our Operational Safety Framework
Inca Rail operates within this framework alongside the standards and operational requirements established for passenger rail services in Peru.
Our Operational Transparency and Responsibility
Passenger rail operations involve continuous coordination across infrastructure, weather conditions, scheduling systems, and active railway environments. Within this context, operational incidents can occur, and responsible railway operations require transparency, cooperation, and established response procedures when they do.
At Inca Rail, operational matters are addressed within the regulatory and oversight frameworks that govern passenger rail operations in Peru. This includes coordination with the corresponding authorities, internal operational review processes, and continued evaluation of operational procedures connected to passenger rail services on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu corridor.
Passenger safety remains a core part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities carried across maintenance, onboard operations, station coordination, and service planning. Our approach is grounded in operational accountability, regulatory compliance, and continuous coordination across the railway environment in which we operate.
Our Environmental and Cultural Commitments
Our environmental commitments focus on practical actions carried out in the regions where we operate, particularly along the Sacred Valley and the Machu Picchu corridor.
Urubamba River Conservation Efforts
We participate in semi-annual cleanup activities along approximately 10 kilometers of the Urubamba River. These efforts are carried out with local partners and community involvement, supporting ongoing efforts to maintain and care for the surrounding natural environment.
Participation in the Machu Picchu Carbon Neutral Program
Inca Rail participates as an ally in the Machu Picchu Carbon Neutral Program, a destination-level initiative led by multiple stakeholders and certified through Green Initiative. The carbon neutrality certification applies to the Machu Picchu destination as a whole, with Inca Rail contributing as part of the broader group of participating operators.
Cultural Preservation and Local Engagement
Alongside environmental initiatives, we support cultural preservation efforts within the Sacred Valley region. These include activities that help maintain local traditions and strengthen connections with communities in the areas where we operate.
Our Sustainability Approach and Environmental Impact
Inca Rail is continuing to strengthen how we measure and report our environmental, social, and operational performance. As part of this effort, we have begun aligning our sustainability practices with internationally recognized reporting standards to support greater transparency and continuous improvement across our operations.
Our Community Engagement and Local Partnerships
Our community engagement efforts focus on maintaining ongoing relationships with local institutions and communities across the Sacred Valley and surrounding areas where we operate.
Educational Support and Book Donations
We have carried out book donation initiatives with educational institutions in local communities, including schools in the Sacred Valley region. These contributions are intended to support access to learning materials and encourage reading among children in nearby areas.
Environmental Education with Local Students
We participate in environmental education activities with children in local communities, helping raise awareness of conservation, sustainability, and the importance of protecting the natural environment surrounding the railway corridor.
Collaboration with Local Communities
Our operations involve ongoing coordination with local communities in areas where the railway passes and operates. These relationships support communication, operational alignment, and participation in initiatives linked to environmental and community priorities.
Certifications and External Recognition Received by Inca Rail
Inca Rail has received certifications and recognitions from independent organizations and industry platforms that evaluate service quality and customer experience.
- CALTUR Gold Level Certification (MINCETUR, 2025) — awarded under Peru’s official tourism quality standards system for tourism service providers.
- TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards (2020, 2023) — based on consistent traveler reviews and ratings on the TripAdvisor platform.
Our Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding Commitments
Inca Rail maintains internal commitments related to diversity, inclusion, and child protection as part of our workplace policies and operational standards. These include alignment with ESNNA prevention principles, internal channels for reporting workplace conduct, and ongoing efforts to support an inclusive working environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inca Rail safe?
Inca Rail operates passenger train services within Peru’s regulated railway corridor on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route. Safety is managed through daily operational controls across maintenance, station coordination, and onboard procedures, all within the national transport regulatory framework that governs rail operations in Peru.
What safety standards does Inca Rail follow?
Inca Rail operates under Peru’s railway regulatory system and applicable national railway safety and operational requirements for passenger rail services. The company also follows national operational requirements for passenger rail services and implements internal safety and maintenance procedures aligned with industry practices for narrow-gauge rail operations.
How does Inca Rail reduce environmental impact?
Inca Rail’s environmental approach includes participation in conservation activities, waste reduction efforts in operational areas, and collaboration in destination-level sustainability programs within the Machu Picchu region.
How does Inca Rail ensure safety on the railway route?
Safety on the route is managed through coordination with railway infrastructure authorities, scheduled maintenance procedures, and operational planning that considers weather conditions, terrain, and daily rail traffic on the corridor.
Does Inca Rail have emergency procedures on board?
Yes. Inca Rail trains operate with defined emergency procedures and trained personnel on board to respond to operational situations. These procedures are part of standard railway safety practices applied across passenger services.
Does Inca Rail have a sustainability or ESG report?
Yes. At Inca Rail, we are continuing to improve how we measure and report our environmental, social, and operational performance. This helps us better understand our impact and guide future sustainability efforts.
Does Inca Rail measure its own carbon footprint?
Yes. In addition to participating in destination-wide sustainability initiatives such as the Machu Picchu Carbon Neutral Program, Inca Rail has also measured emissions generated by its own operations. In 2024, we completed our first Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Report, establishing a baseline to help guide future efforts focused on energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
Travel with Confidence on the Machu Picchu Route with Inca Rail
Magic is on the roadOperating on the Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu route takes place within a shared railway corridor where multiple operators, infrastructure systems, and local environments intersect. At Inca Rail, this requires structured coordination across scheduling, maintenance, and station operations to keep services aligned within a continuously active rail network.
Learn More About Inca Rail