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The Private Machu Picchu Train: A Fully Customizable and Exclusive Journey Defined by Luxury and Privacy
Experience Machu Picchu like never before aboard your own private carriage—an exclusive journey designed entirely around you. The Private is Inca Rail’s most personalized train experience, crafted to adapt to your preferences, your rhythm, and the kind of moments you wish to create.
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Why choose The Private train?
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Priority boarding and VIP transfer -
Live Andean music -
Open-air balcony -
Gourmet cuisine -
Private lounge & bar car -
Personalized experience
Getting to Know The Private: A Personalized Journey to Machu Picchu
The Private is Inca Rail’s most exclusive train experience to Machu Picchu. It offers travelers complete privacy, flexibility, and [SR1] the freedom to design a journey entirely on your terms. Reserved exclusively for you and your guests, this private carriage creates a space where every moment is yours to enjoy, at your own pace and in your own way.
Onboard Experience: What Traveling on The Private Feels Like
Traveling on The Private is designed to feel calm, personal, and completely uninterrupted. With the carriage reserved exclusively for you and your companions, the journey becomes a private space where you can disconnect from schedules, crowds, and distractions while traveling through the Andes.
Exclusive privacy:
Travel in a carriage reserved entirely for you and your companions for a more personal and uninterrupted experience
Relaxed onboard atmosphere:
Enjoy a calm and flexible environment designed for comfort, freedom, and traveling at your own pace.
Scenic Andean views:
Wide windows and open spaces keep the landscapes of the Andes connected to every moment of the journey.
Meaningful shared moments:
Spend quality time with your group in an intimate setting created for conversation, relaxation, and connection.
The Private transforms the journey to Machu Picchu into a peaceful and personalized experience where privacy, comfort, and freedom define every moment onboard.
Why Choose The Private: The Exclusive Train Journey That Puts You in Charge
The Private by Inca Rail is more than an upgraded seat or added perks. It’s a train journey designed from the ground up for travelers who want full privacy, control, and a quieter experience on their way to Machu Picchu. While the route is the same as other trains, the way you travel—and how it feels from beginning to end— is entirely different.
Here’s what sets this experience apart, and why many travelers choose it when they’re looking for something more intentional than luxury alone.
Full Access to a Private Lounge and Bar Car
Unlike other services with one seat per passenger, The Private gives you space to move and unwind. You have a full lounge and bar carriage that’s completely reserved for your group. There are no strangers, no shared areas—just space that’s fully yours. You can sit together, spread out, walk around, or enjoy a quiet drink in a setting that feels more like a private cabin than public transport.
This isn’t upgraded seating in a larger train. It’s your own exclusive carriage, attended by a dedicated staff focused solely on you.
An Open-Air Balcony You Won’t Find Elsewhere
Large windows are standard in premium trains, but The Private goes further. It includes a full open-air balcony, exclusive to your group, where you can step outside as the train moves through the Sacred Valley. There’s nothing between you and the scenery—just fresh air, the Urubamba river, and the mountains rising all around you.
It’s the only train on this route that offers this kind of outdoor access.
A 4-Course Gourmet Menu Served Your Way
Unlike standard onboard dining, The Private offers a four-course gourmet experience, freshly prepared and served entirely at your pace. Crafted with locally sourced ingredients and paired with carefully selected wines or cocktails, every meal is designed to be savored without schedules or interruptions.
More than onboard dining, it is a private culinary experience on rails, elevated, intimate, and tailored to you.
Live Music That Stays Personal and Unintrusive
As you travel, onboard musicians present a live musical show inspired by traditional Andean culture. The experience begins with a musical welcome during boarding, featuring regional instruments such as the charango and cajón, and continues throughout the journey with vocals, guitar, percussion, and curated backing tracks. The performance is designed to create a warm, immersive atmosphere that complements the scenery and enhances the travel experience.
Personalized Setup and Flow for Your Group
Unlike shared train services with fixed schedules, The Private is designed around your preferences. From dining and seating to the pace and atmosphere of the journey, every detail adapts to how you want to travel. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a quiet escape, the experience moves on your terms—not the other way around.
A Private Guide Waiting Just for You at Machu Picchu
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your experience continues with a private guided tour of Machu Picchu—no groups, no fixed itineraries, and no crowds to follow. Led at your own pace, the visit is tailored to your interests, allowing you to explore the history and significance of the citadel in a more personal and meaningful way.
Included in the All-Inclusive fare, it offers the freedom to experience Machu Picchu entirely on your terms.
Priority Boarding and VIP Transfer Options
Boarding is fast and private, with no waiting in lines or navigating crowds. If you’re traveling from Cusco, The Private can also include a direct VIP vehicle transfer to the train station through the bimodal route. This seamless, door-to-door service removes the need for any extra coordination.
It’s built to make sure your travel day is smooth from the very beginning.
Ultimately, if you value space, calm, and a journey that doesn’t depend on anyone else’s schedule, The Private is the only option that offers it. You’re not buying a more expensive seat—you’re choosing a fully independent travel experience from start to finish.
Route & Destinations: A Closer Look at the Journey
The Private is more than a train ride to Machu Picchu, it is a carefully curated journey through some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. What makes it truly exceptional is not only the destination, but the way every moment is defined by privacy, comfort, and personalized service from start to finish. Here’s how the experience unfolds, depending on where your journey begins.
Starting from the Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo Station
Most travelers begin their journey aboard The Private in Ollantaytambo, in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Whether arriving from Cusco or staying nearby, the journey to the station offers a gradual immersion into Peru’s Andean landscapes and rich Inca heritage.
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If You're Coming from Cusco: Bimodal Service
Travelers beginning their journey in Cusco can book the bimodal option. This combines a private vehicle transfer to Ollantaytambo with the exclusive train ride onward to Machu Picchu.
Book nowTravel Tips for Your Machu Picchu Experience
With The Private, every detail of your journey is arranged in advance through personalized coordination, allowing you to arrive at Machu Picchu. This level of planning makes it easier to focus on the experience itself—taking in the site at your own pace while making the most of your visit.
Coordinate Your Entry Time in Advance
Your visit to Machu Picchu is tied to a specific entry slot. When arranging your journey with the sales team, it’s worth considering which time of day best suits your preferences—whether that’s a quieter early visit or clearer afternoon views. Planning this ahead ensures a smooth transition from train to site.
Select the Circuit That Matches Your Interests
Machu Picchu is explored through designated circuits, each offering a different perspective of the citadel. Since your journey is fully coordinated you can align [SR2] your chosen route with your interests—whether that’s scenic views or a closer look at the main structures.
Pack with Purpose for the Visit
As your itinerary is arranged ahead of time, you’ll have a clear sense of what to bring. Light layers, comfortable footwear, sun protection, and water will help you stay comfortable as you explore the site.
Move at a Comfortable Pace
With logistics handled in advance, you can focus on experiencing Machu Picchu without feeling rushed. Take time to walk the paths, pause at viewpoints, and fully absorb the surroundings.
Follow Site Guidelines
Machu Picchu is a protected heritage site with established visitor regulations. Respecting marked paths and time guidelines ensures a smooth and respectful visit for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you travel on The Private, it's worth knowing a few key details. Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help you feel informed and fully prepared for the journey.
How do I book tickets for The Private train service?
Booking your journey on The Private is arranged through Inca Rail’s sales representatives via WhatsApp. Simply contact our team to select your preferred travel date, departure station, and train type. They will assist you in securing the All-Inclusive fare, which offers a seamless experience that includes a private guide, bus transportation, and entrance to Machu Picchu.
How far in advance should I book to secure my preferred date?
Because The Private is a highly exclusive service, it’s best to reserve your spot at least 2 to 3 months ahead of time—particularly during high season. [SR3] Planning in advance not only secures your place but also gives you greater flexibility when choosing your preferred travel date and time.
What is included in the 4-course gourmet menu?
The Private’s 4-course gourmet menu highlights carefully chosen local ingredients, paired expertly with premium wines and signature pisco cocktails. Every dish is designed to showcase the vibrant culinary heritage of the area, offering a dining experience that perfectly enhances your journey.
What type of drinks are available in the Private Lounge/Bar Car?
The Private Lounge/Bar Car offers a curated selection of beverages, including signature cocktails, fine wines, and traditional pisco-based drinks. Whether you're enjoying a quiet moment or toasting with your group, the elegant bar car is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the passing scenery.
Can I reserve The Private for a one-way trip only?
Yes, The Private can be reserved for a one-way trip, allowing flexibility in your travel plans. Whether you’re planning a full round-trip or just one leg of the journey, Inca Rail adapts the experience to fit your itinerary.
What should I bring to make the most of The Private experience?
To make the most of your time on The Private, be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to preserve the stunning views along the route. A lightweight jacket is recommended to stay comfortable as temperatures can change throughout the trip. Don’t forget to pack any essentials you might need during the journey. Additionally, keeping your passport and Machu Picchu entrance tickets within easy reach will help ensure a hassle-free transition between transfers and entry points.
How much luggage am I allowed to bring on the train?
Passengers may bring one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 8 kg (17 lb). To ensure a comfortable journey, we recommend packing only the essentials needed for your visit to Machu Picchu, as larger suitcases are not permitted on board. Additional luggage can usually be stored at your hotel before departure.
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Why Choose Inca Rail: Trusted Travel to Machu Picchu
Magic is on the roadWhen it comes to experiencing Machu Picchu, Inca Rail’s The Private offers something truly rare: a journey that feels entirely your own. Every element—from the exclusive carriage to the personalized service—is designed to give you complete privacy and comfort. You’re not simply getting from one place to another; you’re traveling in a space created around your rhythm, your preferences, and your group alone.
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