Train travel in Peru is possible mainly near Machupicchu. There are tourist trains operated by Inca Rail, Perurail and luxury train launched by Belmond Explorer. Recently world-famous tourist train from Lima to Huancayo has been reinstated but it runs only a few times a year. A private railway network connecting mines at Toquepala and Cuajone is used for freight transport only. Lima has “metro” – metropolitan railway and miniature railway in the Parque de la Amistad. There are plans to build a new railway line between Lima and Ica (323 km).
Last updated: 14.03.2024
The first railway line in Peru was put into operation in 1851. The 14-kilometer line connected Lima and Callao. Since then, several unconnected railway networks of various rail gauge have been built throughout the country.
Railway map of Peru (Wikipedia)
Train travel in Peru – Perurail
Perurail is a railway operator providing tourist, freight, and charter services in southern Peru, founded in 1999. PeruRail’s routes are divided into two sections:
The line between Cusco and Machu Picchu – a narrow gauge line (914 mm)
The line from port of Matarani to Puno and Cusco – a standard gauge network (Ferrocarril del Sur)
PeruRail currently operates passenger services on the following routes:
Cusco – Machu Picchu
Urubamba – Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
Cusco – Puno
The trains are composed of modernized carriages with panoramic windows and passengers can admire the beautiful views along the way. Passengers can purchase local delicacies, and during the return journey there is a local Andean dance show. Tickets are expensive but the trains are very popular among tourists
Cusco Poroy station, from which trains to Machu Picchu depart, is located approximately 13 kilometers from the city. You can get there by taxi.
Perurail – official website
Trains in Peru – Inca Rail
Inca Rail is another Peruvian railway carrier operating tourist trains on routes to Machu Picchu. Trains run from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and back (3 trips a day). Diesel multiple units is usually composed of modernized Tourist and Executive class carriages. From May to October, First Class carriages also run, and on special request, a “presidential carriage” is attached to the train. The journey between stations takes approximately 80 minutes.
Inca Rail – official website
Train travel in Peru – Lima – Huancayo
Several times a year Ferrocarril Central Andino runs Lima – Huancayo trains The line from Lima to Huancayo a scenic line that for many years was the highest railway line in the world. Trains depart from Desamparados Station in Lima. The journey starts early in the morning and takes eleven hours. In addition to the day train, there is a night train that also runs occasionally. However, a day train ride is recommended for the stunning views.
Trains are hauled by a diesel locomotive and composed of coaches with panoramic windows and carriage divided into a lounge and an observation terrace.
Ferrocarril Central Andino – official website. Schedule, online shop.
Trains in Peru – Belmond luxury trains
In May 2017, Belmond launched the Belmond Andean Explorer luxury train, advertised as the first luxury hotel train in South America (in fact it had been running for many years as a Perurail train)
This train, like other luxury trains, is intended for wealthy travelers, and trips last several days with overnight stay on the train and a rich accompanying program.
The train consists of sixteen carriages, able to accommodate a total of 48 passengers. The cars also include a spa car, lounge car, bar car, two restaurant cars and an observation car at the end of the train.
There are currently four trips on offer:
Spirit of The Andes (Puno – Cusco) – 1 night
Spirit of The Water (Cusco – Puno) – 1 night
Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery – 2 nights (Arequipa – Puno – Cusco)
Peruvian Highlands – 2 nights (Cusco – Puno – Arequipa)
There are four types of double sleeping compartments equipped with toilet and shower. The interiors of the compartments and the train refer to traditional Peruvian handicrafts.
Belmond operates also The Hiram Bingham luxury train – in fact, both trains are operated by Perurail in cooperation with Belmond.
The Hiram Bingham train has been running since 2003. The train composed of refurbished retro carriages and, despite high prices, it is very popular. At the time of writing the article, three longer trips around Peru were available on the Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu route, but in fact part of the route is covered by plane and bus.
Belmond Andean Explorer – official website
Lima metro
Lima has its own rapid transit system named Lima metro or Tren Electrico. Currently, there are two metro lines in the capital of Peru.
Linea 1 was opened for full revenue service in 2014. Total length of the line is 34.6 km. The line was built on elevated viaduct with 26 stations and crosses several districts. Trains run from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every fifteen to twenty minutes.
Linea 2 was inaugurated on 21 December 2023. The line is underground and has five stations with a total length of 5 km. Journey time from the Evitamiento station to the Mercado Santa Anita station is less than seven minutes. Linea 2 is a fully automated metro system. There are planned extensions east to Municipalidad de Ate and west to Puerto del Callao would take Line 2 to 27 km.
There are four additional lines planned for the network.
Linea 1 – official website
Train travel in Peru – Huancayo – Huancavelica railway
There are also regional trains on the Huancayo – Huancavelica route. The single-track railway line is a 128.7 km long and non-electrified railway line. The line is managed by the Peruvian Ministry of Transport and Communications. It is a scenic route with authentic regional trains for locals and tourists. The train passes through 37 tunnels and 15 bridges. If you can feel real atmosphere of Peru, try to catch the train. It is a very difficult. I can’t find the timetable and you need to ask on discussion groups before your trip to Peru.
Probably train composed of carriages run three times a week and on the remaining four days passengers are transported by railbuses. I can not verify it.
Park railway in Parque de la Amistad
In Santiago de Sucro, in the metropolitan area of Lima, there is a narrow-gauge railway in Parque de la Amistad. It is a typical park railway, composed of a steam locomotive from 1926 and three carriages. According to various sources, the train route is between 550 meters and one kilometer long. The narrow gauge railways has a wooden railway station stylized after historic railway stations from mountain regions. No additional information available.
Related articles:
Railways in Americas by country
