WHY IT RATES: Machu Picchu is one of the world's most popular historical travel destinations, and travel agents have a new way to help clients see the ancient site..-Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
Travelers and explorers venturing to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu will have a greater choice of train travel available to them from this week following the inauguration of a new service by Inca Rail, the 360° Machu Picchu Train, which began operations on March 1.
The 360° Machu Picchu Train is Peru's most scenic train, offering dome-like high visibility panoramic windows with built-in UV protection.
A tourist service for the modern-day explorer looking for an authentic journey to the Lost Citadel, the 360° Machu Picchu Train's windows have been custom-designed to give passengers the best possible views, allowing them to fully appreciate the soaring Andes mountain range above them as they journey to and from Machu Picchu. Unlike most existing services on the route, the carriages of the 360° Machu Picchu Train will be fully inter-connecting, freeing passengers to move between carriages to an open-air observation area at the center of the train, from which they can step out and breathe in the crisp mountain air and take photos of the dramatic landscape.
The 360° Machu Picchu Train will also have all the connectivity that modern travelers demand, including USB ports at each seat for charging smartphones and other devices. By summer 2018, passengers will be able to download a GPS activated app at the start of their journey, which will give information on the culture, history, and countryside passing by the windows. An onboard trolley service will be enhanced with local offerings, with a light snack or light lunch offered during the journey that will change with the seasons and reflect the regions through which the train passes. Organic juices pressed from fruit and vegetables grown in the Sacred Valley will enhance the gastronomic experience.
Custom-designed by Inca Rail, the 360° Machu Picchu Train service will consist of two sets of three new carriages, carrying up to 248 passengers a day on two routes between Poroy and Machu Picchu, and between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. The 360° Machu Picchu Train is bookable on www.incarail.com and is priced from $78 (from GBP 56) per person one way during the low season, rising according to seasons.
The launch of the 360° Machu Picchu Train follows the recent complete upgrade of Inca Rail's premium level First Class fleet. As part of this project, new carriages were introduced to a new custom design layout, increasing passenger comfort and doubling capacity. Operating four times a day, the First Class train seats up to 60 passengers in two dining carriages, between which is a luxurious bar car offering live music, refreshments, and an outdoor observation balcony.
Passengers dine at tables with comfortable leather chairs and enjoy a gourmet menu prepared using Andean ingredients including trout, quinoa, potato and gold berry, accompanied by a selection of South American wines. Included in the cost of the First-Class train is the use of a new VIP waiting lounge at Ollantaytambo station, with refreshments, live music, and luggage storage facilities.
The First-Class service operates a once a day round trip between Poroy, the station for departures from Cusco, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, and once a day round trip between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Inca Rail also operates the Voyager service between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu departing five times a day from each location.
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