Is It Worth Choosing The Vistadome Observatory Train To Machu Picchu?
With so many different trains heading to Machu Picchu from Cusco, is it worth choosing the Vistadome Observatory Train?
From high luxury trains like the Hiram Bingham to the more affordable Voyager and Vistadome carriages, it can often be hard to make the right choice of train for your trip to the wonder that is Machu Picchu. However the Vistadome Observatory is a special breed of its own that mixes incredible open views and won’t break the budget – and as such is a great option to consider.
In this article we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Vistadome Observatory Train, and why we really recommend it for one or both legs of your trip to Machu Picchu. We’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions below in our FAQ section.
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What Are The Perks Of The Vistadome Observatory Train?
The biggest flex of riding the Vistadome Observatory Train is that you will have epic 360° views of the surrounding Andes as you make your way to Machu Picchu. This means it’s possible to look out from every angle, and watch how the incredible landscapes dramatically change from rough Andean peaks to more green forest and vegetation as we ride into lower altitudes (which is similar as if you were hiking the Inca Trail – albeit in a shorter and more limited train ride).
The other major benefit, is that unlike other premium trains which offer extra perks (like the Hiram Bingham Train and Presidential Train), the Vistadome Observatory Train costs just a fraction of the price. It also includes live entertainment shows and folklore dances, as well as a meal service too for those who pick up an appetite along the way.
What Is The Difference Between Vistadome And Vistadome Observatory?
The Vistadome Train is PeruRail’s introductory service and fleet of all of their train options that head to Machu Picchu. While it has comfortable seating, tables and a basic meal choice, it’s definitely more limited when compared with the Vistadome Observatory – which has large panel windows at all angles (the Vistadome only has standard size windows on the walls and roofs.
The other big difference is the price. For a one-way journey, the Vistadome Observatory costs between $120-150 – which can vary depending on which season you travel. The standard Vistadome Train costs less between $70-90. Overall there is a clear difference between the two, however both are still much cheaper than options like the Hiram Bingham (which can cost over $500-1000 for a one-way journey).
Frequently Asked Questions About The Vistadome Observatory Train
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the Vistadome Observatory Train, as well as anything else important that you need to know.
How Long Is The Vistadome Train To Machu Picchu?
If boarding the train at Poroy Station in Cusco (the first stop), then the train ride to Aguas Calientes – the town below Machu Picchu – will take 3.5 hours. You can also board in other stations such as Wanchaq, San Pedro and Ollantaytambo, which can vary but are usually quicker with the train ride taking between 1.5-3 hours each way depending on the boarding location.
How Much Is The Train Ride At Vistadome Observatory?
The standard price can fluctuate for the Vistadome Observatory Train, with prices usually costing between $120-150 one-way per person. Usually costs are higher in the high season months (between June and September), whilst low season months can offer cheaper prices (such as months between November and March).
What Is Included In A Vistadome Train Ticket?
On the entry-level Vistadome Train Ticket, you will only have your seat reserved (which usually includes a table). Other perks such as meals, beverages and other gratuities are not included. If these are musts for you, then you will want to consider other Machu Picchu trains that offer these (both PeruRail and IncaRail have several different train options to choose between).
Overview Of The Vistadome Observatory Train
And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about the Vistadome Observatory Train.
A nice upgrade from the standard Vistadome Train, here we can enjoy a more luxurious cabin along with massive 360° windows which allows perfect views of the Andes and high Amazon Rainforest. Whilst it costs slightly more, many of our past hikers say it’s 100% worth the upgrade since you only do it once – and get an overall better experience this way.
Ready to book your Machu Picchu dream trip? Reserve your Machu Picchu trip with AB Expeditions now, where we will also offer you the chance to upgrade your train ticket to the unforgettable Vistadome Observatory carriage on one or both of your train trips.