Question for anyone that has been to Manchu Picchu. In the Manchu Picchu end of the Peru episode Sam mentions that the train she takes to Manchu Picchu runs $535 (Assuming USD here) and this is supposedly the top of the line train but she mentioned that there were 1 or 2 lower priced trains. We were wondering if either Sam can respond of if anyone knows what the pricing was for the lower cost trains as we were trying to compare prices between trains. Also what comes with the lower priced trains as Sam said the $535 train included entrance into manchu Picchu which is a $36 bonus if it's not inlcded on lower priced trains that would help lower cost of the $535 train.

Any feedback?
TIA!!

I've been to Machu Picchu. I got a package deal through my travel agent. You take a train from Cusco, then a bus up to the ruins(unless you walk like Samantha) and then enter the park. There is a large marketplace there where you wait between the train and the bus. The regular train has no luxuries,no food or drink, just a train. I don't know the individual cost of each thing, in fact I paid for the whole package, hotel in Cusco etc, in one lump sum. I guess I didn't help much, all I know it won't be $500 for the train, bus and park.

Well I did find their official site but couldn't find anything on prices for the train

http://www.monasterio.orient-express.com/

I did however find a package on their site that seemed pretty good was $1325 PP for 4 days and included the train up (Same style as Sam took) and one night at the Lodge she stayed at and those alone based on what she said comes close to the price of the trip and never mind the hotel in Cuzco and such then of course you add the airfare on. So maybe a package deal would be best way to go?

I know this is one of the first S.A. trips I want to do once we get settled in NYC and get back to our journeys. Dang if the city won't speed up their SOOOOO SSSLLLOOOWWW!!! We expected to be moved in by Labor day and getting slowly back to our normal life and not the life of the unknown schedule. Sounds like the cities in league with the airlines when it comes to delays lol. Last flight out of La Guardia was delayed for 3 or 4 hours.

Thanks for the info.

Hello everyone. I found this site while doing some research for a hike of the Inca Trail in May 08...hope this helps.

Machu Picchu By Train

While the rates looked a couple years old (The downloadable rate schedule said 05) it does help as it at least indicates just how much different the prices are between The Backpacker, The Vistadome, and The Hiram Bingham. Guess my next question is I suspect those are round trip prices? I noticed that the trip up chart had prices where the trip back chart had no prices so assuming those are all round trip prices.

Now guess this is a question for Nunsey or those who have been. While checking the site above I found the pages displaying the cars and what each comes with. In The Hiram Bingham car photos I see a photo where riders have been let out for a photo stop does this happen on all car types or just The Hiram Bingham?

Thanks!

There are a couple of stops along the way, I don't recall getting out.The Hiram Bingham must be a very special affair. There is some magnificant scenery along the route, but you can snap photos from the train. And , of course, when you arrive, the camera won't stop clicking.

I went about five years ago so my memory of the specifics isn't that strong. But as I recall, I went on (I think) the b-level train and roundtrip it was 70 and the bus up to the ruins was about 25. Speaking with my father, who is a native and likes to keep up to date of his homeland, the train we took, roundtrip is now about 125.

We got this all as part of a package bought in Miraflores, the beautiful upscale section of Lima. However, if you are are good at looking for deals, wait till you get to Cuzco. Go to the central plaza and the place is filled with travel offices, usually with very good deals.

As for the train itself, views are UNBELIEVABLE. There are a few stops for hikers, who I guess are taking the one or two day hikes, but we never got out either. Seats are hard, ride can be very rocky. But the destination is first rate.

Thanks for the input JM and Nunesy

scottish2
I was just in Peru and visited Machu Picchu. You can take the vistadome train from Cusco or the sacred valley to Aguas Caliente and then the bus up the mountain. The buses are new Mercedes buses and worth the ride. The Vistadome is great. Food, drinks, entertainment, and comfort.

Bonnie,

Do you know if the train is running from Urubamba to Aguas Calientes now? It used to leave from the Incaland Hotel but that has been sold to the Libratador chain and I can't find out anything about it.

Thanks,
Jane

My brother and I are going to Peru, including Machu Picchu, in April 2008. In watching the episode on Cusco Sam visited a shop whose owner made her a purse. Did anyone catch the name of the shop and/or the owner's name? I liked seeing Cusco and Machu Picchu to get a feel for the streets and surroundings. Also what were the names of the herbs she bought at the market?

jav9206,
Samantha addresses the woman in the shop as Marcella. The shop with the buckled purse is not listed in the credits, but if you check out the handy dandy Travel Guides section of this website under Cusco, you will see that it is called Arte y Diseno.
As for the herbs, Sam went to the Mercado Central de Cusco and bought unprocessed coca leaves (only sold legally in three countries) and something else that I don't know how to spell. I will leave it to our crack team of Samanthan trivia experts to identify that one.
Happy trails to you and your brother!

I'm not really very adventurous when it comes to travel but Sam made Manchu Picchu so attractive that I've added it to my list of places to see.

Great suggestions!! I've been thinking about going to Peru and you all have definitely convinced me it's a must do.