As travellers continue their love affair with the romantic rail journeys of old, more and more travellers are looking for exotic locations and striking scenery.

Vista dome Cabin

Sacred Valley

PeruRail, part of the Orient-Express collection, offers unique journeys through the heartland of Peru for those who love luxury rail journeys which hark back to 'ye olde' times and has the honour of featuring one of the highest rail journeys in the world.

Machu Picchu is its focus, and the Vistadome product offers extensive views of the countryside through its side and ceiling windows. Seeing as the only way to reach Machu Picchu from Cuzco is train, it's not a bad way to travel and quite good value to boot.

The Cuzco to Machu Picchu route travels from a destination with a height of 3,500 metres above sea level to 2,430 metres above sea level, and as such incorporates five 'Swtichbacks' which makes easier work of the valley and slope climb.

Vista dome Platform

Peru Rail

PeruRail runs past the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo on its way to its destination, and then travels through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. With views of the Sacred River, this Andes experience will leave travellers with an understanding of why this stretch of land was once a crucial point of natural wealth for Peru's Spanish colonisers.

A sight to watch out for is Jaquijahuana's agricultural terraces, found after the train finishes its descent into the Anta plateau after travelling through Cachimayo. Site of one of battles for control of Peru in the initial Spanish invasion, all that is left of a once major Inca economic hub are these giant stepped hills.

Cuzco to Machu Picchu is a four hour journey, and Vistadome travellers will be served snacks and hot or cold refreshments while they relax in their seats.

Through descents and climbs, plateaus and foothill valleys, PeruRail takes travellers daily to Machu Picchu Town, a mere two kilometres away from the historical Inca ruins. Vistadome is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu, and apart from sister product Hiram Bingham, is also the most comfortable.