BACKPACKER

The Backpacker train was built for the more adventurous passengers seeking comfort and security without all the frills. It has been newly refurbished and now features seats upholstered with indigenous fabrics, which give the train a touch of local flavor. Additional storage space is available for backpacks, and snacks are served.

The Backpacker runs between Cuzco-Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu. Passengers can also board and alight in Poroy (the closest stop to Cuzco), avoiding the switchback in and out of Cuzco and saving approximately half an hour off the total journey time.

The train will depart at approximately 6:15 am and arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station at the base of the mountain at about 10:30 am. Along the way, passengers will enjoy a spectacular journey through a changing landscape. After the steep climb out of Cuzco (left), the train descends into the Sacred Valley (right), passing lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes. Upon arrival, a mini-bus will take you up a serpentine road to the dizzying heights of the ruins, where you will begin your walking tour with a small group and an English-speaking guide. Most tourists return to Cuzco on the afternoon train, so you will have a couple hours to explore the ruins on your own, before the last bus takes you back down to the base of the ruins. The gates to the ruins remain open until 5:00 pm.

For many visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking the Backpacker train allows passengers to travel in economy and safety as only PeruRail can provide.

---

PERURAIL

PeruRail is widely recognized as not only one of the highest rail routes on Earth, but also the world's most scenic railway service.

PeruRail links most of the tourist highlights of the Andes in Peru and is undoubtedly the most spectacular way to discover the ancient land of the Incas, taking you through scenery of outstanding beauty and to places almost inaccessible by any other means.

PeruRail offers a choice of main routes - between either historic Cuzco or the Sacred Valley and the legendary Machu Picchu and between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca.

---

ITINERARY

Day One: Machu Picchu Overnight A special adventure begins. Depart by train and journey back into the mists of time, arriving at the foot of Machu Picchu. Mini-buses follow a serpentine road (right) to the heights of the ruins. Take a walking tour with your expert guide and a small group. You and the lucky few who will spend the night here will have a few more hours to explore the site after the crowds have returned to Cuzco. Those who select the Deluxe or Deluxe Plus category hotels will enjoy an additional dinner. The Sanctuary Lodge (Deluxe Plus) is located just outside the gate to Machu Picchu at the top of the mountain. The other hotels are located in the quaint village of Aguas Calientes at the base of the ruins. (B, L)
Day Two: Machu Picchu to Cuzco Continue to explore Machu Picchu before winding back down the mountain by bus to catch your afternoon train for Cuzco. NOTE: Transfers from Aguas Calientes to/from Machu Picchu and entrance fees are NOT included this day. (B)