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{{Short description|Peruvian rail service}} |
{{Short description|Peruvian rail service}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} |
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{{Infobox rail |
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| railroad_name = PeruRail |
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| system_map = |
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| image = PeruRail diesel locomotive 487.jpg |
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| image_caption = PeruRail train at [[Aguas Calientes, Peru|Machupicchu]]<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/@-13.1551496,-72.5257125,2a,75y,335.91h,81.61t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sKEonce_Owa_RV7jPZgZAVw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 Rio Aguas Calientes bridge]</ref> in May 2007 |
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| locale = [[Peru]] |
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| start_year = |
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| predecessor_line = Ferrocarril del Sur ([[Empresa Nacional de Ferrocarriles del Peru|ENAFER]]) |
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| successor_line = |
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| gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}} (eastern and western) <br>{{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} (western from Cuzco) |
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| length = |
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| hq_city = |
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| website = [http://www.perurail.com/en/ www.perurail.com] |
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}} |
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'''PeruRail''' is a [[railway]] operator providing tourist, freight, and charter services in southern [[Peru]]. It was founded in 1999 by two Peruvian entrepreneurs and the British company [[Sea Containers]]. |
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The main line between the port of [[Matarani]], [[Arequipa]], [[Cusco]] and [[Puno]] on [[Lake Titicaca]] was formerly known as the '''Ferrocarril del Sur''' (Peru Southern Railway), and was for a time owned and operated by the [[Empresa Nacional de Ferrocarriles del Peru|ENAFER]] state company. It is the third highest railway in the world after the [[Qinghai–Tibet Railway]] to Tibet and the [[Ferrocarril Central Andino|FCCA]] line from [[Lima]] to [[Huancayo]], and is the longest line in Peru. |
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== PeruRail's History == |
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From Cusco, PeruRail provides passenger services on the {{RailGauge|3ft}} [[Track gauge|gauge]] '''Ferrocarril Santa Ana''' to [[Aguas Calientes, Peru|Aguas Calientes]], delivering tourists for [[Machu Picchu]]. |
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=== 1972: Foundation of ENAFER === |
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Under the government of President Juan Velasco Alvarado, the National Railway Company of Peru (ENAFER) was founded, which was responsible for managing the commercial use of Peru's railway networks. One of these train networks was called ''Ferrocarril del Sur'' and covered the Cusco, Urubamba and Aguas Calientes routes. |
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It operates in a 50/50 [[joint venture]] between [[Belmond Limited]] and Peruvian Trains and Railways, owned by two Peruvian entrepreneurs;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?rpc=66&symbol=OEH |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905005246/http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/companyProfile?rpc=66&symbol=OEH |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 September 2010 |title=Orient-Express Hotels Ltd (OEH) |publisher=Reuters|accessdate=10 November 2012}}</ref> [[Lorenzo Sousa Debarbieri]] is the chairman of the board of directors of the company. |
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=== 1999: The Arrival of PeruRail === |
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==Routes== |
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On September 20, 1999 and after ''Ferrocarril del Sur'' was handed over to the Ferrocarril Transandino S.A. (Fetransa) consortium under a concession, the newly founded railway company PeruRail was awarded the operation of 2 routes of the railway line. |
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[[File:Cusco rail connection.jpg|thumb|left|[[Dual gauge]], {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}} and {{Track gauge|914mm|lk=on}} track between two stations in [[Cuzco]], [[Peru]].]] |
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[[File:Railways in Peru.svg|thumb|350px|{{center|Railways in Peru}}]] |
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PeruRail's routes are divided into two sections. |
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The line between Cusco and [[Machu Picchu]] - '''Ferrocarril Santa Ana''' - is a {{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} [[narrow gauge railway|narrow gauge]] line, which boasts a series of five [[Zig zag (railway)|switchbacks]] called locally 'El Zig-Zag', which enable the train to climb up the steep incline out of Cusco, before it can begin its descent to the [[Sacred Valley of the Incas]] and then continue down to Machu Picchu. However, this section of the route (between Cusco San Pedro station and Poroy) - which had been suspended - resumed by [[Inca Rail]] from May 2019. Other trains to Machu Picchu leave from Poroy, just outside Cusco, instead. |
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The first is the South-East route between Cusco and Machu Picchu with 2 sections, one is Cusco-Ollantaytambo, and the other is Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu. The second route is the Southern railway for passenger transport between Arequipa and Cusco. |
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From Poroy, the narrow-gauge line goes northwest to [[Ollantaytambo]], where the branch from [[Urubamba, Peru|Urubamba]] joins, then on to Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes. Tracks formerly continued into the jungle, but they were destroyed by recent flooding.[[File:Perurail railcar.jpg|left|thumb| Motor car of Perurail clearing the track ahead of a regular passenger train from Cusco to Puno.]] |
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The most important train services that began to operate were the Backpacker train with the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu and the Vistadome service with a more complete service. |
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The {{RailGauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}} network, formerly '''Ferrocarril del Sur''', starts at [[Matarani]] port, goes through [[Arequipa]] and enters [[Puno Region]], where the line splits in two at [[Juliaca]]. The eastern branch goes to Puno; the western branch runs into Cusco. |
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In addition, with the arrival of PeruRail, the PeruRail Cargo service was installed, which allows the southern highlands of Peru to receive minerals, fuels and finished products. |
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At its highest point, La Raya Pass ({{coord|14|28|59|S|70|59|20|W|region:PE_type:pass|name=La Raya}}), the altitude is {{convert|4313|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The train makes a stop in La Raya Pass where there is a clear view of the surrounding landscape. |
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=== 2001: Expanding coverage === |
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The train route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu was incorporated. The Poroy Station, located 25 minutes from the Cusco city center, was inaugurated. |
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There's no more passenger traffic between [[Arequipa]] and [[Matarani]], and it was also suspended on the [[Juliaca]] - Arequipa line for several years until May 2017 when the [[Belmond Andean Explorer]] was inaugurated. |
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=== 2003: A Luxury Experience === |
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This year, the magnificent luxury train service Hiram Bingham by Orient Express was launched. On the other hand, the magical southern route between Cusco and Puno was inaugurated with the Andean Explorer train. |
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There is a [[dual gauge]] [[Track (rail transport)|track]] connection between the San Pedro railway station ({{Track gauge|914mm|disp=or|lk=on}} gauge) and the Huanchac Railway station ({{Track gauge|1,435mm|disp=or|allk=on}}) in Cusco. There is a [[Zig zag (railway)|switch-back]] to reach San Pedro station. The trains for [[Aguas Calientes, Peru|Aguas Calientes]] ([[Machu Picchu]]) leave from San Pedro station. |
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=== 2012: An Invitation to Adventure === |
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This year the Backpacker Train was replaced by the new PeruRail Expedition service. The main feature of this train is that it embodies an adventurous spirit. This new image obtained certifications of excellence by TripAdvisor in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. |
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=== Route table === |
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In this same year the Vistadome and Vistadome Valley services were renamed PeruRail Vistadome and along with this change came new car that boast large windows that allow you to have a unique view of the landscapes along the route. |
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{| |
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|-valign=top |
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| |
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* [[Matarani]] - port |
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* [[Juliaca]] - junction |
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* [[Juliaca]] - junction |
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* [[Cusco|Cuzco]] - [[break of gauge]], start of {{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} |
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* [[Cusco|Cuzco]] - [[break of gauge]], start of {{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} |
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| width=40 | |
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| |
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* [[Juliaca]] - junction, via [[Arequipa]] - second city |
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* [[Puno]] - [[railhead]] on [[Lake Titicaca]] |
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* [[Cusco|Cuzco]] - [[break of gauge]], end of {{RailGauge|ussg|allk=on}} |
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* [[Aguas Calientes, Peru|Aguas Calientes]] - [[railhead]] for [[Machu Picchu]] |
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* [[Urubamba, Peru|Urubamba]] - [[railhead]], partly via the line to Aguas Calientes |
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|} |
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==Passenger transport== |
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=== 2016: New Concepts === |
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Since its foundation and until 2016, PeruRail belonged to the Orient Express group. That same year, the company became part of the Belmond group. This British organization owns a 50% stake in PeruRail and operates the tourist services, with special focus on the company's most luxurious trains: the Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train, and the Andean Explorer, a Belmond train. |
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=== Tourist trains === |
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=== 2017: The appearance of new services === |
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PeruRail Sacred Valley services were launched with the train route from Urubamba to Machu Picchu making a brief stop at Río Sagrado, a Belmond Hotel, for passenger loading and unloading. At the same time the Andean Explorer service was created, a Belmond train with the route Cusco - Puno - Arequipa. |
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==== Cusco - Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) ==== |
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In addition, the Andean Explorer service that connects Cusco with Puno and that won important awards such as the World Travel Awards in the Best Luxury Train category in South America during 2012 and 2013, was renamed PeruRail Titicaca, becoming PeruRail's first luxury train. |
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[[File:Cusco to Machu Picchu train.jpg|left|thumb|Cusco to Machu Picchu]] |
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[[File:Perurail Vistadome car in Aguascalientes, Perú.jpg|thumb|right|PeruRail observation car]] <!-- More relevant --> |
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On the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu, PeruRail transports the vast majority of visitors and provides several different services.<ref>[http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/tper_rates.jsp www.orient-express.com]}. Retrieved 9 November 2007.</ref> |
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The '''[[Belmond Hiram Bingham]]''' Pullman, named after Machu Picchu's American discoverer, [[Hiram Bingham III|Hiram Bingham]], is the most expensive service. It departs from Poroy at 9 a.m., later than other departures. Meals, guides, bus service and entrance to the ruins are included. PeruRail's own lower category Pullman service with dining and observation/bar car resembling to Titicaca Train (see below) was introduced 2017 with the name '''Sacred Valley'''. |
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=== 2019: New agreements === |
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In 2019, PeruRail, as part of the Belmond company, became part of the French group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), the firm behind the fashion and luxury brands Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. |
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Other services include the '''[[observation car]]''', provided by refurbished 1965-vintage German [[Ferrostaal]] [[railcar]]s, with at-seat refreshments and large side and overhead windows allowing views of the mountainous terrain, and '''Expedition''' trains, which offer basic service in upholstered seats at a lower price. Snacks are sold and space is provided for backpacks, particularly for [[Inca Trail to Machu Picchu|Inca Trail]] hikers. |
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=== 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic === |
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In March 2020, the lockdown and closure of national borders due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was announced. As a result of this, train operations ceased, and the PeruRail Sacred Valley train had to shut down operations permanently. By October of the same year, train services to Machu Picchu were resumed with a focus on domestic tourism. |
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==== Puno (Lake Titicaca) - [[Juliaca]] - Cusco - Arequipa ==== |
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=== 2021: New train service === |
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[[File:PeruRail Highest point.jpg|thumb|left|PeruRail train from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca stops at La Raya pass]] |
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In May, the new PeruRail Vistadome Observatory train service was launched, which is mainly characterized by having both a panoramic car as well as an elegant observatory car. In this last car, live shows are held such as the Saqra dance, Andean melodies and fashion shows. |
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[[File:PeruRail MLW DL560D 653 Urubamba river bridge Sicuani.jpg|thumb|MLW DL560D 653 with a tourist train Puno - Cusco]] |
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The luxury sleeper train, '''[[Belmond Andean Explorer]]''' is operated from Cusco for a one-night journey to Puno, and a two-night three-day journey to Arequipa. Its carriages were formerly used on the [[Great South Pacific Express]] in Australia between 1999 and 2003, and brought to Peru in February 2016.<ref>[http://www.qt.com.au/news/great-train-mystery-solved-as-luxury-carriages-shi/2942664/ Great train mystery solved as luxury carriages ship out] ''[[Queensland Times]]'' 25 February 2016</ref> |
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== PeruRail operates in two zones within the Peruvian Territory == |
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Until the inauguration of this service in May 2017, the name was featured by a first-class service day train, which was renamed to '''Titicaca Train'''. It has Pullman-style dining cars and an open-air observation bar car similar to Hiram Bingham. This service provides a 10-hour trip from Cusco to Puno. The interiors of its vehicles were designed by James Park & Associates, the same company who designed the elegant first-class cabins for [[Singapore Airlines]]. The actual work, however, was done in Cusco by Cusquenian workers. After the refurbishment was completed, a traditional Andean ceremony, 'Pago a la Tierra' (payment to Mother Earth), was organised to 'bless' the train. A local shaman presided over the ceremony, which involved many traditional rites. |
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=== Southeast Section: === |
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This route spans from the city of Cusco to the Machu Picchu Pueblo station. In the Cusco route, tourist and luxury trains depart for the Machu Picchu station, where passengers disembark to visit the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. |
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=== Local trains === |
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[[File:PeruRail 291.jpg|left|thumb| Railbus Officials in Aguas Calientes]] |
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[[File:EIKON International Self Propelled Railcar.jpg|thumb|225px|Contemporary [[Railcar]] manufactured by [[EIKON International]] with final destination to the [[Cusco - Machu Picchu]] line<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.livinginperu.com/news/4917| title= Andean Railways Corp. could begin to operate the Machu Picchu line in Peru by next year.}} - Retrieved 28 October 2010</ref>]] |
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Although not advertised, PeruRail also offers local trains equipped with wooden seats, which are available only to Peruvian nationals for a fraction of the price charged to tourists. |
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{{Clear}} |
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==Freight== |
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* '''San Pedro Station''': This boarding point is located on Av. Cascaparo 154, Cusco 08002, inside the Historic Center and about a 5-minute car ride from the Main Square and accross the street from the San Pedro market. If your journey departs from here, you will be arriving at the Machu Picchu Pueblo station in four and a half hours after a 171 km-journey aboard the PeruRail Vistadome or PeruRail Expedition trains. From January to April, this station is not operational, giving way to the bimodal service at Wanchaq station. |
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PeruRail runs daily freight services between the port of [[Matarani]], the city of [[Arequipa]], and the Andean cities of [[Juliaca]], [[Puno]], and [[Cusco|Cuzco]]. Under PeruRail's administration, the tonnage transported increased from 460,000 tons{{which|date=November 2020}} during 1999, 573,000 tons in 2000 to 639,000 tons during 2001. |
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* '''Poroy Station''': Poroy Station is located on Calle Roldan s/n, in the Poroy district, a 20-minute drive from the Main Square. The distance traveled from this station to Machu Picchu station is 62 km, and the trip takes approximately three hours aboard the PeruRail Expedition, PeruRail Vistadome and Hiram Bingham trains, a Belmond train. From January to April, this station is not operational, giving way to the bimodal service at Wanchaq station. |
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* '''Wanchaq Station''': This station, located in Alameda Pachacuteq s/n, a few blocks from the Cusco city center, serves as a starting point for the bimodal service. This service consists of traveling by bus along the Cusco - Ollantaytambo* route where passengers will board the train to continue the journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The journey from this boarding point to Ollantaytambo station takes an average of two and a half hours. The trip from here to the final destination, the Machu Picchu Pueblo station, takes approximately 01:30 hours. Travel year-round aboard PeruRail Vistadome Observatory, PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Expedition trains. |
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The main products transported by PeruRail are copper concentrates, fuel, wheat (for Peruvian and Bolivian consumption), coal, cement, soya flour from Bolivia, coffee, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. |
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==== Train stations in the Sacred Valley of the Incas: ==== |
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Peru Rail transports copper concentrates for the most important mines in Peru, Las Bambas, Cerro Verde and other important mining clients. |
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* '''Ollantaytambo Station''': It is located at Av. Ferrocarrill s/n, Ollantaytambo, a 1-and-a-half-hour drive from Cusco. This station is a stopover for trains that begin their route in the city of Cusco (since many passengers begin their trip here), as well as a transfer point for those passengers who used the bimodal service (bus+train). The trains that operate are the PeruRail Vistadome Observatory, PeruRail Vistadome, PeruRail Expedition and Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train, and it takes just 01:30 hrs to travel 30 km to reach the Machu Picchu Pueblo station. |
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* '''Urubamba Station''': Located on Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Urubamba, inside a hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This station is one of the most beautiful ones due to its strategic location, where there is a great variety of hotel deals in the valley itself. Getting to Machu Picchu Pueblo from here takes 02:30 hrs, since 50 km must be traveled. |
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==Shipping== |
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==== Machu Picchu Pueblo Station (Aguas Calientes): ==== |
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The [[Train ferry#Peru|Lake Titicaca car float]] ''Manco Capac'' operates across [[Lake Titicaca]] between PeruRail's railhead at [[Puno]] and the port of [[Guaqui]] in [[Bolivia]]. PeruRail also owns the former ferry {{SS|Ollanta}}, which was launched on Lake Titicaca in 1931. ''Ollanta'' is now refurbished for tourist cruises and PeruRail has leased her out for charter work. |
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This is the final station of your journey to the Inca wonder. Here is where you begin your ascent to the Machu Picchu citadel, as well as other tourist attractions within Machu Picchu Pueblo, such as Putucusi, Huayna Picchu, the Stone Chronicles, etc. |
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== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal|Railways}} |
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The southern zone covers the route that leads from the city of Cusco, passing through Lake Titicaca in the city of Puno, up to the Matarani port in Arequipa. Two luxury train services operate in this stretch, as well as '''PeruRail'''<nowiki/>'s high-volume freight service. Merchandise and minerals are transported departing from the port of Matarani. This makes them the most efficient logistics operator in the southern part of the country. |
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{{div col|colwidth=23em}} |
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* [[List of stock used by PeruRail]] |
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* [[Iperú]] |
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* [[La Raya mountain range]] |
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* [[Rail transport in Peru]] |
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* [[Transport in Peru]] |
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* [[Tourism in Peru]] |
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{{div col end}} |
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==Notes== |
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* '''Puno Muelle Station''': In this station, which faces Lake Titicaca, is where the Andean Explorer departs and arrives, a Belmond train which offers an unforgettable luxury trip through Arequipa, Cusco and Puno and can take four days and three nights. |
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{{Reflist}} |
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* '''Puno Station''': At this station passengers embark and disembark from the '''PeruRail''' Titicaca train. This train travels the route that goes from Cusco to Puno, and vice versa, in a luxury trip where you will delight yourself traveling between the city of the Incas and Lake Titicaca. |
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==References== |
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== Train Services == |
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*{{cite book|author=Whetham, Robert D.|title=Railways of Peru. Volume 2 – The Central and Southern Lines|publisher=Trackside Publications|location=Bristol|year=2008|isbn=978-1-900095-37-2}} |
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Through a varied range of tourist and luxury train services, '''PeruRail''' provides its passengers with unique travel experiences. Throughout the travel experience, the highest standards of safety, punctuality, reliability, operational excellence and quality are met. This includes a staff highly committed to exceeding customer expectations and various programs constantly innovating with social and environmental responsibility. Proof of this is the implementation of safety and health protocols in all facilities, including shops, ticket offices, train stations and train services, as well as the air sanitization and purification system on board each car. |
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*{{cite journal|author=Daniel Thomas|title=Cuzco to Machu Picchu|journal=Latin Tracks|volume=9|pages=16–22|date=June–July 2002}} |
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*{{cite journal|title=Tracks to the Incas|journal=Narrow Gauge World|volume=98|pages=34–6|date=October 2014}} |
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*{{cite book|author=Lorenzo Sousa|title=The Iron Horse to Macchu Picchu\volume =1|pages=9–44}} |
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==External links== |
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=== Machu Picchu Destination: === |
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* {{Commons category-inline}} |
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*[http://www.perurail.com Main website in Spanish and English] |
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* '''PeruRail Expedition''': A comfortable trip, which together with the Inca design in its spacious cars, creates the perfect prelude to your visit to the Machu Picchu citadel. |
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*[http://www.orient-express.com/web/tper/tper_journeyplanner_timetable.jsp PeruRail Timetables] |
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* '''PeruRail Vistadome''': Observe the landscape through the wonderful panoramic view and experience the Andean culture. This train offers a different and exclusive way to travel to the Machu Picchu citadel. |
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*[http://www.pearcedale.com/c&b/peruhistory.htm Brief historical summary of the railroads in Peru] |
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* '''PeruRail Vistadome Observatory''': This train travels the route between Cusco and Machu Picchu, giving you a unique travel experience. An exclusive atmosphere that wraps you around the magical landscape thanks to its panoramic windows and the observatory bar car. |
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*[http://www.kaemena360.com/home/historical-trains/perurail-andean-explorer.html Virtual interactive 360° Tour of the PeruRail train Andean Explorer] |
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* '''Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train''': Travel to Machu Picchu on the exclusive and luxury Hiram Bingham train and enjoy the sophisticated dining car, the bar car, and the observatory car, from where you can enjoy the outdoors, the wonderful route, in the company of a Peruvian cocktail and local live music shows. |
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=== Puno Destination: === |
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* '''PeruRail Titicaca''': This service offers an unforgettable train ride between the magical cities of Cusco and Puno. For a whole day, you cross the Peruvian Andes until reaching the shores of the mystical Lake Titicaca or the Imperial City of the Incas in an exclusive experience full of luxury and a mystical connection with nature. |
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* '''Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train''': This luxury train crosses one of the highest train routes in the world: the Peruvian Andes. Travel enjoying breathtaking landscapes, sophisticated Peruvian cuisine and all the comfort of luxury, on an exclusive one- or two-night train ride across stunning cities from Cusco to Lake Titicaca in Puno and Arequipa; exploring natural beauties and ancient kingdoms. |
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== Awards and Recognitions == |
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=== PeruRail Vistadome: === |
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* '''Certificate of Excellence''': 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. |
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* '''Travellers’ Choice''': 2020. |
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=== PeruRail Expedition: === |
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* '''Certificate of Excellence''': 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. |
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* '''Travellers’ Choice''': 2020. |
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=== PeruRail Titicaca: === |
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* '''Certificate of Excellence''': 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. |
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* '''Travellers’ Choice''': 2020. |
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{{South America in topic|Rail transport in}} |
{{South America in topic|Rail transport in}} |
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Latest revision as of 00:15, 24 July 2024
 PeruRail train at Machupicchu[1] in May 2007 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Peru |
| Predecessor | Ferrocarril del Sur (ENAFER) |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge (eastern and western) 3 ft (914 mm) (western from Cuzco) |
| Other | |
| Website | www.perurail.com |
PeruRail is a railway operator providing tourist, freight, and charter services in southern Peru. It was founded in 1999 by two Peruvian entrepreneurs and the British company Sea Containers.
The main line between the port of Matarani, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno on Lake Titicaca was formerly known as the Ferrocarril del Sur (Peru Southern Railway), and was for a time owned and operated by the ENAFER state company. It is the third highest railway in the world after the Qinghai–Tibet Railway to Tibet and the FCCA line from Lima to Huancayo, and is the longest line in Peru.
From Cusco, PeruRail provides passenger services on the 3 ft (914 mm) gauge Ferrocarril Santa Ana to Aguas Calientes, delivering tourists for Machu Picchu.
It operates in a 50/50 joint venture between Belmond Limited and Peruvian Trains and Railways, owned by two Peruvian entrepreneurs;[2] Lorenzo Sousa Debarbieri is the chairman of the board of directors of the company.
Routes
[edit]
Railways in Peru
PeruRail's routes are divided into two sections.
The line between Cusco and Machu Picchu - Ferrocarril Santa Ana - is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge line, which boasts a series of five switchbacks called locally 'El Zig-Zag', which enable the train to climb up the steep incline out of Cusco, before it can begin its descent to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and then continue down to Machu Picchu. However, this section of the route (between Cusco San Pedro station and Poroy) - which had been suspended - resumed by Inca Rail from May 2019. Other trains to Machu Picchu leave from Poroy, just outside Cusco, instead.
From Poroy, the narrow-gauge line goes northwest to Ollantaytambo, where the branch from Urubamba joins, then on to Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes. Tracks formerly continued into the jungle, but they were destroyed by recent flooding.
The 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge network, formerly Ferrocarril del Sur, starts at Matarani port, goes through Arequipa and enters Puno Region, where the line splits in two at Juliaca. The eastern branch goes to Puno; the western branch runs into Cusco.
At its highest point, La Raya Pass (14°28′59″S 70°59′20″W / 14.48306°S 70.98889°W), the altitude is 4,313 m (14,150 ft). The train makes a stop in La Raya Pass where there is a clear view of the surrounding landscape.
There's no more passenger traffic between Arequipa and Matarani, and it was also suspended on the Juliaca - Arequipa line for several years until May 2017 when the Belmond Andean Explorer was inaugurated.
There is a dual gauge track connection between the San Pedro railway station (914 mm or 3 ft gauge) and the Huanchac Railway station (1,435 mm or 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in standard gauge) in Cusco. There is a switch-back to reach San Pedro station. The trains for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) leave from San Pedro station.
Route table
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Passenger transport
[edit]Tourist trains
[edit]Cusco - Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
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On the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu, PeruRail transports the vast majority of visitors and provides several different services.[3]
The Belmond Hiram Bingham Pullman, named after Machu Picchu's American discoverer, Hiram Bingham, is the most expensive service. It departs from Poroy at 9 a.m., later than other departures. Meals, guides, bus service and entrance to the ruins are included. PeruRail's own lower category Pullman service with dining and observation/bar car resembling to Titicaca Train (see below) was introduced 2017 with the name Sacred Valley.
Other services include the observation car, provided by refurbished 1965-vintage German Ferrostaal railcars, with at-seat refreshments and large side and overhead windows allowing views of the mountainous terrain, and Expedition trains, which offer basic service in upholstered seats at a lower price. Snacks are sold and space is provided for backpacks, particularly for Inca Trail hikers.
The luxury sleeper train, Belmond Andean Explorer is operated from Cusco for a one-night journey to Puno, and a two-night three-day journey to Arequipa. Its carriages were formerly used on the Great South Pacific Express in Australia between 1999 and 2003, and brought to Peru in February 2016.[4]
Until the inauguration of this service in May 2017, the name was featured by a first-class service day train, which was renamed to Titicaca Train. It has Pullman-style dining cars and an open-air observation bar car similar to Hiram Bingham. This service provides a 10-hour trip from Cusco to Puno. The interiors of its vehicles were designed by James Park & Associates, the same company who designed the elegant first-class cabins for Singapore Airlines. The actual work, however, was done in Cusco by Cusquenian workers. After the refurbishment was completed, a traditional Andean ceremony, 'Pago a la Tierra' (payment to Mother Earth), was organised to 'bless' the train. A local shaman presided over the ceremony, which involved many traditional rites.
Local trains
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Although not advertised, PeruRail also offers local trains equipped with wooden seats, which are available only to Peruvian nationals for a fraction of the price charged to tourists.
Freight
[edit]PeruRail runs daily freight services between the port of Matarani, the city of Arequipa, and the Andean cities of Juliaca, Puno, and Cuzco. Under PeruRail's administration, the tonnage transported increased from 460,000 tons[which?] during 1999, 573,000 tons in 2000 to 639,000 tons during 2001.
The main products transported by PeruRail are copper concentrates, fuel, wheat (for Peruvian and Bolivian consumption), coal, cement, soya flour from Bolivia, coffee, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
Peru Rail transports copper concentrates for the most important mines in Peru, Las Bambas, Cerro Verde and other important mining clients.
Shipping
[edit]The Lake Titicaca car float Manco Capac operates across Lake Titicaca between PeruRail's railhead at Puno and the port of Guaqui in Bolivia. PeruRail also owns the former ferry SS Ollanta, which was launched on Lake Titicaca in 1931. Ollanta is now refurbished for tourist cruises and PeruRail has leased her out for charter work.
See also
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Notes
[edit]- ^ Rio Aguas Calientes bridge
- ^ "Orient-Express Hotels Ltd (OEH)". Reuters. Archived from the original on 5 September 2010. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
- ^ www.orient-express.com}. Retrieved 9 November 2007.
- ^ Great train mystery solved as luxury carriages ship out Queensland Times 25 February 2016
- ^ "Andean Railways Corp. could begin to operate the Machu Picchu line in Peru by next year". - Retrieved 28 October 2010
References
[edit]- Whetham, Robert D. (2008). Railways of Peru. Volume 2 – The Central and Southern Lines. Bristol: Trackside Publications. ISBN 978-1-900095-37-2.
- Daniel Thomas (June–July 2002). "Cuzco to Machu Picchu". Latin Tracks. 9: 16–22.
- "Tracks to the Incas". Narrow Gauge World. 98: 34–6. October 2014.
- Lorenzo Sousa. The Iron Horse to Macchu Picchu\volume =1. pp. 9–44.
