Background
After completing our Machu Picchu journey, we booked a PeruRail Vistadome Observatory train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. This train is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and is often paired with a bus service to Cuzco, as most people will be flying in/out of Cuzco. We were staying in the Sacred Valley, so we arranged a car service with our hotel to pick us up from Ollantaytambo.
Both PeruRail & Inka Rail service this route. Each has a few different experience levels as well, and for PeruRail, there are the budget-friendly Expedition, the panoramic Vistadome, the upgraded outdoor-access Vistadome Observatory, and the exclusive 5-star Belmond Hiram Bingham. We reserved the Vistadome Observatory because we wanted to try a more elevated option, and it worked well with the departure time we wanted. On my train to Aguas Calientes, we took the most economical option for Inka Rail, which was the Voyager. You can read more about my experience on the Inka Rail Voyager here if you’re interested.
Reserving Tickets
I had reserved our tickets about 4 months ahead of time online. Our PeruRail Vistadome Observatory tickets cost $99 per passenger, and they assigned us seats together immediately after booking. Also, one of our friends had to cancel, and the refund process was slow. You’ll submit it online and get an email when it’s being processed, and they said it would take 15 business days (less a 10% service fee). I had to remind them, as 15 business days went by, and I didn’t receive a refund, but thankfully I got it in about a month.
Check-In & Boarding Process
In Aguas Calientes, there is a PeruRail ticketing counter, but we had our tickets on our phone and just went into the station and waiting room area. There is a small cafe, restrooms, and an indoor waiting area.
For our 10:55 am departure, they asked us to arrive at the station 30 minutes early, at 10:25 am. We started boarding about 15 minutes before our departure time.
Regarding baggage, technically a ticket comes with 1 Backpack (max. 8 kg) or 1 Carry-on Bag (max. 12 kg, does not measure more than 115 cm (5 ft) (height + length + width). Each of my friends and I had a backpack & carry-on, and they didn’t comment on that. On their website, the additional fees for extra luggage are $15 for carry-on luggage (up to 12 kg) & $25 for checked luggage (up to 23 kg). Or, there are complimentary luggage storage services at both stations. The train had a luggage rack upon entering our car, which was nice to put our bags in, as our Inca Rail Voyager didn’t have one.
PeruRail Vistadome Observatory
We were assigned the A carriage, and it is in a 2-2 configuration, with some seats facing one another to make a group of 4 with a table in between. We got one of the groups of 4 with a table in between, and sat next to a friendly stranger as the train was full.
It seemed there were only 2 carriages with passenger seats (which they call a Panoramic Car), and then a Bar Car and Observatory Car.
Our train left on time, and shortly after departure, we had a snack box provided to us. The snack box had quinoa cookies, a quinoa bar, a piece of chocolate, and two mints. Tea, coffee, or water was also provided, and there were other drinks for purchase.
Observatory & Bar Car
Halfway through the ride, we were called to visit the Observatory & Bar Car, and they did some singing and dancing. It was fun! The bar car is nicely appointed with chairs and seating, and the Observatory Car has seating and leads outside as well.
After the show, we headed back to our seats, and before our arrival in Ollantaytambo, they did a fashion show. Staff members modeled 100% baby alpaca wool garments like ponchos, capes, and sweaters in the passenger car aisle, and you can purchase the items after.
The Verdict
Overall, I enjoyed my PeruRail Vistadome Observatory experience! The journey was comfortable, and the shows were entertaining. I liked the option to have the bar & observatory cars as well.
Have you been on the PeruRail Vistadome Observatory before? What were your thoughts? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
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