Tribal travellers, extended families and groups of up to eight now have the option to exclusively hire an entire luxury train carriage for their private use for the journey of a lifetime to Machu Picchu.  Inca Rail has recently introduced The Private service, a completely remodelled and refurbished parlour car that has been spaciously designed for exclusive use, complete with its own bar, open balcony, lounge seating area, upholstered armchairs and dining tables placed next to wide, UV protected windows. 

Operating on the route between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, The Private comes with two butlers and a chef, who will serve a tasting menu using the finest local ingredients paired with South America's best wines.  After checking in for their journey at Inca Rail's newly opened VIP waiting lounge at Ollantaytambo station, passengers boarding The Private are welcomed with a bottle of champagne as the train departs for the 90 minute journey to Machu Picchu.  As their private chef readies their meal, travellers can step out onto the train's open balcony to drink in the fresh air and views of the Urubamba River and soaring Andes mountain range. 

Meals on board are prepared by a dedicated chef for The Private and sample dishes include a smoked trout satay seasoned with lemon verbena, with a hint of creamed coconut and curry; a Peruvian yellow potato gnocchi seasoned with Andean herbs and a chilli cream sauce; and a classic Peruvian chocolate mousse served with cocoa nibs. After their meal, guests can continue to enjoy the open bar stocked with many well-known drinks brands, as they are entertained with live music.

The Private carriage can operate daily according the Inca Rail's scheduled services and can accommodate up to eight passengers.  A round-trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu costs USD 10,000 (from GBP 7,400) and one-way is USD 6,000 (from GBP 4,440).  Rate includes exclusive use of the carriage, welcome champagne, open bar, tasting menu with the best wines of the region and a private transfer from the train station to Machu Picchu citadel.

Commenting on the introduction of The Private service, Armando Pareja, Chief Executive Officer of Inca Rail said, “The introduction of The Private is another step in our plan to transform the trip to Machu Picchu for all our passengers from a simple rail journey into an unforgettable experience on the most up-to-date fleet in the country.  Every aspect of The Private, from the colourful textiles we use for the décor to the ingredients in our food is intended to evoke the colours and flavours of the Andean culture.”

Inca Rail is investing approximately USD 12 million in upgrading its entire train fleet and services, meaning it will soon have the most modern train service operating in Peru. The launch of The Private follows the introduction of a new train service by Inca Rail, The 360° Machu Picchu Train, Peru's most scenic trainthat commenced operations on 1stMarch 2018. The 360° Machu Picchu Train has been custom-designed with dome-like high visibility panoramic windows to give passengers the best possible views of the dramatic landscape through which they pass. The train is also fully inter-connecting, freeing passengers to move between carriages to an open-air observation area at the centre of the train, and has all the connectivity that modern travellers demand, including USB ports at each seat for charging smartphones and other devices.  The360° Machu Picchu Train service operates a once a day round trip between Poroy (the station for departures from Cusco), Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, and twice a day round trip between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. 

Passengers also have the choice to travel to Machu Picchu in style and luxury aboard The First Class train, Inca Rail's premium level service.  In late 2017, new carriages were introduced to this fleet in a custom design layout.  Operating four times a day, the First Class train seats up to 60 passengers in two dining carriages, between which is a luxurious bar car, offering live music, refreshments and an outdoor observation balcony.  Passengers dine at tables with comfortable leather chairs and enjoy a gourmet menu prepared using Andean ingredients including trout, quinoa, potato and gold berry, accompanied by a selection of South American wines.  Included in the cost of the First Class train is use of a new VIP waiting lounge at Ollantaytambo station, with refreshments, live music and luggage storage facilities.  The First Class service operates a once a day round trip between Poroy (the station for departures from Cusco), Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, and once a day round trip between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.  Inca Rail also operates The Voyager service between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu departing five times a day from each location.  Tickets for all Inca Rail's services can be booked online at www.incarail.com

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About IncaRail

Inca Rail first began operations on the narrow gauge railway line between Cusco and Machu Picchu in 2009.  In July 2016 it came under new management when The Carlyle Group made a significant equity investment in order to improve customer service and maintain current high standards of reliability and safety. Inca Rail is investing approximately USD 12 million in upgrading its train fleet and services, meaning it will soon have the most modern and up to date fleet operating in Peru.  Inca Rail expects to carry 540,000 passengers between Cusco and Machu Picchu during 2017, having already increased its market share from 20% to 29% since the beginning of 2017, with a view to further increasing this to 35% by 2021.  As part of Inca Rail's ethos of environmental respect, it practices and promotes responsible tourism at every available opportunity. This involves taking all actions conducive to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations, such as using fuel additives designed to minimize CO2 emissions.  www.incarail.com