Safety on train from Cuzco to Macchu Picchu?
 

Greetings, <BR> <BR>I'm planning a trip to Peru in September and am planning to visit both Cuzco and Macchu Picchu. We are planning to take the train from Cuzco to Macchu Picchu but have heard from Peruvian friends that the train can be dangerous (robbery, rape, etc.) for people that are visibly not South American. I have not seen, however, any warnings within travel books but defer to the opinion of native Peruvians. <BR> <BR>Has anyone experienced any trouble on the Cuzco - Macchu Picchu train? If so, any safety recommendations? <BR> <BR>I would also appreciate any recommendations on nice but inexpensive lodging in Cuzco and AguaCalientes.. <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>

I was in Cuzco in January, 1998. My brother and I hiked the Inca trail to Machu Pichu, and we took the train back to Cuzco. Our hiking guide told us that there are different trains. One train is for "tourists", which he said is safer. It's an express train as well, so it makes fewer stops. Taking the regular train that was a few hours longer wasn't recommended. The "tourist" train is slightly more expensive, but only moderately. <BR> <BR>The Lonely Planet Guide book was exremely helpful, and there are many places to stay in Cuzco. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. <BR>Heather

We took the train from MP to Cuzco. We weren't worried about robberies, but a few miles from Cuzco we had to get off the train because of a landslide which blocked the tracks. Took a bus into Cuzco. In any case, it always pays to be vigilant. Stay with the crowd. <BR> <BR>We stayed at Pueblo Hotel in AC. Treat yourself to this good hotel if you can.

Erika, <BR> <BR>My wife and I went to Macchu Picchu 3 years ago. The train is wonderful. The only people on it were tourists to MP. <BR>There is a Puruvian lady tour guide who tells all about it. Totally safe!! <BR>jim

cusco or qosqo is a calm city ,its people is humble and simple,a <BR>difference of Lima that is a little dangerus. you can to know and to enjoy the magic of the andes without preoccupation some.i am surely that you enjoy in Qosqo-cusco no single is pleasant by its environs but also by their people,faithful to its customs Incas. <BR>i hope that you enjoy the andes peruvains. <BR>good luck <BR>jose <BR> <BR> <BR>

We have just got back from our honeymoon in Peru and took the 'tourist' class section of the train to Machu Pichu. The carriages are locked and packed full of tourists and are totally safe.

We are traveling to your country in the first part of June. What kind of weather in general can we expect at that time? How much cold should be come prepared for? We are very excited to see Peru and the Inca ruins as well as meet the people. Thanks for any information...Russell

Jose (?Russell) <BR> <BR>Which country are you asking about - US or Peru? <BR> <BR>I would suggest posting your question as a new message.

My husband and I just got back from two weeks in Peru. We took the tourist train economy from Cuzco to MP @17 each one way and although guide books would lead you to believe locked carriages are required and to opt for "pullman" class it is totally unnecessary as only tourists are allowed on the tourist train. Of course this leads to my next point in that the guide books would also lead you to believe that all the local people are looking for any opportunity to rob the tourists blind but I found this to be not the case at all. As we both noted, some of the tourists looked more suspicious than any locals we saw. On the way back from MP we opted to take the "local train" which was very cheap ($7 for both) and did indeed provide much local colour. We even felt entirely safe on that train but it was extremely crowded (many standing local peasants) and I don't think it would have been something one would want to do for a longer journey. I would recommend going to MP two days in a row as the one day from Cuzco does not allow much time. In Aquas Calientes we stayed at a nice place for $10 although that rate was in a package so may be somewhat higher in reality. It was Hotel Las Rocas and was up the hill and the last building right beside the Hot Springs. Clean, private bath, quiet (actually no street noise but could hear the river below roaring) In Cuzco we stayed at San Isidro Labrador for $40 per night. It is a block from the plaza, very quiet, clean, very nice people. If you need more info please let me know and I will email you.

train was very safe but train from machu picchu actually derailed halfway to cusco..train conductors took two hours, but got train back on track..pratically all passengers on train were tourists..probably safer than long island railroad..also, cuzco is great city to visit..look for the boy yelling at the bus as you leave machu picchu to go back to the train...