Machu Picchu train service back in action

The train route between Cuzco and Machu Picchu has fully reopened following extensive damage caused by floods in January.

The famous 110km rail journey takes visitors from Cuzco, the heart of the former Incan empire, to the town of Aguas Calientes, where the short trek up to the Inca citadel Machu Picchu begins.

The train ride saves visitors from having to endure the only other alternative route – a strenuous three-day high-altitude trek through the mountains – to reach the iconic monument, which attracts more than 400,000 visitors to Peru every year.

Rail operators Peru Rail and Inca Rail had to carry out extensive repairs to the tracks, following major damage caused by storms and flash floods that tore through Cuzco and the surrounding areas in January.

The worst damage was caused along the 45km stretch where the track runs parallel to the Urabamba River.

While the tracks were closed, Peru Rail operated coaches on the first stretch of the journey from Cuzco to Ollantaytambo and Pisacucho.

Although Machu Picchu itself was not damaged by the storms, the site was closed to the public until April 1.