The Poroy station is one of the departure points for the train to Machu Picchu and the closest option to the center of Cusco for those who prefer to avoid traveling to Ollantaytambo. It is located about 15 minutes by car from Cusco’s historic center, in the district of the same name, at 3,566 meters above sea level. Knowing how it works, when to use it, and what to expect upon arrival makes a difference when planning the trip.
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Where is the Poroy Station?
The Poroy station is located in the district of Poroy, about 9 kilometers from the center of Cusco on the road to Chinchero. Access from the city can be made by taxi, private car, or with transfers coordinated by the train companies as part of their bimodal services. There is no direct public transport to the station, so it is recommended to arrange transportation in advance, either through a travel agency or directly with the train operator.
Which trains depart from Poroy?
Only PeruRail operates from Poroy, with departures to Aguas Calientes on the Expedition, Vistadome, and the exclusive Belmond Hiram Bingham categories. However, frequencies from Poroy are lower than those from Ollantaytambo, and not all categories have daily departures from this station. The journey from Poroy to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, as the route is longer: the train climbs to the highest point of the route before descending through the Urubamba River canyon into the jungle.
Poroy vs Ollantaytambo: Which one is better for departure?
The main difference between the two stations is the total travel time and the convenience of the prior transfer. Departing from Poroy avoids the nearly 2-hour bus ride to Ollantaytambo, but the train journey is longer. Departing from Ollantaytambo requires a land transfer, but the train ride takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, which often proves to be more efficient in total time.
For travelers staying in downtown Cusco and preferring to board the train directly without traveling to the Sacred Valley, Poroy is a comfortable option. For those who are already planning a visit to the Sacred Valley the day before or want more schedule options, Ollantaytambo is the most convenient departure point.
What is at the Poroy Station?
The Poroy station is a small, functional facility. It has a waiting room, ticket windows, restrooms, and a small area with shops and a café. It is not a large station and does not have the infrastructure of an international train terminal, so it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete check-in and boarding without rush.
Practical Tips for Using the Poroy Station
Arriving on time is essential because the trains do not wait, and tickets are non-refundable if lost due to tardiness. The allowed luggage on board is 8 kilograms with maximum dimensions of 115 centimeters (length + width + height). Excess luggage can be left in storage at the station at no additional cost. If you travel during the rainy season (November to March), it is advisable to confirm the condition of the tracks before departing, as floods in the Urubamba canyon can cause delays or service suspensions.
Get to Machu Picchu from Poroy with Peru Sites
At Peru Sites, we coordinate the transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Poroy station and manage your train tickets in the category that best fits your itinerary and budget. If you prefer to depart from Ollantaytambo, we also organize that, combining the land transfer with a visit to the Sacred Valley along the way. Contact us, and we’ll arrange the complete journey from the very first step.
