Quick Guide to Top Seating Options

Are you in a hurry to book your tickets? Here are the quick picks for the best seats on train to Aguas Calientes. These choices cover different budgets and styles.

• Best overall: Left side seats on the outbound journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
• Best for families: Tables of four in the Vistadome carriage.
• Best for photography: The open-air balcony in the Observatory car.
• Best for luxury: Rotating leather chairs in First Class.

Each option offers a unique way to see the landscape. If you want more details, check out which train carriage has the best views for your specific travel date in 2026.

Top 10 Seats and Carriages for Views

Choosing the best seats on train to Aguas Calientes requires knowing the route. The train follows the Urubamba River closely for most of the trip. Here are the top specific seating choices for your upcoming adventure.

1. Left-Side Window (Outbound): Type: sight Why go: This side is directly next to the Urubamba River for the journey in. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Any carriage, Cusco to Aguas Calientes Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $60 - $120 Getting there: Board at Poroy or Ollantaytambo. Tip: Book well in advance to secure these popular spots.
2. Right-Side Window (Return): Type: sight Why go: As the train reverses direction, the river is now on the right side. Best for: Afternoon views Where: Aguas Calientes to Cusco Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $60 - $120 Getting there: Board at Aguas Calientes station. Tip: The lighting on the mountains is stunning during the late afternoon return.
3. Vistadome Observatory Car: Type: experience Why go: These cars feature massive overhead windows and a lounge area. Best for: Social travelers Where: PeruRail Vistadome trains Time: Full journey Cost: $90 - $150 Getting there: Select the Vistadome service when booking. Tip: Move to the lounge car early for the best standing views.
4. The 360° Train Carriage: Type: experience Why go: Features taller and wider windows than standard cars with an outdoor observation area. Best for: Photography Where: Inca Rail 360° service Time: Full journey Cost: $85 - $140 Getting there: Available from Ollantaytambo. Tip: Use the on-board app for GPS-guided commentary.
5. First Class Lounge Seat: Type: luxury Why go: Offers maximum comfort with plush seating and gourmet meals. Best for: Couples Where: Inca Rail First Class Time: 1.5 - 3 hours Cost: $200+ Getting there: Departs from Ollantaytambo. Tip: The lounge often features live music during the trip.
6. The Bar Car Bench: Type: experience Why go: Provide a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and snacks near the windows. Best for: Relaxing Where: Hiram Bingham Luxury Train Time: 3+ hours Cost: $500+ Getting there: Departs from Poroy (Cusco). Tip: This is the most expensive but most iconic rail experience in Peru.
7. Panoramic Roof Seat: Type: sight Why go: Allows you to see the peaks of the high Andes directly above. Best for: Scale and perspective Where: PeruRail Vistadome Time: Full journey Cost: $90 - $130 Getting there: Standard Vistadome booking. Tip: Wear sunscreen if traveling mid-day under the glass.
8. Expedition Class Window A: Type: budget Why go: The most affordable way to see the scenery through large windows. Best for: Budget travelers Where: PeruRail Expedition Time: 2-4 hours Cost: $55 - $80 Getting there: The standard service from all major stations. Tip: These seats are very comfortable despite being the lowest tier.
9. Voyager B-Side Bench: Type: budget Why go: Similar to Expedition, providing clear views of the valley floor. Best for: Value Where: Inca Rail Voyager Time: 1.5 - 2 hours Cost: $50 - $75 Getting there: Primarily from Ollantaytambo. Tip: Check for promotional prices on the Inca Rail website.
10. Executive Class Middle Row: Type: experience Why go: Includes tables for groups or families wanting to share snacks. Best for: Families Where: Inca Rail Executive service Time: 2 hours Cost: $70 - $110 Getting there: Regular departures from Ollantaytambo. Tip: Ask for a table seat if traveling in a group of four.

Maximize Your Panoramic Train Ride Views

Getting the best seats on train to Aguas Calientes is only half the battle. You must also know what to look for during the ride. As you leave Ollantaytambo, look for the Inca ruins on the hillsides. These ancient walls appear suddenly among the greenery. The transition from the dry valley to the lush cloud forest is beautiful.

Timing is also an essential factor for your trip. Early morning trains often see mist rising from the river. This creates a mystical atmosphere perfect for moody photos. Afternoon trains offer bright light to see the peaks. If you visit in 2026, many trains will offer digital tablets for site information.

Remember that the trains move relatively slowly. This gives you plenty of time to swap sides if the car is not full. Most conductors are friendly and allow you to stand in the vestibules. You can see more top attractions near Aguas Calientes once you arrive at the station. Don't forget to pack your camera and a portable charger.