Cusco to Poroy Train: A Guide to Independent Travel

Getting from Cusco to the Poroy train station is, well, just a thing many travelers have to puzzle out when they’re off to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu. You see, a good number of trains going to Machu Picchu actually depart not from Cusco itself, yet from Poroy, a smaller town situated a bit outside the city. Doing it yourself can, in a way, save you some money and maybe even add a dash of adventure to the trip. Figuring this out yourself is doable, and that way, that’s what we’re going to be chatting about here—how to get yourself from Cusco to Poroy without too much bother.

Why Travel to Poroy Train Station Independently?

Taking the reins and heading to Poroy station on your own steam has several advantages, is that it. Firstly, going solo is often easier on the wallet. A number of tour operators will happily take you, yet naturally, that convenience carries a fee. Opting for local transport options, like taxis or colectivos (shared vans), that can really bring the transportation price way down. Secondly, doing it independently, that offers you a great deal more flexibility. Want to linger over breakfast at your own speed? No sweat. Wish to make a stop at that little market you noticed along the road? Go ahead. You’re calling the shots. Thirdly, there is something to be said about the satisfaction you get from doing stuff on your own. Conquering the minor logistical puzzles really gives one a sense of having connected a little more authentically with a place.

Planning Your Trip: Things to Know

Ok, so you want to roll solo to Poroy? Here are a couple of nuggets worth knowing ahead of time, is that. First off, know your train departure time solid. Missing that train could muck up the whole Machu Picchu thing. Tickets generally require a certain amount of advance purchase so don’t expect to walk up on the day and just buy a ticket. Confirming all of this information before is probably best. Also, just so you know, the transport from Cusco to Poroy may take somewhere around 30 minutes to an hour, so building in enough cushion time is, of course, quite important, because nobody wants to be sprinting through Poroy right before the train leaves. Think about traffic, is that too. Cusco is growing, and Poroy sees a fair bit of traffic around peak train times. Next up: cash is basically always helpful, that is particularly true when dealing with smaller taxis or colectivos, really be sure to have some local currency handy. Lastly, a phrase or two of Spanish really might take one far. Knowing simple phrases like “Poroy estación, por favor” is super helpful, alright?

Step-by-Step Guide: Cusco to Poroy

Alright, so, now for the how-to part, is that.

1. Find Transportation in Cusco: Most journeys start in Cusco, likely from the city center or your accommodation. A taxi is always super doable, is that. Cabs are, very often, hanging around the Plaza de Armas. Moreover, that way you can ask your hotel or Airbnb to set one up for you. Another choice is a colectivo. These are shared vans which run particular routes. What is helpful is that they are cheaper than cabs. What is, though, something to think about, is that colectivos will probably require some walking to where they actually depart.
2. Negotiate or Confirm the Fare: If taking a taxi, hashing out the fare upfront helps dodge surprises. You may, just, get a little bit of price gouging, mainly if you look very touristy. Colectivos, basically always, have a set fare, so really there is less haggling, you see?
3. Enjoy the Ride: The ride can definitely be scenic, what with the views of the countryside. Try, at least, to take in the scenery.
4. Arrival at Poroy Station: Validate that you’re at the correct entrance for your train. Confirm all this info, basically always, before your train actually leaves so everything goes well.

Taxi vs. Colectivo: Weighing Your Options

Okay, taxi or colectivo? Time to weigh those choices. A taxi probably gives convenience, because they will grab you from pretty much anywhere. They’re really great if you have baggage or would just like a ride all to yourself. The tradeoff, though, would very possibly be cost, since they might run you considerably more than other options. Colectivos, well, they’re cheaper, because you are packing in with fellow travelers and a good amount of locals, is that. They may, however, mean a walk to the departure point, also the possibility of being crammed in pretty tight. For a handful of people, particularly those wanting to experience a little bit of local color and cut costs, a colectivo is, usually, a totally awesome pick.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Okay, to dodge some trouble, here are things that can make your trek smooth. Firstly, keep an eye on your stuff. Petty theft sometimes just happens, really particularly in areas thick with people, like near the colectivos. Secondly, if a cab driver appears hesitant to use a meter or agree on a fare beforehand, that can definitely be a little bit of a warning sign, so maybe try to flag another cab instead. Thirdly, validate the return times, that is especially the case if you’re figuring on catching a colectivo back to Cusco later. They can stop running at some point, in that case. Lastly, make sure your train tickets and some kind of personal identification are tucked safely away. What is probably best is keeping them somewhere separate just if something goes wrong.

Enjoying the Journey: Making the Most of Your Trip

Getting to Poroy isn’t really just about reaching a station, so, try taking in the views. The route cuts through portions of the Sacred Valley, a pretty visually striking part of Peru. Basically always try getting in touch with folks as you go, asking for directions or simply getting an understanding about daily life around there. This experience is more enriching just a bit when you see these daily interactions in the area. And please, please don’t forget to pack lightly, very especially if hopping on a colectivo, is that because nobody really wants to drag tons of bags down Cusco’s sometimes very uneven roads or try and smoosh into a packed van. By keeping a little aware and opening yourself up to what happens as you go, even simple transport can transform a memorably special travel experience.