PromPeru today surprised ITB in Berlin by announcing the re-opening of the vital rail link to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The line was severely damaged in heavy rains and floods which hit the country in January and eroded railway tracks between Cuzco, Ollantaytambo and the Inca citadel.
Following the successful completion of track repairs ahead of schedule, it has been confirmed that, weather permitting, PeruRail will recommence its Vistadome train service to Aguas Calientes , the station for Machu Picchu Pueblo, on March 29.
The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu will reopen to tourists on April 1, travelmole.com reports.
Initially train services will operate between Pisacucho, a station beyond Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes, with a replacement bus service from Wanchaq Station in Cuzco bringing passengers by road to Pisacucho.
The train journey will take 1 hour 20 minutes and the drive approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
It is estimated that it will be possible to make the entire journey from Poroy station in Cuzco to Machu Picchu by rail from July 2010, subject to favourable weather conditions.
PeruRail also operates a backpacker service and the luxury Hiram Bingham train between Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
The backpacker train will resume at the end of April and the Hiram Bingham will be back in operation at the end of June.
