How reliable are the trains in Peru and Ecuador?

Question

I am interested in traveling from Lima to Quito (and possibly vice versa). I'm also looking at going from Lima to Cuzco, and from there to Machu Picchu. Are the trains reliable enough to go?

Answer 1

yeah there are no trains to go to Ecuador to Peru..or Peru to Ecuador...

I have a friend from Ecuador and he says is cheaper to take the bus...now in Ecuador the currency is US dollar so when you go to Peru, you can user either dollars or Soles, but if you show that you have dollars they might want to charge you more for everything  and in dollars but you can always bargain.thats very common there...right now the exchange is like s/. 2.68 soles for 1 US dollar..

you can take a bus or plane from lima to Cuzco, but I recommend taking a plane because sometimes buses get hijacked on the highway...whatever they told you I dont think is safe...but its cheaper so is your choice...

once you are in Cuzco you can take the train to Macchu Picchu and I've heard is really nice, the food,  the service and you get there way faster and the best thing you enjoy a great view...

I am actually planning on going to Peru-Lima and Macchu picchu next year and i've research alot and thats what i plan on doing...

I am from Peru btw so I know what I'm talking about..

enjoy your trip..

Answer 2

Don't take the trains, take the buses.  They are the dominant form of overland travel and they are cheap, comfort, and they serve food just like an airplane.  You can take the bus Cruz del Sur (cruzdelsur.com) from Lima to Cuzco.  I recently made this trip (20 hours) but the bus was nice.  I know there are buses from Quito to Lima as well because a friend took one, but I couldn't tell you where.  You take a train from Cuzco to Macchu Picchu for $40, but that's a special train and not considered part of Peru's railways.

Answer 3

There is no train from Lima to Manchu Pichu either.  Good luck with your travel.  I think you will like both countries.  Hope you know some Spanish.

Answer 4

There is no train from Ecuador to Peru or vice versa.   Ecuador hat only an old train for the Andean tours.  The only possibility is to take a bus or a flight.

Current Rail Service

Today, as a result of near equal measures of nature and politics, just three sections of Ecuador's once vast rail network remain in operation. Currently running are a 100-kilometer section from Riobamba to Sibambe, a 60-kilometer segment connecting Quito and Cotopaxi National Park, and a 44-kilometer section joining Ibarra and Primer Paso.

The country's most popular rail trip begins in the picturesque city of Riobamba. Like many cities in the Ecuadorian Andes, Riobamba sits in shadow of a giant volcano. At 6,310 meters, the volcano Chimborazo enjoys the distinctions of being Ecuador's highest peak and the furthest point from the center of the earth, thanks to the bulge at the equator. The train travels south from Riobamba through a few small towns and large expanses of open country before arriving at Alausi, where it begins a hair-raising descent of the Devil's Nose. Most travelers sit on top of the rail cars to take advantage of the spectacular vistas. Tickets cost $15 and are available at the train station located at 10 de Agosto and Carabobo. The train leaves Riobamba on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 7am.

Source: http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/trai...