Experience the natural beauty of the railway route from Cusco to Machu Picchu aboard the most luxurious train service in the region. The Hiram Bingham wagons offer an unforgettable experience between the mystic Peruvian Andes and the lush Amazon jungle, an adventure suitable for the most indulgent and in-style travelers.
If you’re looking for the most comfortable way to get to Machu Picchu, you might want to know everything about the Hiram Bingham train. This luxurious transportation is operated by a joint venture between Belmond and PeruRail, just like the Belmond Andean Explorer train service that connects the cities of Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa.
The elegance in this railway experience is unparalleled, where each of its four carriages is decorated to reflect the sumptuous luxury of the 1920s Pullman era, with wood-paneled interiors, brass, vibrant colors, and nature-inspired motifs that perfectly frame the panoramic views along the route.
In addition, you’ll also be able to sample the exotic and classic local flavors of Peruvian gastronomy as the train meanders through the sublime landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Continue reading and find yourself surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery on the way to Machu Picchu!
About the Hiram Bingham Train
As we mentioned above, the 1920-style train was launched in 2003 by Belmond and PeruRail, it was named after the famous American explorer who unveiled the long-forgotten Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and closely follows the route traveled by Hiram Bingham in 1911 on his first expedition to the historic sanctuary.
The train’s chassis was built in South Africa, whilst the carriages were decked out by the French company Compagnie Des Internationales Wagons-Lits, which worked along with Belmond (formerly known as Orient Express) to redefine luxury in train travel.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham train operates round-trip services from the Poroy train station (located 30 minutes away from Cusco city) to the hideaway spot of the cloud forest, Aguas Calientes. This famous railway service comprises four wagons, each of them with interior designs inspired by the 1920s Pullman wagons.
The Onboard Experience
This luxury train to Machu Picchu has two dining cars, an observation bar car, and a kitchen car, and offers the most unique travel experience on the way to the famous Aguas Calientes town. Here’s what you should expect:
Dining Cars
Enjoy the delicious Peruvian cuisine with authentic and outstanding dishes produced with fresh Peruvian vegetables from the surrounding valleys and exotic fruits from the nearby Quillabamba jungle. The round trip experience includes a 3-course brunch with an exceptional Peruvian wine.
On the way back to Cusco from Aguas Calientes, the mood is set perfectly to enjoy a delicious cocktail, while you wait for an elevated Andean cuisine with a four-course à la carte dinner. And though you may think their menu could be limited, special dietary requests are certainly no problem.
Bar Car
This lounge car allows passengers to connect and enjoy the sweeping views of the surroundings while sipping on a freshly made cocktail with the signature Peruvian flair, or any drink on the cocktail menu created by the renowned mixologist Aaron Diaz.
Observation Car
This beautiful Pullman-style carriage is furnished with large cushioned seats, features large panoramic windows, and an open-deck side so you can take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Andes and the cloud forest.
The Hiram Bingham Train redefines the traditional journey to Machu Picchu, a luxury travel experience to visit a once-in-a-lifetime structure in the most remote location of the Peruvian high jungle.
About the Trips
The train departs from the Poroy (Cusco) Station, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. It runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can choose for an inbound or outbound journey, as well as a round-trip service.
Outbound Journey Service
Cusco – Machu Picchu
- Includes a welcome show aboard with typical dances of the region.
- Gourmet lunch on board.
- Live music show.
- VIP lounge at Machu Picchu station.
- Upbound bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel
- A tour guide for Machu Picchu (8 passengers max.) in Spanish and/or English.
- Tea time at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
- Access to all public carriages.
Inbound Journey Service
Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Tea time at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
- Return bus to Machu Picchu town.
- VIP Lounge at Machu Picchu Station.
- Gourmet dinner on board.
- Live music show.
- Access to the bar car.
Round Trip Service
Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Includes a welcome show aboard with typical dances of the region.
- Gourmet lunch and dinner on board.
- Live music show.
- VIP lounge at Machu Picchu station.
- Roundtrip bus ticket to/from the Machu Picchu Citadel
- Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel
- A tour guide for Machu Picchu (7 passengers max.) in Spanish and/or English.
- Tea time at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
- Access to all public carriages.
Make your way to Machu Picchu more exciting and comfortable with this luxury travel experience! Contact us now and discover the best ways to explore Peru.
We can help you organize the perfect adventure through the ancient lands of the Incas just as you dreamed it! For more travel inspiration, check out our Peru travel packages and start planning your next holiday trip.