Most people who visit the magical Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu will arrive there by train. It is one of the most direct ways to reach the ancient Inca citadel if you don´t want to spend days hiking there. The most luxurious train ride is by far the Belmond's Hiram Bingham train which will take you back in time to the romantic era of the Orient Express luxury train travel.
If you are looking for an opulent way to arrive at Machu Picchu in style, the Hiram Bingham train is probably your best option! Read on for more information about luxury rain travel to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham train.
Machu Picchu is Peru’s most famous and signature site. There is very good reason why so many people want to visit this iconic Inca archaeological site. This remarkable site is one of the wonders of the world because it is one of the planets´s most mind-blowing destinations to visit, as well as being a stunning example of the Inca construction techniques dating back centuries.
The most direct way to reach Machu Picchu is on "Shanks´s Pony" or hiking there for a number of days. Whether age won´t allow you or you have a physical restriction or simply don´t fancy walking for days without a shower, and camping in cold temperatures, the train to Machu Picchu is the best option to travel to this hard-to-get to Peruvian masterpiece.
The Hiram Bingham Train is a top-end exorbitant train trip to Machu Picchu that begins close to Cusco city and takes a stunningly scenic route through the Sacred Valley of The Incas, which will take you to Machu Picchu in a jiffy. The Hiram Bingham train is named after the alleged " "discoverer of Machu Picchu" in 1918 who more appropriately rediscovered the Inca Citadel and showcased the ancient city to the outside world. The train itself has a number of fabulously decorated carriages, including two dining cars, a luxury bar carriage, and a wonderful viewing car for immersing yourself in the stunning Andean nature along the train ride.
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What to Expect
A welcome greeting of live music accompanied by traditional dancers Will introduce you to this spectacular experience of luxury travel. Onboard, and after an early morning "bucks’ fizz" style Peruvian mimosa to begin this luxury adventure, you will be shown to our dining car for a 9 a.m. departure from Cusco.
Many travelers Will take the Hiram Bingham train to enjoy trekking around Machu Picchu and enjoying the spectacular Andean scenery along the way. Others Will be there fo the luxury travel aspect, donning their designer gear, while simply sipping on the free champagne and sampling delicious gourmet food.
The train journey sets off as you glide along train tracks for two and a half hours, descending from 3,300 m / 10,000 ft in elevation to 2,400 m / 7874 ft. The journey continues on relatively flat terrain. All around are Andean corn and potato plantations which fly by, before the train passes through the lush green cloud forest of the Sacred Valley, a wonderfully fertile region that was sacred for the Incas as their main food resource. There will be a brief stop at Ollantaytambo to pick up more travelers before the marvelous stereotypical Orient Express brunch service comes into effect.
The three-course gastronomic experience will begin with warm bread and a crispy corn pastry followed by Angus beef kebabs and native potatoes, and a scrumptious banana and passion fruit mousse to finish. Next on the menu, as you digest, are the mind-blowing views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding snow peaks of the Andes.
As you follow the path of the roaring Urubamba River, which eventually flows into the iconic Amazon River. The observation car is arguably the best place to spend most of your Hiram Bingham luxury train ride, immersing yourself in the stunning and pristine vistas of Peru´s Andes, as the train winds through the high mountains and lush green environment of bromeliads and green foliage nest viewed from the right-hand side of the train. Before too long you will arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station at the base of Machu Picchu. As you are ushered to the private Hiram Bingham waiting room your coach will be waiting for a 20-minute ascent up a windy road to the Machu Picchu entrance.
You will then spend a few hours on your Machu Picchu guided tour around the Inca citadel as you absorb the wonders and scenery of the magical Machu Picchu. The guide will take you to the signature sights of Machu Picchu including the Intiwatana sundial, the Temple of the 3 Windows, and the Temple of the Condor. At 4 p.m., you will head to the only hotel at Machu Picchu´s entrance - The Sanctuary Lodge, where you can enjoy afternoon tea before heading back for the return journey. A luxury dinner service with unlimited beverages will keep you entertained on board as the skies darken on the outside. A four-course dinner menu is a welcome reward after a day of exploring Machu Picchu´s magnificence.
The journey ends with a yummy hot chocolate to cap off the evening. The train pulls into the outskirts of Cusco at around 9:30 p.m. to more live, traditional music and the hard-working staff who have been part of this epic journey, say goodbye.
The Carriages on The Luxury Train
The Hiram Bingham´s carriages offer top-end comfort with elaborate decoration in the traditional Pullman style of the 1920s trains. Each one of the four carriages has been furnished in polished wood and brass, with large comfy chairs and lots of space to relax.
Observation Car.
At the back of the Hiram Bingham train is the Observation car. This offers an open space to truly enjoy the stunning Peruvian landscape. Observation cars are a great addition to any train and this one is furnished with shiny brass and dark wood, with plump, cushioned seats, perfect to relax in and enjoy the stunning Peruvian countryside that passes by.
Dining Carriages.
The two dining cars offer ample seating with impeccably laid tables, crystal cut glasses and shiny cutlery.
Bar Car.
The bar carriage is the perfect place to enjoy Peruvian Pisco Sours and listen to live Peruvian music performed by an onboard band. During the journey to Machu Picchu the barman offer passengers the opportunity to make traditional Pisco Sour for themselves.
So, Is The Hiram Bingham Train Worth It?
Recognized as one of the most luxurious train rides in the world, the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu provides an all-inclusive experience. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination for many travelers. While the opulent train service is second to none, many people wonder if the high cost for the luxury train to Machu Picchu is actually worth it?
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Luxury Train Costs
The cost of a round trip adult ticket on the Hiram Bingham:
$1,120.00 for adults (during peak season)
$560 for Children ages 2-11 years old
Under age 2 in laps, FREE
Tipping on the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train
Remember tipping is not included on your luxury train ride aboard the Hiram Bingham. When you make your reservation, it is specified that tip is not included in your ticket price. 10% is a customary tip in Peru and the same goes for the Hiram Bingham train journey.
Travel Tips for the Luxury Train
• Reserve early! The tickets sell out really quickly (especially during high season).
• The Luxury train does NOT depart every day of the week! Ask for more information!
• Make sure you leave your large backpacks in Cusco when you travel on the Hiram Bingham train. Machu Picchu has restrictions on what size backpack you can take into the site. Fortunately, they give out souvenir backpacks on the Hiram Bingham train ride.
• If you suffer from motion sickness, take medication for the train trip.
• Consider taking the train and staying overnight at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. It’s a long journey to visit Machu Picchu in just one day. You will leave your hotel around 7:00 am and return at approximately 11:00 pm which makes for a very long day.
• For passengers with impaired mobility, the train might be difficult. The aisles are narrow in the carriages and the train cars naturally sway. Walking between the carriages is a bit of an unsteady task (especially after a few free pisco sours!).
Of course, Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While there are less expensive train options to the Inca citadel, the unique experience of taking the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu is in our opinion worth the high price tag. The first-class service, fine dining, impeccable train carriages, unlimited Peruvian cocktails, and amazing live entertainment, this is one of the most opulent train trips on the planet.
Not only the previously mentioned, your journey to Machu Picchu is completely taken care of which means a seamless visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu. This is why the Hiram Bingham train is definitely worth the Price.
If you want to spoil yourself on the way to Machu Picchu as part of your Peru luxury travel package, contact us here to book your luxury train journey to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham train!!