The Hiram Bingham Luxury train to Machu Picchu lets you experience an old-world class from the golden era of railway travel. It is named after Hiram Bingham, the famous explorer who first described these iconic Incan ruins.
Modeled after the 1920 Pullman cars, the blue and gold train is an iconic sight in the Andean Landscape. The luxury train to Machu Picchu has been operating since 2003 and is one of the most exclusive rail experiences in the world.
So, are the fancy carriages worth the hype? In this article, I will look at what you get with this pricey train ticket.
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Hiram Bingham Machu Picchu Train
What To Expect on the Machu Picchu Luxury Train
There are many perks which come with buying a ticket on the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu.
First Class Service
On Belmond’s Hiram Bingham Express, no detail is forgotten. The staff on this train are top-tier and trained in 5-star hospitality. They will help with your bags and are always ready with a snack or drink. They know what you want before you do.
Carriages
Separate train cars provide the hotel experience. This also means the train never feels crowded in any one space. Inside the train, you can find a simple and sophisticated design. Nostalgic armchairs, wood, and polished brass interiors will have you believing you are part of an expedition in the 1920s.
There are two dining carriages with each dining room seating at least 42 passengers. The tables are set with white linen and high-quality glassware and silverware.
The onboard bar is located in its own car. The barman is a pro at preparing almost any drink and can also offer you a range of specialty cocktails.
Finally, there is an observation carriage. Meet other travelers and take in the passing scenery of stunning mountains and cloud forests.
Fine Dining and Bar
Food is an occasion on the Bingham express to Machu Picchu. Local dishes are given a modern twist. Arrive hungry for the three-course brunches and 4-course dinners.
Top chefs create dishes that appeal to the eye and the palette. The menu depends on the seasonality of local ingredients and includes succulent beef, freshly caught trout, and fruity desserts. Meals are accompanied by wines from a carefully curated list.
On Board Entertainment
On the Hiram Bingham luxury Train, guests can enjoy a variety of live entertainment. Dancers welcome passengers at the railway station and onboard, talented musicians serenade you with the sounds of flutes and pipes.
Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu - Trip Itinerary
Your day on the luxury train to Machu Picchu begins with a private pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. It is an approximately 35-minute drive to Poroy Station. From here, you will be welcomed at the station with traditional dancing, cocktails, and canapes.
When you board the train, you will be escorted to your seat in one of the dining cabins. The train makes its way to Ollantaytambo (around 1 hour and 20 minutes). From here, it makes a brief stop to collect more passengers. As you travel through the Sacred Valley, you can explore the carriages and take in the view.
After leaving Ollantaytambo (where you will also find some amazing hotels and accommodation), you will be invited to sit for a 3-course brunch. This includes complimentary sparkling wine.
After lunch, you are free to relax. Enjoy live music or a cocktail at the bar. The train follows the tracks beside the Urubamba river and you will soon arrive at Aguas Calientes station.
The bar aboard the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train
On arrival, a private shuttle will take you to Machu Picchu, which is a 30-minute ride up the mountain. If you want to arrange your own transportation, there are some affordable options for getting to Machu Picchu.
At Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins.
You can book a return trip for the same day. However, we recommend staying in Aguas Calientes so you can take your time exploring the site and the town.
Please Note: The return trip on the luxury train to Machu Picchu includes a 4-course dinner in place of the 3-course brunch.
How Long is the Luxury Train Ride to Machu Picchu?
A one-way train ride from Poroy Station to Machu Picchu is usually 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you catch the train at Ollantaytambo, it shortens the journey to under 2 hours.
How Much is The Luxury Train to Machu Picchu?
On average, the Hiram Bingham Orient Express from Cusco to Machu Picchu costs $1000 for a round trip. This includes all meals, transfers, and entertainment. This is almost four times the price of the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu.
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Booking The Hiram Bingham Luxury Train to Machu Picchu
The luxury train to Machu Picchu is a popular part of many tour packages to the famous Incan ruins. Most good Machu Picchu tour operators will let you upgrade your train ride to the Hiram Bingham Express provided there are still seats available.
You can also book your luxury train tickets online at Perurail. The train operates every day except for Mondays.
Where to stay after your train ride? Here are 5 of my favourite accommodation options in Cusco:
See more Cusco accommodation options.
Special Services on the Hiram Bingham Luxury Train
If you are willing to pay some serious cash, the luxury train to Machu Picchu can be exclusively chartered. This allows you to plan your own itinerary with groups being able to also book entire carriages.
Belmond’s Hiram Bingham also caters to special requests. Perhaps you want to propose or surprise your loved ones with a private dinner? The Belmond team can make your vision a reality.
Is The Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu Worth It?
The luxury train to Machu Picchu is undoubtedly a memorable experience. If you are all about opulence and indulgence, this is the way to go and definitely worth it.
It may also be worth shelling out the extra dollars for celebrating a special occasion. This is definitely a unique way to spoil yourself or someone you love
On the other hand, the extra money could be well spent elsewhere. Perhaps additional excursions or nights in Cusco’s Luxury hotels might also be an alternative extravagant experience.
Where to stay? Here are 5 more of my favourite luxury accommodation options in Cusco:
- Costa del Sol Cusco (close to Cusco Main Square)
- Sonesta Hotel Cusco (close to Velasco Astete Airport)
- Casa Andina Premium Cusco (excellent views of Limacpampa Square)
- Hilton Garden Inn Cusco (located in historic city centre)
- Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Historico (excellent facilities and terrace rooms)
See more Cusco luxury accommodation options.
Ultimately, it comes down to your bank balance and your vacation priorities. If you would like some more suggestions, feel free to leave your feedback in the comment section at the end of this article.
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Get a Machu Picchu trek quote
Start planning your Machu Picchu hiking holiday.