Luxury Trip to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham: An Unforgettable Experience
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Home » Cusco » Luxury Trip to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham: An Unforgettable Experience
Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, but doing so aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham train makes it truly unique. Inspired by the 1920s Pullman carriages, this exclusive train offers first-class service: gourmet cuisine, scenic views, live music, and personalized attention.
The train mainly operates between April and December, as during the rainy season (January to March) the service may be suspended or limited. Therefore, it is recommended to book at least one month in advance, especially during the high season between June and August.
The round-trip price per person ranges from $1,400 to $1,550 USD, depending on the season and the booking agency or platform. This cost includes all the mentioned premium services: gourmet meals, drinks, guide, entrance to Machu Picchu, transfers, and more.
Access the official PeruRail website: Visit the official Peru Rail website, the company that operates the Hiram Bingham train.
Select your route and date: Choose "Cusco" as your departure point and "Machu Picchu" as your destination, then select your travel date and number of passengers.
Choose the "Hiram Bingham" service: Among the available train options, select the "Hiram Bingham" luxury service.
Fill in your personal information: Enter the required details, such as names, nationality, document type, and email address.
Make the payment: Choose your preferred payment method (Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, bank transfer, among others) and complete the transaction.
Receive and save your ticket: Once the payment is confirmed, you will receive your ticket via email. It is recommended to print it or have it available on your mobile device for the travel day.
What is the estimated price of the Hiram Bingham train service?
The round-trip cost per person for the full Hiram Bingham train service is approximately $1,400 to $1,550 USD, depending on the season and the agency through which it is booked. This price includes all the previously mentioned services.
The train mainly operates from April to December, as during the rainy season (January to March), the service may be suspended or limited. It is advisable to book at least one month in advance, especially during the high season (June to August).
What are the routes and stations of the Hiram Bingham train?
The luxury Hiram Bingham train offers several routes to reach Machu Picchu, adapting to different seasons of the year and traveler preferences. Below are the main routes and stations.
Poroy – Machu Picchu – Poroy Route (May to December)
Departure station: Poroy, located 20 minutes from downtown Cusco.
Intermediate station: Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley.
Arrival station: Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Approximate duration: 3 hours and 19 minutes per leg.
Frequency: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Wanchaq – Machu Picchu – Wanchaq Route (January to April)
Departure station: Wanchaq, in Cusco.
Bimodal transport: Includes a bus transfer from Wanchaq to the Río Sagrado Hotel in Urubamba, where you board the train to Machu Picchu.
Arrival station: Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Approximate duration: 12 hours total (including transfers).
Frequency: Check availability depending on the season.
Departure and return station: Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley.
Arrival and departure station: Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
Approximate duration: 6 hours total (round trip).
Frequency: Check availability depending on the season.
Keep in mind that during the rainy season—especially from January to April—the service may be suspended due to weather conditions. In that case, the bimodal service from Wanchaq is offered.
It is recommended to book at least one month in advance, especially during the high season, due to high demand and the train’s limited capacity. Don’t forget that the maximum allowed luggage is 8 kg per person, with dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (height + length + width).
Hiram Bingham
Typical Day Itinerary on the Hiram Bingham Train
07:30 – 08:00: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer to Poroy station.
08:40: Welcome with a cocktail and live music at the station.
09:05: Departure of the train to Aguas Calientes.
12:24: Arrival in Aguas Calientes and bus transfer to Machu Picchu.
13:00 – 15:00: Private guided tour of the Inca citadel.
16:00: Afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
17:50: Departure of the return train to Poroy.
21:16: Arrival in Poroy and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
What does the Hiram Bingham train offer?
Welcome cocktail and show at the station: Before boarding, passengers are greeted with a complimentary drink and a performance of traditional Peruvian dances at the Poroy station.
Dining car and gourmet lunch: During the trip to Machu Picchu, a three-course lunch is served, made with local ingredients and accompanied by a selection of Peruvian, Argentine, and Chilean wines, along with other beverages.
Bar car with open bar: The train includes a bar car where passengers can enjoy a variety of drinks, including Peruvian cocktails like Pisco Sour, local beers, and soft drinks.
Observation car: A carriage with panoramic windows and an open balcony allows passengers to admire the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas during the journey.
Live music onboard: During the trip, live musical entertainment is offered, featuring traditional Peruvian and international repertoire.
Tour guide and entrance tickets: The package includes entrance to Machu Picchu, bus transport from Aguas Calientes to the citadel, and a guided tour of the archaeological site.
Afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge: After the visit to Machu Picchu, passengers enjoy afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, located next to the entrance of the archaeological site.
Gourmet dinner on the return trip: During the return to Cusco, a four-course dinner is served, accompanied by selected beverages and live music.
Hiram Bingham Service
What makes the Hiram Bingham special?
Exclusivity and comfort: The train is designed like an elegant 1920s lounge, with only 4 carriages: two dining cars, one bar car, and one panoramic observation car with an open roof.
Personalized service: It has a full onboard team (waiters, bartender, musicians, guide), all in a luxurious setting.
Historical inspiration: Named after the explorer Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911.
