Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
If you’re going to travel to one of the world’s greatest destinations, then why not do it in style? Named after the explorer who rediscovered the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is operated by luxury hotel and leisure group Belmond, taking guests on an opulent adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu itself. The journey takes just three and a half hours, whizzing past the Andes, Urabama River and Sacred Valley.
On-board guests are treated to five-star service in Pullman-style carriages, transported to the golden age of travel with polished teak panelling, antique fittings and plush furnishings. Lavish meals, afternoon tea, guided tours of the citadel and a vintage cocktail bar all await Hiram Bingham – and the train is the perfect way to celebrate a life milestone such as a big birthday or honeymoon. Hiram Bingham is one of two luxury Belmond trains operating in Peru.
Prices from: US $495
Departing from: Cusco, Peru
Journey length: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Belmond Hiram Bingham route
The Belmond Hirman Bingham runs a route between Peru’s capital, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes, the station for the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. The train departs from Poroy station and travels from the high Andes down the Sacred Valley, running alongside the Urabama River for much of the journey.
Trains depart from Cusco at 9:05 and arrive at Machu Picchu at 12:25, with a total journey time of 3 hours, 20 minutes. Passengers then receive a guided tour and afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, before those returning to Cusco board the train at 17:50. The train then arrives back in Cusco at 21:15. The journey is available in each direction between Cusco and Machu Picchu or as a round-trip.
Belmond Hiram Bingham train
Adding to the splendour of visiting Machu Picchu, Belmond has gone all out with the Hiram Bingham. The train is truly spectacular, with a dazzling blue and gold livery, Pullman-style coaches, opulent furnishings, two dining cars, observation car and a bar car. Passengers travelling from Cusco to Peru receive a three-course brunch with wines, while passengers travelling from Machu Picchu to Cusco are treated to a four-course South American-inspired feast. A welcome cocktail, meals, entrance fee, guided tour and afternoon tea are all included in the fare.
What we love
Everything about this glamorous a train and the bucket-list journey. We especially love the sultry bar car, where guests can grab a pisco sour, sink into a 1920s armchair and listen to a local live band.