Travel in 1920s Pullman elegance on the Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Enjoy Andean views, white tablecloth dining, fine wines, and onboard entertainment. Arrive for an expert guided tour of the ruins and terraces, with free time to explore. Savor afternoon tea at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
The journey to the Citadel begins in the polished wood and brass interior of a 1920s Pullman-style carriage. This is the definitive luxury transit to the ruins.
You skip the crowded station platforms of Cusco for a private transfer to Poroy, where a welcome drink marks the start of a three-hour expedition through the Urubamba Valley.
While the landscape of jagged peaks and river canyons drifts past the observation deck, you are served a three-course lunch of Wayllabamba trout and Andean mint on white linen. This is not just a train ride; it is a curated sensory bridge between the colonial city and the Incan sanctuary.
You bypass the standard shuttle lines in Aguas Calientes by boarding a private Hiram Bingham bus that climbs the switchbacks directly to the gates. By the time you reach the Sun Temple, every logistical detail has been managed.
These exclusive carriages sell out months in advance, so book your Hiram Bingham train tour early to secure a seat in the dining car.
Expect a high-touch, all-inclusive environment where you never touch a ticket or wait in a queue. This is a 13-hour day focused on comfort and culinary detail. While the train and lodge provide maximum luxury, the ruins still require navigating uneven stone steps and steep granite terraces. The temperature shifts from the cool morning in Poroy to the humid, direct sun of the Citadel. You should wear layers that suit both a fine-dining environment and a mountain archaeological site.
Our clients suggest spending most of the journey in the observation car. The open-air deck allows you to smell the eucalyptus trees and hear the river in a way you can't from the enclosed dining cars.
If you have a specific dietary requirement, travellers who booked tours with us recommend mentioning it during booking. The chefs are highly skilled and can adapt the gourmet menu for vegetarian or gluten-free needs without sacrificing the quality.
The Pisco Sours on board are made with premium spirits. Our past travellers warn that they are surprisingly strong, especially given the high-altitude movement of the train.
Don't bring large luggage. The train has zero space for full-sized suitcases. Leave your heavy bags at your hotel in Cusco and only bring a small daypack for your camera and essentials.
The visibility of the peaks is clearest during the winter months, while the landscape is at its greenest after the rains.
Recommended Start Time: 8:00 AM. This arrival at the station ensures you have the full three-hour lunch experience while the train climbs through the most scenic part of the valley.
Yes. A selection of regional wines, beers, and cocktails is included throughout the journey and during tea time.
We prioritize Circuit 2 (the classic route). If the government has sold out of these slots, we will offer 1B or 3B before issuing the tickets.
There is no formal code, but most guests opt for "smart casual" attire that works for both hiking and a luxury dining car.
The guided portion at the ruins is limited to a maximum of 10 people per guide to ensure an intimate experience.
Yes. Even on a VIP tour, the government rangers require your original physical passport for entry into the sanctuary.
Book it today with Machu Picchu Guided Tours or simply following this link.
