At around $1000 for a round trip, The Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu is one of the most exclusive and expensive train rides in the world. The three-hour train journey, operated by the esteemed Orient Express, provides an ultra-luxury experience from the moment you step onto the plush carriage in Cusco to the moment you arrive at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Frequently featured in many of our luxury Peru tours and our luxury Machu Picchu tours it is always in demand and often sold out several months in advance. But at almost four times more than a regular first class Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, is it really worth the hype? Well, let’s take an honest look at why it’s so popular and what you get for your money so that you can make an informed decision for yourself.
About the Hiram Bingham Train
The train takes its name from the famous American explorer and Yale University lecturer Hiram Bingham who brought Machu Picchu to the world’s attention during his Inca Empire exploration in 1911. Designed to take you back to the citadel’s era of discovery by the modern world, the train complete with four royal blue Pullman-style passenger carriages is famed for its authentic 1910s/20s theme. It includes two dining cars, one bar car, and an observation car where you can watch the cloud forests of the Andes foothills whizz by. Each carriage is elegantly designed with regal wood-paneled walls, golden soft furnishings, and bold brass finishes.
What to expect of the Hiram Bingham journey
Boarding
The Hiram Bingham Train is a luxury Peru travel experience, which starts from the moment you arrive at the train station until you disembark the train near Machu Picchu, 3 hours and 19 minutes later. The train departs from Poroy station which is located on the outskirts of Cusco, a 35-minute journey by road. A private car will pick you up from your accommodation to take you there. On arrival at the station, you are welcomed with traditional Peruvian dancing as you enjoy a choice of premium drinks and canapés before boarding the train.
Departure
On departure, you are escorted to your seating and table set with sparkling silverware and glasses in one of the two dining carriages, each holding up to 42 passengers. The train slowly begins its route across open countryside and into the Sacred Valley of the Incas where it stops at Ollantaytambo to collect more passengers. During this time, guests are offered further refreshments, and the chance to explore the bar and observation cars.
Brunch and entertainment
The second stage of the journey to Aguas Calientes, the final destination, takes around two hours. During this time, you are invited to enjoy a three-course gourmet brunch consisting of a light entre, main course, and dessert, all of which are accompanied by a choice of complimentary sparkling Peruvian wines.
After brunch, guests are welcomed into the bar car where the expert mixologist shares the secrets of Peru’s national drink, the Pisco Sour. As passengers sit back to enjoy their Pisco, they can indulge in the delights of live Andean music featuring traditional instruments such as the Andean flute and pipes.
As you descend slowly towards Aguas Calientes alongside the fast-flowing Urubamba River, the scenery becomes more dramatic as the valley narrows, and the towering mountain peaks dominate the skyline. The observatory car is the perfect place to see the impressive views, get some pictures, and mingle with your fellow passengers.
Arrival
On arrival to Aguas Calientes, passengers are transferred to a private shuttle bus which takes 30 minutes to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu. Guests will get to explore the site with a tour guide to ensure they make the most out of their experience. Once completed, Hiram Bingham Train guests are welcomed to the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel for afternoon tea and a chance to rest their legs. The exclusive Orient Express-owned hotel is distinguished as the only hotel located adjacent to Machu Picchu and is an easy two-minute walk from the entrance.
Return
Guests can arrange the return journey for the same day or in the days following to have an opportunity to explore Aguas Calientes further. The return to Cusco follows a similar structure to the outward journey, but the three-course brunch is replaced with a four-course gourmet dinner.
The Service
From start to finish, expect impeccable service from the Hiram Bingham staff and their associates. Smartly dressed, highly attentive, and forward-thinking, their standards are likened to those of the world’s most renowned hospitality institutions. The staff are always on hand to carry your luggage, answer your questions, and see to your requests all whilst ensuring each step of the Hiram Bingham Machu Picchu experience goes seamlessly.
The Food
The Hiram Bingham Train experience includes a three-course brunch on the outward journey and a four-course dinner upon the return. Designed by the onboard chef, the dishes are inspired by Novo Andean cuisine that utilizes local ingredients and flavors, and are paired with a selection of Peruvian wines. The meals are served in a classic 1920s-style dining setting using the finest silverware and glassware for a high-class experience.
The Experience
Between the food, service, setting, views, and entertainment, the Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu experience is undoubtedly a treasurable one. Everything about it is designed with the utmost opulence and indulgence in mind. It transforms an otherwise arduous journey to the Inca citadel into a celebration of Peruvian heritage and culture, and a celebration of your success in making it to one of the world’s most venerated sights.
Is the Hiram Bingham Train worth the money?
By its very definition, opulence is an exaggerated indulgence in luxury and since the Hiram Bingham is all about opulence, it is by no means necessary. As we mentioned, a number of other train companies take you to Machu Picchu for a quarter of the price, and all of them are excellent options. That said, the price of this experience does include brunch and dinner, entertainment, transfers, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and a special afternoon tea. Whether those benefits justify the train’s steep ticket price is up to you.
On one hand, the price of the Hiram Bigham tickets could be better used on upgraded hotel rooms, extra excursions, or an extended stay in Peru. The alternative uses of the ticket price are something to be seriously considered before booking your trip. The TLA experts can help lay out all of your options for you.
On the other hand, it is worth it for those who have always dreamed of seeing Machu Picchu or are tying the event in with a birthday or anniversary because it really amplifies the importance and celebration of the experience. However you value the journey, it is certainly an exquisite luxury Peru travel addition, and should you take the plunge, it will certainly reward you with great memories for years to come.
If you think that the Hiram Bingham Train is something that you would like to include on your trip to Peru contact a luxury Peru travel expert today.
