Dancers from the Riqchari folkloric group and chilled champagne await you on the platform as you board the world-famous Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train at Poroy station in Cusco. Named after the explorer who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, this legendary Pullman train is truly a ‘palace on wheels’. It offers everything you would expect from Belmond – brass, polished wood, an open observation car, luxurious dining cars and impeccable service.
What I didn’t expect from what I knew would be an epic day, was just how much fun this journey would be. Live music, excellent food, interesting people and well-timed interpretation and guiding by some of the best guides I have had in Peru as we passed through the different eco-systems along the 3.5 hour journey to Machu Picchu all contributed to a fabulous on-board experience.
The open-air observation car is perfect for taking excellent photos of the stunning landscape, listening to the live music and getting carried away in the fun, festive on-board vibe. A three-course meal is then served as the train glides onwards through the valley. A nice selection of wines is perfect accompaniment to the majestic snow-capped peaks that line our approach to the ancient Inca citadel.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train is, as expected a well-oiled machine with no detail left to chance. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes, tour guides await for a seamless transition by bus up to the ruins for a three hour guided tour of this world famous Incan archaeological site with our extremely knowledgeable guide German.
After the Machu Picchu visit we stopped for a delicious afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge before making our way back to the train. On the return journey guests are invited to join the party in the bar car where the musicians belt out Latino tunes. Pisco Sours flow, shakers and rattles are handed out and everyone gets involved singing, dancing and shaking away. At one point even the elderly lady opposite me stood up and started dancing in the middle of the carriage! As the party wound down, we headed back to our tables for a three-course dinner before arriving back at Poroy station near Cusco, exhausted but happy.
We’ve been many places and done many activities throughout Peru but the Belmond Hiram Bingham train journey has been among the most enjoyable of all the high-end activities we’ve reviewed on our travels!
If you have been dreaming of a trip to Machu Picchu forever, want it to be very special and your budget can stretch, then the Belmond Hiram Bingham train is a great choice for luxury, fun and an unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu. We can definitely agree that it is one of the best travel experiences in the world…
Best of Peru Travel Recommends:
- Try and book a seat on the left hand side of the train from Cusco – Machu Picchu for the best views.
- Allow at least 30 minutes to get from Cusco to Poroy train station by taxi particularly during early morning traffic.
Click here for information on how to get to Machu Picchu
Information on how to buy your Machu Picchu tickets
