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Train: Hiram Bingham
Train Type: Luxury
Introduction/History:
When the Orient Express company took over passenger rail operations in Peru, it began offering services from backpacker to luxury. One of the latter is the narrow-gauge Hiram Bingham, aimed at high-end clients using Orient Express hotels. This gleaming blue-and-gold train makes the three-hour trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu every day but Sunday. It leaves from Poroy Station, about 20 minutes outside Cusco, rather than downtown Cusco. This allows Hiram Bingham clients to sleep in and leave at 9 a.m., a much later departure than the regular, “Vistadome” service, which leaves downtown Cusco at 6:05 a.m. Hiram Bingham clients also have a private send-off, with welcome pisco sours and a flurry of music and dancing.
Accommodations
Not applicable
Dining
The train has two 42-seat dining cars serving excellent Peruvian specialties for brunch on the journey to Machu Picchu, and for dinner on the evening return to Cusco. There are tables for four and two persons. The overall ambience is gorgeous, with large windows, beautiful china, silver and linens. Onboard meals include Peruvian wine.
Lounge Cars
The train has a gorgeous bar/observation car. The inside bar has plenty of comfortable seating and a beautiful mirror. It also has an outdoor platform where live music is sometimes played. It’s also a great place to photograph the steep climb out of Cusco and the descent into the Sacred Valley and the lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Other
The package price includes transfer from the train station to Machu Picchu, an excellent, guided tour, pre-purchased entry tickets and afternoon tea at the at the Orient Express-owned Sanctuary Lodge, located just steps away. Once back on board Hiram Bingham in the evening, pre-dinner cocktails are served, accompanied by live entertainment and a four-course gourmet menu. This trip can be made in one day; however, IRT travelers highly recommend overnighting at Sanctuary Lodge for at least one night before heading back to Cusco. That way, you have Machu Picchu almost to yourself in the late afternoon, and it’s far easier to pop to watch the sun rise—a mystical event.
Journeys Available on this Train
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