Take the Legendary Hiram Bingham Train!

Written by Peter Lauffer
June 11, 2026
Don't miss any of our future posts:

Imagine journeying through the breathtaking Andes Mountains wrapped in absolute luxury, where every detail evokes the golden age of 1920s rail travel. The Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, offers exactly that: a once-in-a-lifetime voyage that whisks you from the historic city of Cusco to the gates of Machu Picchu in unparalleled style.

Named after the American explorer who brought the ancient Inca citadel to world attention in 1911, this experience is far more than a simple transfer—it is a continuous celebration of Peruvian culture, gastronomy, and dramatic landscapes.

As you step aboard, you’re transported back in time with vintage Pullman-style carriages, gleaming brass details, and polished wood interiors. The train’s observation car offers a panoramic view of the Peruvian landscape, while the bar car serves up refreshing Pisco Sours accompanied by live Andean music. Two dining cars, adorned with crisp linens, crystal glassware, and fine china, serve gourmet meals that highlight the best of Peruvian cuisine.

Close-up of the blue Belmond Hiram Bingham train car with a glowing interior lamp and a uniformed steward welcoming guests on the platform" caption="A warm Andean welcome: The glowing, elegant interiors of the Hiram Bingham await.
A warm Andean welcome: The glowing, romantic interiors of the Hiram Bingham await passengers on the platform.

A Masterclass in Vintage Luxury

Launched in 2003 and now a crown jewel under the LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) brand, the train features beautifully restored Pullman-style carriages. Inside, you are surrounded by gleaming wood panels, polished brass details, and fine fabric armchairs.

The train is smartly designed to separate your journey into distinct sensory experiences:

  • The Observation Car: Located at the back of the train, this open-air balcony car offers a front-row seat to the changing cloud forests and towering peaks of the Sacred Valley.
  • The Bar Car: The energetic social hub of the train. Here, mixologists shake up classic Pisco Sours while live local musicians play vibrant Andean and international tunes.
  • The Dining Carriages: Two elegant cars set with crisp linens, crystal glassware, and polished cutlery, where a world-class culinary journey unfolds.
Elegant dining car interior of the Hiram Bingham train with fine crystal glasses, white linens, and warm table lamps" caption="Fine dining on the rails: The beautifully appointed tables inside the Hiram Bingham's gourmet dining carriages.
Fine dining on the rails: The beautifully appointed tables inside the Hiram Bingham dining carriage.

The Route & Seasonality: What to Expect

The classic rail journey cuts a path through ancient Inca terraces, agricultural valleys, and steep mountain passes along the roaring Urubamba River. However, your departure layout depends entirely on the time of year you travel:

Season Months Dynamic Operations
Dry Season May – December Direct Rail: Departs directly from Poroy Station (about 20 minutes outside Cusco), stops briefly at Ollantaytambo, and arrives at Aguas Calientes.
Rainy Season January – April Bimodal Service: To ensure safety during heavy rains, passengers take a private luxury coach from Cusco to a Sacred Valley checkpoint (like Pachar or Rio Sagrado) before boarding the train.

No matter the season, the entry experience remains flawless. Upon pulling into Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), you bypass the standard crowded queues and step onto a dedicated, private shuttle bus heading straight up the winding mountain to the citadel.

Panoramic view of the ancient Inca citadel Machu Picchu nestled high in the green Andes mountains with the Urubamba river valley below" caption="The ultimate reward: The mystical Inca estate of Machu Picchu basking in the mountain sunlight.
The ultimate reward: The mystical Inca estate of Machu Picchu basking in the mountain sunlight above the Urubamba River valley.

Unrivaled All-Inclusive Perks

The premium price of a Hiram Bingham ticket is heavily driven by its extensive, all-inclusive luxury inclusions. A standard ticket removes almost all logistical friction from your day:

  • Gourmet Gastronomy: A refined, multi-course artisanal brunch on the outbound trip and an exquisite four-course fine dining dinner on the return loop—both paired beautifully with premium local wines and beverages.
  • Sanctuary Lodge Afternoon Tea: After exploring the mystical ruins with your expert guide, you are treated to exclusive afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, located right outside the ancient city's entrance gates.
  • VIP Station Lounge Access: Relax before and after your trips in comfort, far away from the bustling crowds of the main station.

Critical Booking Tip: Peruvian authorities strictly enforce timed entry circuits for Machu Picchu. Because your train booking coordinates directly with your citadel entrance ticket, tickets must be secured well in advance. Last-minute modifications can result in losing your entry slot entirely.

A small, happy group of travelers posing together on a sunny day at the Machu Picchu ruins with the ancient stone structures and green mountains in the background" caption="Shared adventures: Our travelers enjoying an unforgettable, seamlessly coordinated day at Machu Picchu.
Shared adventures: Our travelers enjoying an unforgettable, seamlessly coordinated day exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu.

Experience the High Andes With Us

The Hiram Bingham Train is an unforgettable highlight of our signature Buenos Aires to Lima: High Andes & Machu Picchu tour. From the tango halls of Argentina to the peak of the Inca Empire, we curate every step so you can experience the absolute best of South America without worrying about a single detail.

Want to see the full itinerary for the High Andes tour? 

Get inspired by some photos of this amazing trip:
Liked this post? Share this post with your friends on social media!