If you’re here because you’re interested in visiting Machu Picchu, Peru then you should know that the fastest and easiest way to get to Machu Picchu Town (the access point to the Inca citadel) is by train. There are several train stations and services. But today, you’ll learn about the train service that bears the name of the American explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu and, after publishing an article in National Geographic, made this sacred place known worldwide, Hiram Bingham. We’re talking about the Hiram Bingham Train – the most luxurious train option in Cusco.
What Is The Hiram Bingham Train?
The Hiram Bingham train is the only Peru luxury train and is considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world. The cars are decorated in the Pullman style of the 20s, so called because of the comfort of the seats, and the wood and polished bronze details.
This train service has the following cars:
- Restaurant Car – enjoy a gourmet meal with fresh local ingredients
- Observatory Car – see the Andean landscapes from a balcony and through the large windows
- Bar Car – enjoy drinks with Peruvian ingredients
What Is The Hiram Bingham Train Schedule?
The Hiram Bingham train service has only one outbound and one inbound schedule. It’s also worth mentioning that the service is not active on the last Sunday of each month.
- Outbound journey
- Departure station: Poroy, Cusco
- Departure time: 09:05 (9:05am)
- Arrival station: Aguas Calientes
- Arrival time: 12:04 (12:04pm)
- Inbound journey
- Departure station: Aguas Calientes
- Departure time: 17:50 (5:50pm)
- Arrival station: Poroy, Cusco
- Arrival time: 21:16 (9:16pm)
What’s Included in The “One-Way” Service from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?
- Welcome show with typical dances of the region at the Poroy station
- Bar Car
- Gourmet brunch on board
- Observatory Car
- Live music show
- Private bus up to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu*
- A guided tour of Machu Picchu in Spanish or English
- Cocktail in the mountains at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel from 16:00 to 16:45 hrs (4:00pm to 4:45pm)
(*) Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu depends on availability
What’s Included in The “Return-Only” Service from Aguas Calientes to Cusco?
- Cocktail in the mountains at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel
- Private bus down to Machu Picchu Town
- VIP waiting room at the Machu Picchu Train Station
- Gourmet dinner on board
- Live music show
- Bar Car with Peruvian cocktails
What’s Included in The Round-Trip Service?
- Welcome show with typical dances of the region at the Poroy station
- Bar Car
- Gourmet brunch and dinner on board
- Observatory Car
- Live music show
- Private bus up to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu*
- A tour guide for a maximum group of 10 people in Spanish and/or English
- Cocktail in the mountains at Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel from 16:00 to 16:45 hrs (4:00pm to 4:45pm)
- Private bus down to Machu Picchu Town
- VIP waiting room at Machu Picchu Station
(*) Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu depends on availability
Bimodal Service
During rainy season (January to April), there’s a slight adjustment to the how the service works. There’s a tourist bus from the city of Cusco (Wanchaq station) to the hotel Belmond Rio Sagrado (Sacred Valley of the Incas) where you’ll transfer to the train to continue to Machu Picchu Town, and likewise for the trip back.
The Hiram Bingham train offers a unique, memorable experience with breathtaking views on your journey to and/or from Machu Picchu. With different services that allow you to plan your trip according to your needs and preferences, there’ll be an option for you and your group.
