Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu: Belmond’s Luxury Journey from Cusco

There are several ways to travel to Machu Picchu. Some prefer to hike the Inca Trail, and a few take the roundabout journey from Santa Teresa. Of all the ways to journey to the lost City of the Inca, the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu is by far the most luxurious.

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This all‑inclusive experience combines gourmet Peruvian cuisine, open bar, live music, and expert guiding with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. Below you’ll find what’s included, how the 2026 schedule works, and how our team at Fertur Peru Travel can secure the best departures for your dates.

What is the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu?

The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a luxury train service inspired by 1920s Pullman cars, linking Cusco and Machu Picchu with fine dining, open bar, and white‑glove onboard service. It is designed for travelers who want a once‑in‑a‑lifetime, all‑inclusive way to visit Machu Picchu rather than a simple point‑to‑point transfer.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham continues operating as the flagship luxury train to Machu Picchu under LVMH ownership, offering an unmatched experience that combines 1920s-era elegance with world-class Peruvian hospitality and cuisine.

Churning through verdant farmland and Andean cloud forest at a leisurely pace, this train takes about three hours, providing panoramic views of the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas and leaving no detail devoid of tasteful luxury.

Who Was Hiram Bingham?

The train’s namesake is an American historian, archaeologist, and explorer, as well as a U.S. senator, who lived from 1875 to 1956. Bingham is credited with discovering Machu Picchu in 1911 and broadcasting its magnificence to the world.

In reality, to say that Bingham “discovered” Machu Picchu is more than a stretch, it’s a historical falsehood, as documented by several authors and scholars in recent years.

Historian Mark Rice does an excellent job correcting the story in his book, Making Machu Picchu: The Politics of Tourism in Twentieth-Century Peru, detailing Bingham’s rocky relationship with his Peruvian hosts.

In fact, a bevy of local officials and landowners pointed Bingham right to the ruins that lay on the now world-famous saddle ridge between the twin peaks of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu.

When Bingham arrived to the area he’d been directed to, accompanied by a military sergeant name Carrasco. They met with a local, Melchor Arteaga, who confirmed the site’s existence. Arteaga later took them up to the summit on July 24, 1911.

Upon arriving, far from encountering an abandoned “Lost City,” they were greeted by a family who lived and farmed next to the ruins. It was one of that family’s three young sons, Pablito Richarte, who offered the first known “tour” of Machu Picchu to none other than its “discoverer,” Hiram Bingham.

Still, undeniably, it was Bingham who returned on expeditions to photograph, clear and excavate the site in 1912 and again between 1914 and 1915. He truly did reveal it to the world when his article on his exploits was published by National Geographic in April 1913. Under the title “In the Wonderland of Peru” the issue broke the magazine’s circulation records and made Bingham an overnight celebrity.

We can thank Bingham (and the Incas, of course) for enabling Machu Picchu to become what it is today: a pristine, mystical city that captures the imagination of everyone fortunate enough to lay their eyes upon it.

We can also thank Bingham for another cultural contribution — maybe. There are some people who believe that he was the inspiration for another adventure-minded archaeologist who, although fictional, has greatly eclipsed Bingham in fame: Indiana Jones.

About the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu

The first important thing to know about the luxurious Belmond to Machu Picchu is that it is an extremely luxurious train. From the moment you step on board, you will have top-notch service, gourmet meals and cocktails and drinks, and extravagant sights.

The train itself is a beautiful thing to behold. It’s not just any old train — it is impeccably decorated, boasting a lustrous wood and polished brass interior and handsome furniture. Aesthetically, it is a classic luxury train that conjures the opulence that was the setting for Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.

Our team coordinates this entire luxury train experience as part of a tailored Machu Picchu itinerary.

What’s Included as of 2026

The Belmond Hiram Bingham experience is all-inclusive and designed to eliminate stress from your Machu Picchu journey:

• Welcome cocktail – Sparkling wine or pisco sour upon boarding
• Gourmet brunch or lunch (outbound) – Three-course meal featuring Peruvian cuisine
• Gourmet dinner (return journey) – Multi-course dining with wine pairings available
• Open bar – Premium cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages (top-shelf spirits available for purchase)
• Live entertainment – Traditional Peruvian music and folk dances performed onboard
• Observation car access – Panoramic windows and outdoor platform for photography
• Bar car and lounge – The social heart of the journey, where guests mingle over cocktails
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu – Professional English-speaking guide (guaranteed when booked 30+ days in advance)
• Bus transfers – Round-trip between Aguas Calientes station and Machu Picchu entrance
• Entrance tickets – Machu Picchu admission included in most packages

[Exact inclusions are subject to change by Belmond; we will confirm details at time of booking.]

The observatory car and bar car are consistently highlighted in 2025–2026 reviews as the defining features that justify the premium price. These spaces transform the journey into a mobile social experience, allowing travelers to connect, toast to their adventure, and absorb the Sacred Valley’s beauty in comfort.

It’s worth noting that the onboard experience is partly designed to “soften” some of the logistical complexity that comes with visiting Machu Picchu in 2026. With new Peruvian regulations requiring timed entry slots and designated circuits through the citadel, the Belmond team handles coordination seamlessly — a major value proposition for high-end travelers who want to focus on the experience rather than the details.

The History Behind the Luxury

The luxury coaches and bar car might just as well have been salvaged from the fabled Orient Express trains of the 1920s: five of its British Pullman carriages boxed up, put on a container ship and brought to Peru for restoration. That’s actually not so far from the truth.

It was 1999 when James Sherwood and the Pinto family got the concession for the PeruRail line, along with a 50% stake in Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge and the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco.

Prior to that, they had made their early fortune with the Sea Containers company in the 1960s. They picked up a couple of the original Orient Express sleeper carriages for a song at a Sotheby’s auction in the 1970s. Then in the ensuing decades they parlayed “the romance of pre-war de luxe train travel to and from exotic places” into the luxury Orient-Express Hotels brand.

As for the antique carriages that would be transformed into the de luxe train to and from Machu Picchu: Well, they got those from a bankrupt railway operator in Malaysia.

“We called it the Hiram Bingham, and put it on the tracks between Cusco and Machu Picchu, offering meals, guides, bus service and entrance to the ruins as part of the luxury package deal,” Sherwood wrote in his 2012 memoir, Orient-Express: A Personal Journey.

Sherwood wrote that rising at the “ungodly” hour of 4 a.m. in Cusco to catch the early Vistadome train to Machu Picchu and then return exhausted to Cusco that same night made no sense to him.

“The Hiram Bingham train, I determined, would do it the decent way,” he wrote. “Guests would depart on our gleaming blue-and-gold carriages, with a civilized send-off of pisco sours and music, at the leisurely hour of 10 a.m., have a relaxed luncheon on board, visit the ruins in the afternoon when all the early visitors had left, then enjoy dinner and a nice bottle of wine on the train back to Cusco.”

The Belmond hotels and trains were acquired by Mo«t Hennessy Louis Vuitton in 2019 for $3.2 billion. As a result, the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham experience only got more luxurious.

When you board, you will be lavished with a drink: sparkling wine, a pisco sour, or whatever suits your fancy. While on the train to Machu Picchu, you will be treated to an exquisite three-course meal in the opulent dining car featuring quintessential Peruvian fare.

And surely you didn’t think the train would be lacking in entertainment, did you? As the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu whistles along, you can hear live music, see authentic traditional Peruvian dances, and enjoy good company — not to mention the observation carriage offers you unobstructed views of the impressive landscapes. The return trip features a fabulous gourmet dinner.

Booking the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu

It’s not an opportunity that comes along every day: to board a train in Cusco, once the seat of the Inca Empire and still a bastion of ancient and colonial history; to travel through the unforgettable Urubamba Valley aboard a luxurious train; and to have a guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the seven Wonders of the Modern World. (Note: exploration of Machu Picchu with a tour guide is only guaranteed when you book your ticket at least 30 days in advance.)

The Hiram Bingham train typically operates between Poroy station, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. While the service traditionally runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, exact operating days and departure times can shift slightly year to year based on demand and maintenance schedules.

Dry Season Service (May–December)

From May through December, the classic Hiram Bingham experience departs directly from Poroy Station (just outside Cusco) around 9:00–10:00 a.m., makes a stop at Ollantaytambo Station, and continues on to the Machu Picchu Station in Aguas Calientes. This is the quintessential luxury rail experience travelers dream about.

Rainy Season “Bimodal” Service (January–April)

During the rainy season, track conditions necessitate a “bimodal” service—but don’t worry, it’s still branded as the full Belmond Hiram Bingham experience, not a downgrade.

Here’s how it works: A private luxury bus departs from Wanchaq Station in Cusco (typically around 8:00 a.m.) and transports passengers through the Sacred Valley to the private train station at Belmond’s Hotel Rio Sagrado. From there, you board the signature blue-and-gold train for the scenic journey to Machu Picchu.

The return trip includes convenient bus drop-off for passengers staying at hotels in Cusco’s city center, ensuring a seamless end-to-end experience.

Lead Time & High Season Booking

The Hiram Bingham has limited departures and fills up quickly, especially during high season (June–August) and around Peru’s Fiestas Patrias (late July). We strongly recommend booking at least 60–90 days in advance to secure your preferred dates. Booking 30+ days ahead also guarantees inclusion of the guided Machu Picchu tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

Fertur offers a package that extends this luxury and splendor to four days and three nights. You’ll stay at the 5-star Monasterio Hotel, originally an ornate Spanish colonial monastery built on Inca foundations, an architectural treasure in the heart of Cusco. The Belmond Hotel package also includes a tour of Cusco’s historic sites and an extra morning at Machu Picchu to ensure you can fully take in the beauty of the city that was “lost” for more than 350 years.

And, of course, that’s all in addition to the Hiram Bingham Train, and all the incredible luxury it entails. If you are interested in our Machu Picchu Luxury Tours, we encourage you to click the link to learn more, and please feel free to reach out to a Fertur agent with the Contact Us Now form below.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train

Is the Belmond Hiram Bingham train running in 2026?

Yes, the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train continues to operate in 2026, with departures typically running between Cusco/Poroy or the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, subject to Belmond’s operational calendar and any infrastructure works. We always confirm the exact service pattern for your dates before booking.​

What is included on the Hiram Bingham train?

The experience generally includes gourmet meals onboard, an open bar (excluding some premium brands), live music and personalized service, plus bus transfers and a guided visit at Machu Picchu depending on your chosen itinerary. Inclusions can change, so we confirm the current details at the time of quotation.​

How far in advance should I book?

For high season and popular dates, we recommend booking at least 30 days in advance to maximize availability and secure the guided tour of Machu Picchu that accompanies the train. Last‑minute space may sometimes be available, but it cannot be guaranteed.​

How much does the Belmond Hiram Bingham train cost?

This is the top‑tier, once‑in‑a‑lifetime luxury option, and prices are typically several times higher than standard services like Vistadome or other PeruRail trains. Because Belmond uses dynamic pricing, we provide a customized quote based on your travel dates, route, and passenger details.​

What should I wear and how much luggage can I take?

Dress is smart casual and comfortable, with layers for changing mountain temperatures and good walking shoes for Machu Picchu. Luggage space on the train and at the citadel is limited, so we recommend traveling with a daypack and leaving larger suitcases in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, which we can help coordinate.​

What happens if there are schedule changes or disruptions?

Operations in the Andes can be affected by weather, landslides, maintenance works, or local disruptions, which may require schedule adjustments, bus segments, or alternative arrangements. Our team monitors conditions, keeps you informed, and coordinates the best possible solution if plans need to change.

Can the Belmond Hiram Bingham accommodate special diets and food allergies?

The onboard team can usually accommodate many special dietary requirements and food allergies with advance notice. When you book through us, we pass your needs to Belmond and reconfirm closer to departure so the culinary staff can prepare appropriate options.

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