Traveling, most of us dream about adventuring around the world free of worry and problems. If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel by luxury train than you should not miss out on one of the most spectacular train journeys on the planet, the luxury Hiram Bingham train, from the imperial city of Cusco to Machu Picchu the lost city of the Incas, on a Peru luxury tour. There are many great train journeys on the planet like the Orient Express or the amazing Bullet trains in Japan, but none has the scenery you will get on a trip on the Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu.
This gleaming blue and gold train makes the nearly 4-hour trip Cusco and Machu Picchu every day except Sunday. The train leaves Poroy Station about 20 minutes from the center of Cusco. Once you are on board make your way through an interior of brass and polished wood to find your luxury upholstered seat.
The train features an observation car the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and the view as you pass through the Sacred Valley of the Inca and passing the spectacular Urubamba River. The carriages of the train were designed in the 1920 style of the Pullman trains and you will feel that you have entered an Agatha Christie movie.
The train has two 42-seat dining cars serving excellent Peruvian dishes in the morning for brunch on the journey to Machu Picchu and for dinner on your return dinner will be served. The dining car has an elegant ambiance with big windows, the best china, silver and linens. The meals are all served with the best Peruvian, Chilean and Argentinian wine and liquors.
Next, you can experience the lounge car, which has plenty of comfortable seating the car features an outdoor platform where music is played. This is also the best place to get all those great photos of the Sacred Valley and the passing villages. The car features a bar with tasty Pisco Sours to help you pass the trip.
When you arrive into Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, you will be escorted to the ruin and enjoy a professional guided tour where you will learn all the history from your guide. With your train ticket on the Hiram Bingham train, you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea free at the Belmond Sanctuary hotel, located at the gate of Machu Picchu.
Machu Travel Peru recommends that you stay overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Hotel located at the gates of Machu Picchu. The guests of the hotel enjoy some special privileges like returning to Machu Picchu late in the afternoon and enjoying the ruin without the crowds of day-trippers. This luxury 5-star hotel features some beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and the restaurant features dishes made from the produce of the organic garden located on the grounds of the property.
On the return journey enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal where local musicians play and you are able to join in dancing, a good time is had by all before arriving back into Cusco relaxed. The Belmond Hiram Bingham Train is a once in a lifetime experience for both train lovers and non-train lovers alike, do not miss out.
