We thought we were just scouting a luxurious way to get to Machu Picchu. But what we uncovered on the Belmond Train Hiram Bingham Machu Picchu was something far deeper — a moving, immersive, and beautifully orchestrated journey that begins well before the ancient city and stays with you long after you’ve left.
We had recently returned from Peru when Maria sat down to record the latest episode of Stories Across South America. In it, we invited Antonella — Sales Director at Belmond Peru — to help us pull back the curtain on what really makes this journey unforgettable. And let us tell you: it’s not just the chandeliers or white-gloved service.
From the open-air observation deck to a surprise ceremony just before arrival, the Hiram Bingham train reveals itself in quiet, soul-stirring moments that only a few travelers ever notice.
As one fellow traveelers said:
“It’s more than a train ride. It’s a celebration of Peru — and you’re part of it.”
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering:
- Is the Hiram Bingham train worth it?
- How long is the ride?
- What’s included in the ticket?
- Is this really the best way to reach the Lost City of the Incas?
You’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the schedule and route, share 5 hidden experiences you won’t find anywhere else — and show you why this journey has become one of our most treasured in all of South America.
Who We Are — Why Travel with us to South America
At Across South America, we create custom trips that go beyond the typical itinerary. Founded by two sisters born and raised in Argentina, and run by a passionate, local team, we’ve spent over two decades helping travelers explore South America in deeply personal, immersive ways.
We don’t do pre-set tours. Every journey is tailored — built around what you love, how you travel, and the kind of experience you want to remember. From private guides to authentic cultural moments, we design trips that feel effortless, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
If you’ve been dreaming of discovering Peru, Argentina, Chile or beyond in a way that feels truly special, we’re here to make it happen.
👉 Book your discovery call with us here— and let’s begin designing your version of this journey.
How to Plan your trip to South America? Get our Free Luxury travel guide. Curated by us, Clara and Maria. Get more Itinerary ideas for your trip!
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What We Found on Board – Our Experience on the Train
We boarded the Hiram Bingham train expecting comfort, maybe even a bit of glamour. What we didn’t expect was how deeply it would move us.
The journey began with a warm welcome at Poroy Station — the kind that sets the tone for everything that follows. Staff greeted us with smiles and pisco sours while Andean music filled the air. It already felt more like a celebration than a departure.
Inside, the vintage 1920s-style carriages were everything we imagined — polished wood, brass details, white linens — but what truly stood out was the spirit of the experience. The team on board wasn’t just serving food or pouring wine; they were sharing stories, culture, and connection.
As the train glided through the Sacred Valley, we moved between the bar car, the observation car, and our seats, soaking in the ever-changing scenery. We chatted with fellow travelers, danced to live music, and shared quiet moments watching the Peruvian Andes unfold around us.
By the time we reached Aguas Calientes, something had shifted. We weren’t just headed to Machu Picchu — we were arriving changed, and more connected to Peru than we ever expected.
It was a journey layered with joy, depth, and surprise. And that’s exactly why we want to share it with you.
READ MORE: Belmond Peru: Your 2026 trip, Luxury trains & hotels
What Antonella Shared on the Podcast
Antonella has spent years crafting unforgettable journeys through Peru, and her love for this route shines through. What stuck with us most was how she described the Belmond experience as
“traveling back in time with all the comforts of today.”
With properties and trains designed to immerse you in Peru’s landscapes, history, and living culture, Belmond offers more than luxury. It offers depth.
As Antonella told us: “Whenever there’s a Belmond property or service, there’s something extraordinary around it.”
If you’re curious to hear what this journey feels like? 🎧 Listen to this short part of the episode About Beldond Experience
— it’s less than a minute, and it just might transport you there.
Hidden Touches That Make the Hiram Bingham Train Truly Unforgettable
Before we get into logistics and planning, we want to share what truly makes this train ride unforgettable. These aren’t the features listed on your ticket — they’re the unexpected moments, the ones that linger long after you’ve returned home.
Here are five experiences aboard the Hiram Bingham train that took us by surprise — and made the journey as meaningful as the destination itself.
#1: The Welcome Ceremony at Poroy Station
From the moment you arrive at Poroy, it’s clear this is no ordinary train ride. Staff in crisp uniforms greet you with live Andean music, fresh coffee, and pisco sours, setting the tone for what feels like a private celebration.
The platform itself buzzes with a quiet sense of awe. One fellow traveler whispered to us, “You can already tell you’re about to experience something rare.”
#2: The Bar Car & Live Peruvian Music in Motion
We didn’t expect to dance before lunch, but that’s what happened in the bar car, where musicians played traditional Peruvian melodies as we sipped cocktails and watched the ever-changing scenery glide by.
This moment, with strangers becoming companions and the Andes as your backdrop, captures what makes this train so special: It’s a moving celebration of Peru.
#3: The Observation Car over the Sacred Valley
The open-air observation car is where the train becomes a portal. As the tracks snake through the heart of the Inca Empire, you breathe in crisp Andean air, take in views of local farmers tending the land, and feel utterly present.
#4: Gourmet Dining on Rails – From Pisco Sours to Alpaca
It’s the kind of scene you can’t photograph properly — you simply have to feel it.
Lunch in the dining car rivals Lima’s best restaurants. The menu is a culinary journey through Peru: think trout ceviche, alpaca medallions, and Amazonian chocolate mousse.
Each course is paired with wines and stories from the staff, who delight in sharing their culture. One told us, “Every dish we serve has a soul.”
#5: Arrival at the Lost City – Stepping Off the Train into History
By the time you arrive in Aguas Calientes, something has shifted. The train slows, music softens, and there’s a collective hush as the ancient city of Machu Picchu draws near.
From there, your private guide leads you up to the stone walls and temple of the three windows, and you realize: this journey didn’t begin when the train left the station. It began long ago, and it’s still unfolding.
Hiram Bingham Train Schedule & Route – What You Need to Know
The Hiram Bingham train journey begins at either Poroy Station (near Cusco) or Urubamba Station (in the Sacred Valley). Depending on the season, you may also board directly from Belmond’s Rio Sagrado property between January and April — a rare convenience.
The ride to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu) takes roughly 3.5 hours, winding through the Sacred Valley, hugging riverbanks, and passing through landscapes that shift from mountain to jungle.
After your onboard gourmet lunch, you arrive refreshed and ready. From there, a private bus and expert tour guide lead you to the citadel for a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Trains run daily except Sundays, and depending on the season, you can book a return journey on the same day or stay overnight at Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
READ MORE: Luxury hotel to stay when visiting Machu Picchu
What You Want to know About the Train Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu
Let’s start with the first question we hear often — from travelers who are planning their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru and want to make it unforgettable:
“Is it really worth it? I mean, it’s just a train, right?”
So, Is the Hiram Bingham train worth it?
Absolutely — if you’re someone who values immersive, slow travel and appreciates the feeling of being part of a story rather than just passing through it. This isn’t just transportation to Machu Picchu; it’s a celebration of Peru’s culture, cuisine, music, and landscape. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is intentionally crafted to delight. It’s not about speed or efficiency — it’s about depth, emotion, and connection. If that resonates with how you like to travel, then yes, it’s worth every moment.
It sounds magical… but what exactly do you get for the price?
Quite a lot, actually — and it’s all wrapped in Belmond’s signature hospitality. Your ticket includes unlimited beverages (yes, even Pisco Sours), a multi-course gourmet brunch or dinner depending on the direction of travel, live Peruvian music performed right on board, and access to the open-air observation car and bar car.
But the real magic happens after you disembark — with round-trip bus transfers, entrance tickets to the citadel, and a private guided tour of Machu Picchu included as part of the experience. Everything is arranged for you, so you can just be present, take it all in, and enjoy the ride — literally.
How long is the ride, though? Is it a full-day commitment?
From Poroy Station to Aguas Calientes, the journey takes about 3.5 hours — though time feels irrelevant once you’re onboard. The ever-changing scenery of the Andes Mountains, the elegant dining, the music, the people… it all creates a sense of timelessness.
You’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes refreshed and ready to ascend to the ancient Inca citadel — and if you’re returning by train the same evening, the ride back is another 3.5 hours of candlelit dinner, soft music, and stargazing through panoramic windows.
When is the best time to go?
When should I plan this to avoid the crowds… and the rain?
The dry season, from May to September, is the most popular — with clear skies, lush landscapes, and ideal walking conditions in Machu Picchu. It’s also the high season, so plan ahead if you’re eyeing these months.
That said, April and October are quieter and still lovely, offering a nice balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists. We usually recommend avoiding January to the beginning of March, as it’s the rainy season and there’s a higher chance of disruptions (plus, mist and clouds can hide the views you came for).
Is the return train the same as the one going to Machu Picchu?
They’re both luxurious — but each has a different energy.
The outbound journey (Poroy to Aguas Calientes) feels like a celebration from the moment you board. You’ll be welcomed with cocktails, treated to a gourmet brunch, and serenaded with live music as the landscape of the Sacred Valley unfolds outside the observation car.
The return trip, by contrast, is softer — more reflective. After a day of exploring the Lost City of the Incas, you’ll return to the train for a candlelit dinner, open bar, and a sense of peace that makes the journey feel deeply personal. Some guests even step onto the observation deck at night, sipping wine under the stars.
One traveler told us: “I thought the ride there was the highlight. But coming back, with the moon rising over the mountains… that’s the part I’ll never forget.”
READ MORE: Your Machu Picchu Itinerary: See Machu Picchu Differently
Why This Matters: A Slower Way Through South America
In a world that often races toward the next highlight, the Hiram Bingham train dares to do something different.
It doesn’t rush.
It doesn’t overstuff.
It doesn’t treat Machu Picchu like just another pin on the map.
Instead, it invites you into the art of traveling slowly, deeply — with your senses wide open and your heart a little more present.
As we looked out from the observation car, sipping a perfectly shaken Pisco Sour and watching the Sacred Valley slip by in golden light, we couldn’t help but feel it: this wasn’t just about arriving. It was about being there, in that moment, fully. The music, the flavors, the mountains whispering their ancient stories — it was all part of the experience.
That’s why this journey matters to us. It’s not only about where you’re going, but how you get there — and who you become along the way.
We believe there’s still space in this world for travel that stirs the soul.
And this train is proof of it.
Our insiders Tips for the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train
There’s no wrong way to experience the journey to Machu Picchu — but if you’re traveling aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham, a few thoughtful details can make the experience even more seamless and memorable.
The First one and most Important:
Book early. The Hiram Bingham is one of the most exclusive train experiences in the world, and seats fill quickly — especially during the dry season (May to October).
- Dress the Part — Comfortably: While there’s no formal dress code, many guests enjoy leaning into the atmosphere of old-world elegance aboard the train. Think smart casual: breathable layers for the warm daytime sun, with a light jacket or shawl for the cooler mountain air — especially if you’ll be on the observation deck. And wear comfortable shoes: you’ll be walking through archaeological sites once you reach the Lost City of the Incas.
- Mind the Altitude: If you’re coming straight from Cusco city, remember: you’re at high elevation. The train provides a comfortable, pressurized environment, and the ride is gentle, but it’s still smart to take it easy with food and drink the night before (even if the pisco sours are tempting). Staying in the Sacred Valley a few days prior can also help you adjust gradually before ascending to Machu Picchu.
- Take the Earlier Train In: The Hiram Bingham train typically departs mid-morning from Poroy Station (just outside Cusco) or Urubamba during certain months. If you’d like to maximize your time at the citadel, we recommend taking the earlier outbound train and staying overnight in Aguas Calientes or at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge — the only hotel at the entrance to the site. That way, you can enter Machu Picchu at first light, before the crowds arrive.
- Don’t Skip the Return Journey: Many travelers opt to return by regular train or bus — and miss out on one of the most enchanting parts of the experience. The return trip on the Hiram Bingham offers a slightly different menu, a golden-hour ride back through the valley, and often even live Andean music in the bar car. It’s the perfect way to reflect and unwind, champagne in hand, as the journey draws to a close.
Read More: Peru is More Than Machu Picchu: Peruvian Amazon Cruise: Delfin Cruise 2026
Let’s Plan This Journey Together
If the idea of gliding through the Peruvian Andes in a 1920s-style train car, champagne in hand and live music playing softly nearby, speaks to you — we’d love to help you imagine how this could become part of your own adventure.
Whether you’re planning your first journey to Peru or thinking about returning for something even more special, the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train isn’t just a way to reach Machu Picchu. It’s a story — one that unfolds slowly, beautifully, and with care.
Let’s explore it together — no pressure, just inspiration 👉 Book your discovery call with us, Clara and Maria— and let’s start planning your dream journey through Peru. We’re here — with ideas, inspiration, and a love for South America we can’t wait to share.
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Looking for more inspiration for your trip to SOUTH AMERICA? Check out these other Peru Itineraries: Peru and Galapagos in 10 days. , Peru and the Amazonas in 13 days, 2 weeks in Peru our most Charming itinerary
If you are ready to book your trip- Book your consultation video call with us. It all starts there. We will get to know you to design a TRUE custom trip for you.
