The Belmond Hiram Bingham Train

Yesterday's Luxury For The Modern Traveler

Time to step back to 1913 when Hiram Bingham trekked through the highlands and cloud forest of southern Peru to rediscover the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu. Today, travelers can relax in the old-world elegance of the Belmond Hiram Bingham train as the mysteries hidden in the captivating landscapes are revealed. At Poroy station, just outside Cusco, guests enjoy sipping champagne and folkloric performances before embarking on an adventure that will carry them through deep ravines, beautiful agricultural terraces. and breathtaking views of the imposing Andean mountain peaks. An informative knowledgeable guide will point out the Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo and a majestic scenic waterfall that may be seen along the way.

Cusco to Machu Picchu

Seated comfortably in a plush mahogany-lined dining car, one is seduced as much by the seamlessly unfolding countryside as by the gracious smiling attendants filling clinking glasses. A delicate brunch with local Peruvian ingredients is impeccably served accompanied by tinkling chandeliers. A short stroll leads passengers into the glass-domed viewing carriage and a bar that is bathed in dazzling sunshine. Traveling at elevations of over eleven thousand feet creates the illusion of flying through the snow-capped mountains. Hiram Bingham would not have been out of place in this classic bar. Passengers mingle as the bartender, David, mixes glamorous cocktails such as the national drink, The Pisco Sour. The time whizzes by as local artists fill the car with the sounds of Peruvian music.

For those in need of a breath of fresh air, there is a viewing platform situated at the back of the train. After three and a half hours, which passes all too quickly, the journey by railway comes to an end in the midst of the cloud forest of Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu.

With truly excellent service and every conceivable comfort, the Belmond Hiram Bingham from Cusco to Machu Picchu is a remarkable, unforgettable experience and ranks as one of the great train journeys of the world. Belmond Hiram Bingham.