Belmond Hiram Bingham

An Unforgettable Journey to Machu Picchu Our experience on the Hiram Bingham Train was excellent from start to finish, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! From the moment we arrived in the morning until our return at night, everything was beautifully organized and seamlessly executed. The journey to Machu Picchu was pure joy. We spent much of the ride in the back carriage enjoying live music, breathtaking scenery, and expertly crafted cocktails. The atmosphere was vibrant yet elegant, making the trip feel extra special. Brunch & dinner onboard was good, though we expected a slightly higher quality of food to match the outstanding level of service and hospitality. Upon arrival, every detail was taken care of, including our guided tour. Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, and led us thoughtfully through the magnificent Machu Picchu. After the tour, we enjoyed a lovely high tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge before setting off on our return journey, the perfect way to end an extraordinary day. A truly memorable and luxurious way to experience one of the world’s greatest wonders!

We absolutely loved our trip aboard Hiram Bingham!! We got on at Poroy, which I recommend because you have more time to enjoy the train before other passengers board. The staff was so attentive, making it an amazing, luxury experience. The food was incredible! Graham was an awesome guide. He was also our private guide at MP and gave us the best tour, so knowledgeable and kind!

Probably the best way to visit Machu Picchu with live music and unlimited drinks. (if ignore the price) We were very luck to be the only group during that ride

Really beautiful, luxury experience! We took the train both ways, and each was its own unique journey. The way there was lively and fun with people dancing and enjoying the scenery. On the way back it had a more candle light dinner and speakeasy lounge ambiance. I’m really glad we booked in both directions. After a long day, it was really nice to have a comfortable place to unwind. The staff was extraordinary. They offered appetizers and cocktails before the meal, complimentary branded backpacks and water bottles full ready to take on the tour, and provided table service drinks throughout the whole ride. I was one the fence at first about booking this train or a more economical ride, but this definitely is the way to go. Loved it!

We sat in the "B" coach, and while this is an expensive offering, it also is not the highest class coach, which I believe is the "A" coach. Some might want to romanticize the trip into being something that it perhaps is not. But all in all, this can be a really fun, cool, and great sightseeing journey if several conditions are met (and I will outline those below). >Not all seats in this train face the same direction. Half face backwards (you are best if facing forwards, as the train is moving forwards). >The clear ceiling is a nice thing, as long as you don't have an unusually sunny day (as then it can be punishing). Seats on the Left side of the train (traveling forward) get less direct sun. >The ride is rough in many places. The seats help some, but the track is old and not maintained. This is not AMTRAK. Not even close. >The journey, while picturesque in many places can also be done (from Cusco to Olly) by car (or bus, or van), and be much more comfortable. >You get some snacks (chips, energy bars, drinks, and even a nice sandwich). They serve "Coca" tea and Coffee too. However I know it is Soursop tea they serve. I know exactly what Coca tea tastes like by the time I take this train ride. >There is a restroom on each coach. However know that it is a pit toilet, and it flushes right on to the actual tracks. However in a pinch it can get the job done. >You might get a fashion show/shopping show on the way home. They have some goods they would like to sell, and that might be interesting for some. -- Leg/Foot room is bad. There is some room behind the seat for your backpack though, and good luggage space at the back of the coach. But foot room is cramped, and you are sharing that space with strangers who have the same issue. My only critical comment is this. IF you happen to ride in the sky view coach, and IF you are facing the back of the train, and IF it is an unusually sunny day, and IF you are sitting on the Right side of the coach, then the trip can be brutal and punishing (as it was for us). At 10k feet the full sun gives more exposure. There is no escape from it, sitting in the leather seats. And you can suffer. All in all, having completed this, would I do it again? No. I would hire a shuttle into Olly and stay there, leaving me with only a short 1 hour and 20 minute ride into Agua Callientes. The romance is over for me. However, under the right circumstances (not the conditions outlined above), it could be memories of a lifetime for some.

Visited Machu Picchu in late April 2024 for my birthday so I wanted to take the best train possible to Aguas Calientes as the only way to get to the town beneath Machu Picchu is by train. You basically have three options. The nicest is this Hiram Bingham train, the second best is the new Peru Rail, and the worst option is the Inka Rail. This Hiram Bingham train is designed with 1920 European aesthetics and they serve a three course meal on the way to Machu Picchu, and also on the way back. They have live music, a full bar, and a view car at the caboose of the train. The seats were very comfortable, and the train was a lot smoother than the other train that we took back. Our ticket for this train also included a ticket to Machu Picchu and a private guide. We also got in a bus that was also covered that took us directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu. This train ride through the Sacred Valley was probably one of the highlights of my trip. In certain months you can take the train all the way from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, but April is the rainy season so we had to board the train in the Sacred Valley and ride it about three hours to get to Aguas Calientes due to landslide safety precautions. This is a first class train and you will receive first class service, which includes help with your bags and they can accommodate any dietary restrictions that you may have. Honestly, I wish the train ride was twice as long because we really enjoyed our trip and the whole staff was extremely polite. The seats were quite large and comfortable, and every person is sat at a table, which is extremely convenient. By far the best, and most expensive, train option to get to Machu Picchu. All the others are a downgrade. It’s worth the cost for the special experience.

Magical experience from start to finish. Five star luxury hospitality with the ultimate attention to guests. Above and beyond.

We had the most amazing wonderful experience on the Hiram Bingham and our waiter and following that our tour guide Willington, his knowledge was excellent and he couldn’t have made our Machu Picchu experience any better. I am sure the other guides are just as good, but he was exceptional