Hiram Bingham Train: What the Belmond Luxury Journey to Machu Picchu Is Like

What Is the Hiram Bingham Train?

Hiram Bingham train: a luxury train operated by Belmond between the Cusco region and Machu Picchu, named after the American explorer who publicized the ruins in 1911. Its blue and gold Pullman carriages, polished wood interiors, meals and entertainment make the ride itself the experience, not just transport to the ruins.

The train has two dining cars, a bar car and an observation car with an open platform at the back. It uses the same railway as other trains to Machu Picchu, so the scenery is shared; the service is what differs.

Where Does the Hiram Bingham Train Depart From?

The Hiram Bingham train usually departs from Poroy station on the outskirts of Cusco, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from the city center. Belmond also lists journeys from Pachar and Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley, and returns to Cusco or Ollantaytambo. All trips end at Aguas Calientes, below Machu Picchu.

Departure times and stations vary by season and direction, so confirm your exact journey on Belmond's site. Our Machu Picchu train guide explains all stations and the standard classes.

What Is the Journey Like on Board?

On board the Hiram Bingham, the morning trip typically starts with welcome drinks and live Andean music, followed by a multi-course brunch with Peruvian wines while the train descends through the Sacred Valley. The evening return usually includes cocktails, dinner and entertainment in the bar car before arriving back after dark.

1. Check in at the station lounge with your passport.
2. Board and enjoy welcome drinks in your assigned seat.
3. Eat brunch as the train follows the Urubamba River.
4. Visit the observation car for open-air views of the canyon.
5. Arrive in Aguas Calientes for the bus up to the ruins.
6. Return in the evening with dinner and live music.

Menus and entertainment change seasonally, and some services are only offered in one direction. Treat this as a typical outline rather than a fixed schedule.

What Does a Hiram Bingham Ticket Include?

A Hiram Bingham ticket includes the train journey, meals and drinks on board, and entertainment. Round-trip packages have often also bundled the bus up to Machu Picchu, the entrance ticket, a guided tour of the ruins and afternoon tea near the site, but inclusions depend on the fare you book.

Always read the inclusions on Belmond's booking page, especially whether the Machu Picchu entry ticket, route and guide are part of your fare. Ticket routes and times are covered in our Machu Picchu tickets guide.

How Much Does the Hiram Bingham Train Cost?

The Hiram Bingham train usually costs around $1,000 or more per person for a round trip, and one-way fares are also expensive compared with standard trains. Prices vary by date, direction and inclusions. Standard Expedition or Vistadome trains on the same route often cost under $150 one way.

These figures are estimates based on published reviews and fares, not quotes; check Belmond for current prices. For a full budget comparison, see our Machu Picchu cost guide.

Is the Hiram Bingham Train Worth It?

The Hiram Bingham train is worth it for travelers celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or milestone who want the journey itself to be special and can afford it. It is not worth it if you mainly want views, since panoramic trains see the same scenery for a fraction of the price.

Reviewers praise the service, food and atmosphere, while common criticism is the price and the fact that the return trip runs mostly in darkness. Couples who want luxury on land can combine it with our Machu Picchu luxury tour.

• Choose it for celebrations and once-in-a-lifetime trips.
• Skip it on a tight budget or for views alone.
• Book the morning direction for daylight scenery.
• Consider one way luxury and one way standard to save.

How to Book the Hiram Bingham Train

Book the Hiram Bingham train directly through Belmond or a travel agency, ideally several months ahead for June to August, because the train has only around 84 seats. Book your Machu Picchu entry ticket and route to match the train times if they are not included in your fare.

Have passport details ready for every traveler. If you travel in the rainy season, check for schedule changes, and read our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide to choose dates.

The Hiram Bingham pairs well with a night in town; see the Aguas Calientes hotels guide and learn about the train's namesake in Machu Picchu history.