Hiram Bingham Railway to Peru's Machu Picchu (i.e. the most expensive luxury train ride of my life)

If you’ve ever dreamed of arriving at Machu Picchu in style, forget the backpack and hiking boots — the Belmond Hiram Bingham train is a time machine wrapped in luxury. Named after the American explorer who reintroduced the world to the Inca citadel in 1911, this train is more than transportation — it’s an experience. And BOY is it an expensive one, for around $2000USD for 2 people roundtrip, I'll let you know if it was worth it!

The Route: From Cusco to the Clouds

Departing from Poroy Station near Cusco, the train winds through the Sacred Valley, hugging the Urubamba River and slicing through dramatic Andean landscapes. The journey to Aguas Calientes — the gateway to Machu Picchu — takes about 3.5 hours. The train station in Poroy is where your experience begins. You get to go to the "lounge" part of the station that is partitioned off with a rope, and once its time for them to start, they will pass out champagne and mimosas.

After everyone checks in at the station, before you get aboard the train, they have a traditional Peruvian ceremony, which I did not get any pictures of because it was magical and captivating; AND they brought my husband and I out to dance with them, which was a blast.

Onboard Indulgence

From the moment you step aboard, you’re greeted with champagne, live Andean music, and polished wood interiors that evoke the golden age of rail travel. The train features:

• Two dining cars serving gourmet Peruvian cuisine

• A bar car with an open deck for panoramic views

• An observation car perfect for soaking in the scenery

Brunch includes delicacies like trout ceviche and quinoa-stuffed peppers, paired with South American wines. On the return journey, a four-course dinner awaits. There was a bit of a mix up with the seating arrangements and they asked us to sit at a table for four with another couple. They even gave us a bottle of Veuve to make up for it! I was not complaining! We actually really hit it off with this older couple from right outside of London! We exchanged emails and everything! Now the food was amazing, and the Veuve kept flowing but this made the experience one million times better!

Culture on the Rails

Live musicians play traditional instruments, and bartenders teach you how to mix the perfect pisco sour. It’s not just a ride — it’s a celebration of Peruvian heritage.

Arrival at Machu Picchu

Once in Aguas Calientes, guests are whisked away by private shuttle to the citadel. A guided tour reveals the mysteries of the Inca Empire, from the Temple of the Sun to the Sacred Rock. Afterward, you’re treated to afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge — the only hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu. Once you are done with the tea, you head back to Aguas Calientes to the train station where more food and fun awaits for your trip back! Look out for the dogs! They are everywhere! Every single one seemed to have a home even though they just roam the streets, they didn't even want any food, they just wanted to hang out.

*NOTE: Know that if you book the train within 20 days of departing that your Macchu Picchu ticket is not included! Thank the heavens that we were able to get some tickets but this was quite the stressful experience that I don't want you to have!

Final Thoughts

The Belmond Hiram Bingham train isn’t just a way to get to Machu Picchu — it’s a journey that elevates the destination. Whether you’re a history buff, a luxury traveler, or someone who just wants to sip champagne while watching the Andes roll by, this is a bucket-list experience worth every sol.

Is it worth the price? Honestly...not really. It was amazing and if you have an extra $2000USD laying around then I do recommend it! But if you just want to see Macchu Picchu, you do not need to spend nearly this much in order to have a fun time. Taking the Perurail will get you there just the same, without all the fancy champagne and music but will get you to the Incan Empire, and for much cheaper!