Luxury Train Journeys to Machu Picchu | Exclusive Travel

Experience Machu Picchu in style—luxury trains like Belmond Hiram Bingham and Inca Rail First Class with, live music, panoramic views, and VIP service. Discover your perfect train experience today.

Machu Picchu by Train: The Ultimate Luxury Experience with Peru Private Tours

 Why Choose a Luxury Train?

• Wonderful journey aligning with Cusco’s rich heritage.

• Seamless combination of gourmet dining, immersive Andean scenery, and comfort.

• Stress-free logistics, especially advantageous for private and upscale travelers.

 

Top Luxury Train Options

1. Belmond Hiram Bingham

• What to Expect: Day-return trips from Poroy (just outside Cusco) to Aguas Calientes aboard Pullman-style vintage carriages with elegant wood and brass finishes.

• Onboard Experience:

  • Traditional welcome show with local dance and cocktail at the boarding

  • Brunch outbound and four-course dinner on the return trip

  • Live music, bar car, open observatory deck for your confort

• Included: Machu Picchu entry, private bus, and guide (subject to availability) Price starts around $400 per person one-way

• Why Book It? Ideal for discerning travelers seeking immersive luxury from departure to arrival.

2. Inca Rail – The First Class

• Experience Highlights: Spacious seating, open-air balcony, elegant lounge/bar car, gourmet three-course meals with wine and pisco cocktails on your request 

• Special Touches:

  • Kero Ceremony (Andean blessing)

  • VIP transfers and priority boarding available

  • Live music and tea-time (seasonally available, from mid-August) 

• Best For: Travelers looking for refined comfort with cultural touches and exclusivity.

3. PeruRail Vistadome Observatory

• Overview: Panoramic glass roof & side windows, traditional music, snacks, live cultural performances onboard for your comfort

• Departure Points: San Pedro station in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba

• Why It’s Great: A more accessible luxury experience—scenic, cultural, and great for groups not needing full-scale first-class exclusivity.

4. The 360º train to Pachu Picchu

• Panoramic Glass Roof & Windows: Every seat provides sweeping views of jungle, mountains, and sky.

• Open-Air Observatory Car: Accessible via interlinked carriages—perfect for breath-taking photos and unfiltered connection with the Andes.

• Andean Flavors: Enjoy a curated snack box featuring regional ingredients as part of your journey.

• Departure Options:

• • Ollantaytambo (year-round) — ideal for combining with Sacred Valley itineraries.

  • Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro stations) — operational mainly May–December.

• Connectivity Across Carriages: Six linked coaches allow passengers to move freely—even to the open observatory car.

How It Compares to Other Luxury Trains

Feature	360° Train	Inca Rail First-Class	Belmond Hiram Bingham
View Experience	Panoramic dome windows; open-air deck	Large windows; lounge/bar; balcony	Elegant vintage cars; observation deck
Onboard Amenities	Snacks, infotainment, live music	Gourmet dining, open balcony, Kero ceremony, tea-time	Brunch & dinner, live band, bar car
Best For	Scenic immersion & cultural ambiance	Elegance with cultural	Full-service luxury & culinary indulgence
Primary Departure	Ollantaytambo or Cusco (seasonal)	Cusco or Sacred Valley (bimodal)	Poroy (Cusco) round-trip

How It Compares to Other Luxury Trains

Feature	360° Train	Inca Rail First-Class	Belmond Hiram Bingham
View Experience	Panoramic dome windows; open-air deck	Large windows; lounge/bar; balcony	Elegant vintage cars; observation deck
Onboard Amenities	Snacks, infotainment, live music	Gourmet dining, open balcony, Kero ceremony, tea-time	Brunch & dinner, live band, bar car
Best For	Scenic immersion & cultural ambiance	Elegance with cultural	Full-service luxury & culinary indulgence
Primary Departure	Ollantaytambo or Cusco (seasonal)	Cusco or Sacred Valley (bimodal)	Poroy (Cusco) round-trip

Travel Planning Tips for Private Travelers

• Booking Strategy: Luxury trains often sell out—reserve 3–6 months in advance during high season.

• Routing Choices:

  • Hiram Bingham departs from Poroy—ideal for private transfers from Cusco

  • Inca Rail boards at Ollantaytambo—great if you're combining Sacred Valley tours or lodging.

• Acclimatization Advice: Spend at least one night in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust to altitude.

• Combining Elements: Pair with deluxe stays such as Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at the Machu Picchu entrance or the historic Palacio Nazarenas  in Cusco.

• Seasonal Notes: Mid-August marks the start of Kero Ceremonies and tea-time on First Class; rainy season (November–March) may affect countryside views.

Suggested hotels and services

• Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – perfect for luxury travelers staying at Machu Picchu’s doorstep

• Palacio Nazarenas Cusco – luxury hotel to complement your journey

• Sacred Valley Private Tours – ideal morning excursions before your train ride

• Cusco Airport Transfers – ensure seamless arrival and train departure logistics

frequent questions

1. What’s included in the Hiram Bingham ticket?
   Gourmet meals, onboard entertainment, private guide, entrance fees, and bus transfers to Machu Picchu (subject to availability).

2. Which train departs from Cusco city directly?
   The Vistadome (from San Pedro station) and Hiram Bingham (from Poroy) both depart closest to Cusco.

3. Can I book VIP transfers for First Class?
   Yes—VIP transfers and priority boarding are available on Inca Rail's First Class.

4. Are kids allowed on these luxury trains?
   Typically yes, but check individual policies. Hiram Bingham includes activities suitable for families.

5. Best time to capture views onboard?
   Morning departures offer clearer light and fewer crowds.

6. What if train includes entrance doesn’t guarantee access?
   Always verify Machu Picchu ticket availability directly with the train operator or via your tour agent to avoid travel disruption.

"Ready to elevate your Machu Picchu experience? Contact us to secure your luxury train journey aboard Hiram Bingham or First Class—let us take care of every detail."

 

Publication date: 2025-09-08