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Be-lavie

Hiram Bingham

ALL ABOARD THE BELMOND HIRAM BINGHAM TO MACHU PICCHU

25th August 2017

Last Updated on 30th January 2020 by Bejal

When planning the Machu Picchu portion of our trip, I knew the time constraints we had with work commitments and annual leave therefore we couldn’t complete the 4 day hike to the great Incan Citadel. As our South American adventure was panning out to be quite an opulent affair, with the whole Belmond brand we felt there was no better way for us to experience Machu Picchu than a return trip on the Belmond Hiram Bingham train and a stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge hotel overnight.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

This train is named after the US explorer who claimed to have discovered the remains of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in 1911, although there is some evidence of earlier expeditions by British and German missionaries, engineers and speculators.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

It was a very early start from our base in Cusco. We were picked up from the Belmond Monasterio hotel and driven to Poroy, where the Hiram Bingham was gleaming on the platform. Poroy is 8 miles west of the ancient city of Cusco and then arouand it takes around 3 hours 15 minutes to Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, the small town at the foot of Machu Picchu. There is a separate check-in lounge for all Belmond passengers where you can relax and grab a drink whilst waiting to board the train.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

As we enjoyed an early morning coffee, our luggage was swiftly taken by our waiter and we were asked to make our way to the platform to watch a traditional Peruvian dance performance before being led inside the Hiram Bingham train. A quick tour of the amenities followed before we were seated at our private seats and chairs which were very comfortably positioned with a huge window to look at the Peruvian country side. I just adored the brass fixtures and fittings and the decadent mahogany panelling that you imagine from a bygone era of train journeys. I felt a bit like I was in one of those Agatha Christie Poirot movies! Yes weird, I know!!

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

Just a note on the baggage, you are only allowed to take on a small carry-on bag per person, as they don’t have the ability to accommodate large cases. A plush Belmond Hiram Bingham bag is provided for you to store your essentials. We had our larger cases stored at the Belmond Monasterio in Cusco, as we were heading back there the following evening. To be honest you don’t need much for the overnight trip and things are very casual so no need to take any smart clothes!

Once you’re all settled, the Maître D and your waiter will come and check that the menu is suitable for you and make any dietary adjustments required. The journey starts at 09:05 and you arrive and check into Machu Picchu around 13:00.

THE JOURNEY

Our trip was planned on a two day itenary, as mentioned before with a stay at The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge:

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

Map Courtesy: Belmond Hotels

DAY ONE

Hiram Bingham departure from Poroy Station : 09:05  ●  Hiram Bingham Train arrival Agues Calientes : 12:45  ●   Arrive at The Belmond sanctuary Lodge Hotel (via private minibus from Aguas Calientes): 13:00  ●   Machu Picchu closes at 17:30

 

DAY TWO

Machu Picchu opens at 06:00  ●   Bus leaves for Agues Calientes station  ●  Hiram Bingham train departs at 17:00  ●  Hiram Bingham arrives at Poroy station at 21:15

 

Your waiter will bring your welcome drinks or aperitifs, following which brunch will be served to your table. After this you can relax and enjoy the Peruvian countryside, where you will see the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo).

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

THE CARRIAGES 

The Hiram Bingham can host up to 84 guests, however there was probably less than half of this around the time of our trip providing a much personalised service. The carriages are timeless elegance, luxuriously painted in the Belmond distinctive blue and gold colours and are furnished in the style of the 1920’s Pullman carriages. Each carriage has been decorated in polished wooden panels and brass fixtures and fittings, with large chairs and plenty of space to stretch out.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

At the back of the Hiram Bingham is the Observation car, offering an open space in which to truly appreciate the stunning Peruvian landscape. Observation cars are a great addition to any train and this one is furnished with dark wood, polished brass and large cushioned seats, thus making it the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the unfolding Peruvian landscape.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

The two dining carriages offer a capacity of 42 seats each, with tables beautifully laid with gleaming crystal and polished cutlery. In the morning, on the way towards Machu Picchu you’ll enjoy a delectable three-course brunch, complete with a refreshing sparkling wine and freshly squeezed orange juice. In the evening, on the journey from Machu Picchu to Poroy, you will be served a luxurious four-course menu, complete with Pisco Sour and Peruvian delicacies.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

The bar car is the perfect place to enjoy a Pisco Sour and experience live Peruvian music courtesy of the on board band. During the journey to Machu Picchu the barman invites passengers to learn how to make traditional Pisco Sour. I’d definitely urge you to try the Pisco Sours and even sit through the Pisco Sour making class!

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

Once you get to Aguas Calientes, private minibuses will take you on the 15 minute drive up to the gates of the citadel. At the entrance guests are free to go straight into the citadel with one of the Belmond guides for an orientation as tickets will have been pre-purchased.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

After the guided tour, you are free to wander through the ancient site at your own pace or head back to the Belmond sanctuary Lodge for a pretty afternoon tea. Well, I’m sure after all the walking and climbing, you can imagine what we did?

Your day draws to an end as you’re either transported back to Aguas Calientes to catch the Hiram Bingham back to Poroy or as we did, you can head back to your room and relax before the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge activities commence for the night.

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

The Belmond Hiram Bingham return train journey and a stay at the Bemond Sanctuary Lodge is…

SHEER UNADULTERATED PERFECTION FOR:

Couples, families, honeymoons,  and without a doubt, special occasions

 

We booked our overnight trip and stay to Machu Picchu through Laura Olds, our Travel Advisor at Latin America for Less.

Carretera Hiram Bingham

km 7.5 Machu Picchu 

Cusco 

Peru

Tel: + 51 984 816 956

Email: hirambinghamreservations@perurail.com    Tel: 51 84 581 414

Belmond Hiram Bingham

 

I would love to know if you’ve experienced the splendour of the Belmond Hiram Bingham train journey to Machu Picchu, please leave comments and we can reminisce together!

 

Read the next blog post in the South America Series:

The time I spent the night at Machu Picchu with some help from Belmond

 

À Bientôt…

 

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All Aboard The Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu All Aboard The Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

All Aboard The Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu All Aboard The Belmond Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu

 

4 Comments
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Bejal

I’m Bejal aka Be, an ex-scientist turned travel writer and digital content creator. I have travelled to 6 continents, visited 70 plus countries, including an around the world trip, making me quite the expert in crafting intricate itineraries. I love to discover some of the world's more remote destinations and stay in some incredible hidden location eco-hotels. My aim is to transport you, my audience, to inspirational and cultural global spots that are less visited and allow you to see the 'real' and authentic side of destinations through detailed guides with a sprinkling of luxury. The spotlight is on eco-friendly responsible experiential travel with lifelong memories.

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  • Eleonore
    26th August 2017

    What an experience! I would love to do this – haven’t been to Peru yet but will keep this in mind. Xx, Eleonore

    Reply
    • Bejal
      Eleonore
      26th August 2017

      Hey Eleonore, I think it’s just one of those once in a lifetime experiences that you just can never forget! Yes I would definitely recommend it and you will absolutely fall in love with Peru!

      Reply
  • NieNie
    26th August 2017

    Omg! This is exactly what I needed! I am planning to go to Machu Picchu next year! Love this!

    Reply
    • Bejal
      NieNie
      26th August 2017

      Oh wow! You are one lucky devil and you are going to Machu Picchu, who doesn’t right?! I have a whole bunch of Peru posts if you need more inspo but the Belmond Hiram Bingham is just class!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Bejal aka Be
Lets get acquainted

Lets get acquainted

Hello, I'm Be, an ex-scientist turned travel writer and digital content creator having travelled to 70 plus countries, all over the globe. My aim is to transport you to less visited inspirational and cultural global spots showing off the 'real' authentic side of destinations through detailed guides with a sprinkling of luxury. The spotlight is on eco-friendly responsible travel with lots of coffee spots and veggie food thrown in!

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