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Visiting Machu Picchu is often considered a must-do for travelers exploring Peru, and for those seeking to elevate the experience, the Machu Picchu 1 Day Luxury Tour aboard the Hiram Bingham train promises a glamorous adventure. With its blend of sumptuous comfort, expert guiding, and stunning scenery, this tour offers a memorable way to tick this iconic site off your bucket list. We’ve curated this detailed review to help you understand what makes this experience special—and what you should consider before booking.
What we love most about this tour is how seamlessly it combines luxury train travel with the awe-inspiring sights of Machu Picchu, delivering an elegant, hassle-free day. The Hiram Bingham train isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about turning your journey into part of the adventure. Plus, the inclusion of gourmet meals and live entertainment on board truly elevates the whole experience.
A potential drawback is the necessity of booking well in advance—at least two months—since both the train and Machu Picchu tickets are limited. Also, this tour runs around 13.5 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with full days on the go. If you’re after a luxurious, well-organized day with expert guides and exclusive touches, this tour could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Finally, this tour caters best to travelers who value comfort, are willing to spend a premium for an upscale experience, and are eager to see Machu Picchu with a bit of extra style. It’s perfect for honeymooners, celebrating milestones, or those simply wanting to indulge a bit while exploring Peru’s crown jewel.
Key Points
- The tour offers a luxurious train experience aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham, widely regarded as the most elegant way to reach Machu Picchu.
- It includes all transportation from your hotel to the train station, and bus tickets both ways between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- The itinerary is tightly scheduled, with a midday visit to the ruins and free time for exploration with a knowledgeable guide.
- Gourmet lunch and dinner are included, with drinks on board, making the entire day feel like a decadent journey.
- Bookings should be made at least two months in advance due to limited availability, ensuring you secure your spot.
- The experience has received mixed reviews, notably with some travelers experiencing last-minute cancellations, highlighting the importance of reliable planning.
An In-Depth Look at the Luxury Experience
The Journey Begins: Pickup and Departure
Your day starts early, with a hotel pickup at 8:00 am, setting the tone for an effortless experience. The private transportation gets you comfortably to the train station, a critical detail that removes the hassle of navigating local transport or dealing with crowded taxis in Cusco. This is especially appreciated for those staying in high-end accommodations or wanting a seamless start.
The Hiram Bingham Train: A Moving Feast
The highlight of the day is undoubtedly traveling aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham. Departing at 9:05 am, this train is a marvel in itself. Its elegant vintage-style cars evoke the golden age of rail travel, with large windows offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the rolling eastern Andes.
Inside, you can indulge in Peruvian cocktails and listen to a live musical band playing classics, creating a lively, sophisticated ambiance. The train’s observation car offers some of the best vantage points, where you’ll watch the landscape unfurl past you.
The gourmet meals offered onboard—lunch on the way up and dinner on the return—are crafted to impress, blending local ingredients with fine dining standards. Drinks are unlimited, so you can toast your adventure or sip a refreshing Pisco Sour as you gaze at the scenery.
Arrival and Exploring Machu Picchu
The train arrives at Aguas Calientes around 12:24 pm, where your group is transferred via exclusive bus (a 25-minute scenic ride) to the entrance of Machu Picchu. This step adds a touch of exclusivity and comfort, avoiding the often crowded public buses.
At 1:00 pm, your guided tour begins. The expert guide helps you understand the complex architecture and history behind Machu Picchu, making the experience more meaningful. As you walk through the site, you’ll see the challenging architectural work of the Incas and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The tour lasts around 3 hours, offering enough time to appreciate key sights without feeling rushed. You’ll also get a chance to take plenty of photos and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the site.
Afternoon Tea and Return Journey
At 3:50 pm, you’re treated to tea at the Sanctuary Lodge restaurant, providing a relaxing pause after your explorations. This break enhances the feeling of being spoiled during your day.
By 4:30 pm, you board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch the train heading back to Cusco at approximately 4:50 pm. The return journey is equally elegant, with gourmet dinner service and live music, making the return trip feel like a continuation of the day’s luxury.
Final Reflections on the Experience
While the itinerary is well-structured, it’s important to note that the total duration is around 13.5 hours, which can be quite full. The early start and long travel times are worth it if you value comfort and exclusivity; however, those with limited time or stamina might find it demanding.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour package includes private transport from your hotel, bus tickets both ways, entry to Machu Picchu, and all drinks, meals, and guided services onboard and at the site.
It’s worth noting that flight tickets, travel insurance, and gratuities are not included, and these can add to your overall costs. The price of $1,475 per person might seem steep, but when you factor in the logistics, meals, guided visits, and the train experience, many travelers see it as a value-for-money indulgence.
Reliability and Booking Tips
One of the key things to keep in mind is the advance booking requirement. This tour is popular and limited in availability, so reserve at least two months ahead. A negative review highlights how last-minute cancellations can cause disruption, so choosing a reputable, reliable operator is crucial.
Authentic Feedback from Travelers
The reviews tell a mixed story. While most travelers enjoy the experience, some have encountered issues. For example, one traveler described their experience as the “worst ever,” citing a last-minute cancellation that caused significant inconvenience and extra expenses. This highlights how essential it is to confirm bookings well in advance and manage expectations regarding potential disruptions.
On the flip side, others praise the luxurious ambiance onboard, the quality of meals, and the efficient organization of the itinerary. The availability of live music and drinks onboard adds to the sense of occasion, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
This luxury Machu Picchu tour is best suited for travelers who want to combine comfort with discovery and are willing to pay a premium for an elevated experience. If you value premium train travel, gourmet dining, and guided visits in a small, intimate group, this tour can be a truly memorable way to see one of the world’s most iconic sites.
The main appeal is the quality of the journey—not just the destination. The train experience, the exclusivity of the transportation, and the carefully curated itinerary make it a special treat, especially for those celebrating a milestone or looking to indulge.
However, it’s essential to book early, be prepared for a long day, and remain flexible in case of unforeseen cancellations. For travelers who prioritize authentic, immersive experiences over luxury, more budget-friendly options may be better suited. But if you’re after a glamorous, well-organized day trip with a touch of class, this tour is hard to beat.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed for a small group with manageable steps. However, due to the full-day schedule and transportation involved, it’s best for those comfortable with long days on the move.
How far in advance should I book?
It’s strongly recommended to reserve at least two months ahead because both the train and Machu Picchu tickets have limited availability.
What is included in the price?
The package covers private transportation to and from your hotel, train tickets, bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, entry tickets, meals and drinks onboard, and guided tours. Extras like flights, insurance, and tips are not included.
Are there any reviews about the experience?
Yes, reviews are generally positive, highlighting the luxury train, gourmet meals, and guided visits. But there’s at least one report of a last-minute cancellation that caused inconvenience, emphasizing the importance of reliable planning.
What is the train experience like?
The Hiram Bingham offers a vintage-style, elegant atmosphere with panoramic windows, live music, and complimentary drinks, making the journey itself part of the luxury experience.
How long does the whole trip last?
The entire tour takes approximately 13.5 hours, including pickup, travel, guided tour, meals, and return.
Will I have enough time at Machu Picchu?
Yes, the guided exploration lasts about 3 hours, which is enough to see the main highlights and take photos, though it’s a relatively quick visit considering the full-day journey.
Taking into account the comfort, style, and seamless organization, this luxury Machu Picchu tour offers a distinctive way to experience one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders. We recommend it for those who appreciate finer things, are prepared for the schedule, and want to turn their trip into a memorable occasion.
