Luxury trains to Machu Picchu – All the information

Machu Picchu, over the years, has become a destination where services have continually improved to reach it. In this blog, we want to talk about the maximum comfort and services you can obtain. Both operating agencies offer luxury services on their respective services, the Hiram Bingham train and the The First Class train. These services are special and offer first-class quality, from the ambiance, decoration, music, utensils, and even the service. All of this is provided on both trains to Machu Picchu, whether on the outbound or return route. Learn more below.

Luxury services at Machu Picchu?

Luxury services became more well-known and popular as Machu Picchu became more famous. Luxury services can start in Cusco, and more of these services can be found. Hotels and restaurants will stand out, and now also train trips to the world wonder.

As for hotels, you can find luxury hotels in Cusco and also along the route to this destination. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the main place where these hotels were built. The district of Urubamba will stand out as one of the districts with the best hotels, in addition to Cusco.

Regarding luxury trips to Machu Picchu, you can find 2 options. Both options belong to different agencies, so the experience may vary slightly. However, the attention and every detail that define luxury service will be present. Let’s take a look at more details of the luxury trains to Machu Picchu.

Luxury trains to reach Machu Picchu

Currently, we can find two train services that represent pure luxury compared to other trains. Below is all the information about these trains that allow you to take a trip where you will live a unique experience. Additionally, as an extra detail, you can enjoy exquisite gourmet dishes, drinks, and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. All the information below:

Hiram Bingham Train by PeruRail – Pure luxury heading to Machu Picchu

Features of the Hiram Bingham Train:

• It is the train that pays tribute to the discoverer of Machu Picchu in 1911.
• This train has comfortable seats and panoramic windows.
• It also offers an observation car along with a bar car.
• The windows have UV protection for the safety of travelers.
• The seats are very comfortable and spacious.
• The train’s decoration is of the Pullman type, with the presence of wood and polished bronze materials.
• Luxury utensils will be available to you.
• It operates every day except for the last Sundays of each month.

It offers the following services:

• Welcome show with dances and live music.
• Three-course menu, including starter, main dish, and dessert (lunch or dinner).
• You will also enjoy a wide variety of drinks.
• In the carriages, there are hygienic services and water for cleaning.
• If you make an early reservation, access to Machu Picchu can be included (more than 45 days in advance).
• Access to the bar car and the Observatory car where you can enjoy live music.
• Live music during the trip.
• The trip offers beautiful landscapes along the route connecting Cusco with Ollantaytambo.
• If you bring luggage, make sure it’s not too large.
• The trip will most often be carried out via the bimodal journey.
• The travel time will depend on the departure station.

The departure train stations are:

• Wanchaq Station.
• Ollantaytambo Station.
• Río Sagrado Station
• Poroy Station.
• Machu Picchu Pueblo Station.

The First Class Train by Inca Rail, luxury option 2 to Machu Picchu

Features of The First Class Train:

• It is the luxury option offered by Inca Rail to the thousands of tourists heading to Machu Picchu.
• It has a travel car and others you can visit halfway through the trip.
• You will find the Premium & Lounge car or a bar car.
• It offers wide windows ideal for admiring the entire landscape of the area.
• The windows have UV protection, so you will enjoy warmth while traveling.
• The seats are for single use only.
• You will find 40 seats arranged in 2 types of tables: one for 4 passengers and others for 2 passengers.
• The First Class train only operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
• The seats are super comfortable, and you will also find beautiful decoration.
• The journey allows you to appreciate the nature and geography of the area.
• The travel carriages feature ambient music inspired by Andean music and Cusco traditions.
• During the trip, you can take beautiful photos or simply admire the site’s natural beauty.

Enjoy all the included services:

• VIP waiting room, where you will find drinks and some snacks.
• Show with local artists. You will also have the opportunity to sing some of the world’s emblematic songs.
• Enjoy the simple yet captivating representation of the Ollantay drama.
• Lunch or dinner, which consists of a 3-course menu. Enjoy an appetizer, main dish, and dessert.
• You can taste drinks like wines and champagnes.
• If you book more than 3 months in advance, the Machu Picchu entrance ticket can be added.
• Also offers guided bus transport service to the archaeological site (subject to availability).
• Enjoy the wine and saxophone ceremony.
• Sometimes, the Inca Rail team offers natural mosquito repellent.
• The same bus departure schedule from Cusco.
• The trip from Cusco is by bus, and in Ollantaytambo, you board the The First Class train.

Ideal Timings for Traveling to Machu Picchu by Luxury Train

Here’s how you can travel on the Hiram Bingham by PeruRail:

• The Hiram Bingham train has 2 departure times, with a slight variation in the specified months.
• The trip is carried out under the bimodal service standards.
• In the months from January to April, it will depart from the Wanchaq station to reach the Ollantaytambo station.
• In the months from May to December, the bus will take us to the Poroy station.
• From both stations mentioned, the journey on the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu Pueblo will begin.
• Due to the departure time, the journey is expected to be very comfortable and relaxing at the same time.
• The timing also allows for better appreciation of the entire route’s landscape.
• The visit to Machu Picchu will take place in the afternoon.
• You will have bus service from the district to the archaeological area of Machu Picchu.

Here’s how you can travel in luxury on the Inca Rail The First Class train:

• The First Class train only has one departure time.
• The trip is carried out under bimodal service standards.
• The trip from Cusco will be by comfortable buses to the Ollantaytambo station.
• From Ollantaytambo, you will board the The First Class train towards Machu Picchu.
• It is recommended to book the round-trip package for the same day.
• With the departure time, you will be able to enjoy a good breakfast and start the journey with total comfort.
• As the day progresses, you will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes during the trip from Cusco.
• The tour of Machu Picchu will take place in the warmth of the afternoon with fewer people.

The Experience of Traveling on the Hiram Bingham Train

• Tourists who boarded the Hiram Bingham train always highlight the cordial attention of the PeruRail staff.
• Being a luxury service, all comforts are provided from the moment you arrive at the train stations.
• There is a welcome with live music and dancing, where you can also enjoy some snacks.
• The comfort of the journey is hard to surpass.
• The three-course menu combines the best of Peruvian cuisine with international techniques.
• The live music also offers a beautiful experience as it allows for a moment of camaraderie.
• Furthermore, the live music provides tourists with a fun moment filled with dancing and singing.
• Another highlight is the comfort of the seats.
• If you make an early reservation, check if the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included. This is available depending on availability.
• At both the departure and return train stations, there will be an exclusive waiting area.
• To enjoy this experience better, it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The Experience of Traveling on the The First Class Train

• Many tourists highlight the excellent service on board.
• The service is very similar to what you would find at the best establishments.
• Thanks to the travel schedule, you can visit Machu Picchu at a comfortable time, offering beautiful views from the start of the journey.
• The Inca Rail buses are very comfortable and clean, providing a special journey.
• In the VIP waiting room, you can enjoy some snacks and drinks offered.
• The passage to the bar car, also known as Premium & Lounge, offers a unique experience.
• Inside the bar car, live music is enjoyed, and you can even sing and dance freely.
• The journey often feels like a celebration.
• The three-course menu is delicious, and you can also enjoy the drinks and other snacks that are offered for free.
• Many tourists also highlight the punctuality of the departure and arrival times.
• Another unbeatable experience is the comfort of the seats.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What other luxury services can I find?

  During your stay in Cusco, you will find several luxury services. Starting with luxury hotels in the city itself, as well as those located in Urubamba and other places in the Sacred Valley. You can also find such services in restaurants and travel experiences like those mentioned in this blog. If you’re looking for more of this kind of service, feel free to contact us for further inquiries. Our travel advisors will help you find the best services.

• 2) Can I book private carriages for my family or friends?

  Yes, this is one of the services offered by both operating agencies. Each will have a limited capacity, and typically, the service will be similar to the luxury travel experiences. This means you will generally receive all the luxury services offered. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our travel advisors.

• 3) During which months is it recommended to travel to Machu Picchu by train?

  There are two travel seasons. The most recommended one is during the dry season, which starts in April and lasts until the end of October. During this time, there is less rainfall and a safer route for travel. Additionally, tours of Machu Picchu are perfect due to the climate.

• 4) Are there refunds for luxury trains to Machu Picchu?

  Yes, both the Hiram Bingham and The First Class trains offer refunds. Refunds are subject to penalties depending on how far in advance the change or cancellation is requested.

• 5) How much time can I spend in the observation and balcony cars of the luxury trains?

  The observation cars of both trains will not be available for the entire journey. You can stay in these cars for a maximum of 30 minutes. It’s ideal to enjoy every minute, as only in these cars can you experience live music and the beautiful views from the balconies.