Machu Picchu: Hiram Bingham Train Luxury Day Trip with Dining

Summary

From Cusco to Machu Picchu by luxury train with gourmet meals and a local guide

You’ll ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham luxury train, savoring fine dining and Andean scenery along the way. With an expert local guide leading your small group through ancient ruins and an exclusive afternoon tea at Sanctuary Lodge included, this day trip blends comfort with real connection — leaving you with memories that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet Poroy Station felt at sunrise — except for the soft clink of glasses as we got our welcome drink. I’d been up since before dawn in Cusco, nerves jangling (I always overthink packing), but as soon as we stepped onto the Hiram Bingham train, it was like time slowed down. The carriage smelled faintly of polished wood and coffee. Our guide, Carla, grinned when she saw me gawking at the brass fixtures — “Wait until you see the view,” she said.

The journey to Machu Picchu didn’t feel rushed at all. We wandered between cars, sometimes just standing on the open-air platform with wind tugging at our hair and that wild green river flashing below. Lunch was this three-course thing — trout with Andean mint (I had no idea trout could taste so fresh), then lamb cannelloni that basically melted into spring greens. The sommelier poured us wine I can’t pronounce; I just nodded along and tried not to spill anything on the tablecloth. It’s funny how quickly you get used to being looked after — someone always seemed to appear with another glass or a story about the valley outside.

Arriving at Aguas Calientes, there was this hush — everyone suddenly quieter as we boarded our private shuttle up to Machu Picchu itself. Carla led us through the ruins, pointing out little details: grooves in stone stairs worn by centuries of feet, orchids clinging to cracks. She explained the solar clock while mist drifted over everything (my camera fogged up; I kind of liked it better that way). There were other groups but it never felt crowded; maybe because our entry was timed just right.

Afterwards, tea at Sanctuary Lodge felt almost surreal — scones and sandwiches with mountain air drifting through open windows. Someone started laughing about how their shoes were covered in red dust; I realized my own hands smelled faintly of lavender from dessert earlier. On the way back to Cusco aboard the Hiram Bingham train, dinner turned into a bit of a party with live music in the bar car (I may have attempted a dance step or two). Even now, months later, I catch myself thinking about those moments between places — when you’re not quite here or there yet, just moving gently through Peru.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury train journey to Machu Picchu

• Hotel pickup in Cusco
• Drive 20 minutes to Poroy Station
• Welcome drink and board train
• Explore train observation platform and bar
• Enjoy 3-course lunch with wine
• Arrive at Aguas Calientes station
• Board shuttle bus to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu site
• Walk to Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
• Afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches
• Return to Aguas Calientes
• Board train back to Cusco
• Enjoy 4-course gourmet dinner onboard
• Join onboard musicians in song and dance

Top questions

How long does the Hiram Bingham train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu take?

The journey from Poroy Station near Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes about 3 hours each way by Hiram Bingham train.

Is hotel pickup included for this luxury day trip?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco are included for all passengers on this tour.

What meals are served on board the Hiram Bingham train?

You’ll enjoy a three-course lunch on the way to Machu Picchu and a four-course dinner on your return journey, both paired with selected wines.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, all travelers must provide full name and passport ID details before booking is confirmed.

Is there a guided tour of Machu Picchu included?

Yes, a professional local guide leads a 2.5-hour tour of Machu Picchu’s main sites during your visit.

Are big suitcases allowed on the Hiram Bingham train?

No, only small bags or backpacks are allowed on board; large suitcases should be stored at your Cusco hotel.

What is included during afternoon tea at Sanctuary Lodge?

You can enjoy scones, sandwiches, appetizers, tea or coffee, and a selection of wines during afternoon tea at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.

How many people are in each guided group inside Machu Picchu?

A maximum of 10 people per guide is allowed inside Machu Picchu according to park rules.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, roundtrip luxury travel aboard the Hiram Bingham train with gourmet meals and drinks throughout both journeys, exclusive shuttle bus transfers to Machu Picchu’s entrance for passengers only, entrance fees for Machu Picchu itself plus a professionally guided tour through its ancient streets and shrines, as well as an elegant afternoon tea served at Sanctuary Lodge before heading back toward reality in Cusco.