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Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu in one day on the most elegant train in Peru, with private transfers at both ends.

This is the most refined way to see Machu Picchu in a single day. You travel in both directions on the Hiram Bingham, a train of 1920s style Pullman carriages with a dining car, a bar, live music and an open observation car, and we take care of the rest: private transfers from and to your hotel, the entry ticket, the bus and the guide.

After the visit you have afternoon tea at Sanctuary Lodge, the hotel beside the entrance, and wait for your train in the VIP lounge. Dinner is served on board on the way back.

The trip at a glance

  1. Morning. Hiram Bingham to Aguas Calientes

    Private pickup at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, welcome drink at the station and a gourmet meal on board.

  2. Midday. Machu Picchu

    Bus up to the citadel and a guided visit of 2 to 3 hours, followed by tea at Sanctuary Lodge.

  3. Evening. Dinner on the train

    VIP lounge at the station, dinner and music on the return journey and a private transfer to your hotel.

Highlights

  • Hiram Bingham train

    Polished wood, brass and white tablecloths, in the style of the great trains of the 1920s.

  • Private transfers

    A private vehicle from your hotel to the station and back, in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

  • Dining on board

    A gourmet meal on the way out and a fine dinner on the way back, with wine, beer and pisco sour.

  • Live music

    Musicians in the bar car and an open observation car for the views.

  • Guided visit of Machu Picchu

    A professional guide on the best official route available for your date.

  • Tea at Sanctuary Lodge

    Afternoon tea at the only hotel next to the entrance of the citadel.

  • VIP lounge

    A comfortable place to wait for the return train in Aguas Calientes.

From our guides

On this tour the journey matters as much as the destination. A gourmet meal on the way out and a fine dinner on the way back turn the hours on the rails into the most relaxed part of the day.

Itinerary

A full day to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham
  1. Private pickup

    We collect you from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and drive you to the departure station, usually Poroy. The station can change with the season and the timetable.

  2. Boarding the Hiram Bingham

    You are received with a welcome drink before boarding. On the way down the valley a gourmet meal inspired by Peruvian cooking is served at your table, with drinks included.

  3. Along the Urubamba

    The line follows the river as high Andean country turns into cloud forest. The bar car and the observation car are open for the whole journey.

  4. Bus to the citadel

    From Aguas Calientes a bus takes you up the mountain to the entrance.

  5. Guided visit of Machu Picchu

    Your guide leads you for 2 to 3 hours through the terraces, temples and sacred spaces allowed by your circuit, and tells the story of the site.

  6. Tea at Sanctuary Lodge

    After the visit you sit down to afternoon tea a few steps from the gate, then take the bus back to town.

  7. VIP lounge and dinner on board

    You wait in the VIP lounge of the station and board for the return. Dinner, drinks and music fill the journey back.

  8. Private transfer to your hotel

    Your vehicle is waiting at the station. Arrival in Cusco is usually late in the evening, depending on the train timetable.

Duration
Full day
Start and end
Your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Train
Hiram Bingham, both ways
Machu Picchu visit
2 to 3 hours with a guide
Meals
Meal on board, afternoon tea and dinner on board
Difficulty
Easy to moderate, with uneven stone steps

We book the best official route available for your date and train time. Circuits and entry times depend on official availability when the reservation is made.

What is included

Transfers and train
  • Private transfers. From your hotel to the station and from the station to your hotel, in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

  • Hiram Bingham train. Round trip to Aguas Calientes.

  • Welcome drink. At the station before boarding.

  • Entertainment. Live music on board.

Food and drink
  • Meal on the way out. Gourmet meal served on board.

  • Dinner on the way back. Fine dining on the return journey.

  • Drinks on board. A selection that includes wine, beer, pisco sour, soft drinks and hot drinks.

  • Afternoon tea. At Sanctuary Lodge, beside the entrance to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu
  • Bus. Round trip between Aguas Calientes and the citadel.

  • Entry ticket. On the best official route available when you book.

  • Guided visit. With a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).

  • VIP lounge. Access before the return train.

  • Assistance. Our team coordinates the whole day and is on call throughout.

Not included
  • Meals not listed. Breakfast is at your hotel before pickup.

  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Extra ticket, on request and subject to availability.

  • Hotel nights. In Cusco, the Sacred Valley or Aguas Calientes.

  • Travel insurance. Strongly recommended.

  • Tips. Optional, at your discretion.

Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham Train prices 2026

Prices are per person and depend on train availability, the season and your pickup point.

Luxury day tour, price per person
1 traveler$1,490
2 travelers$1,390
3 travelers$1,350
4 travelers$1,320
5 travelers$1,300
6 travelers$1,280
7 travelers$1,260
8 travelers$1,240

Good to know before booking

  • Full payment is required to confirm, because the train seats and the entry tickets are issued in your name at once.
  • Seats on the Hiram Bingham are limited. In high season we recommend booking several months ahead.
  • Children from 1 to 11 may have a special fare, depending on the train. Ask us before booking.
  • For 9 travelers or more, write to us for a quote.

Optional extras

  • Huayna PicchuSubject to permits, book ahead
    $60
  • Machu Picchu MountainSubject to permits, book ahead
    $60

What to pack

Documents and essentials

  • Original passport
  • Small daypack
  • Water bottle
  • Cash in soles

Sun and personal care

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medication

Clothing and footwear

  • Quick dry t-shirts
  • Trekking pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Rain poncho
  • Walking shoes

Good to know

What to wear

There is no formal dress code on the train, and you will be walking on stone paths at midday. Smart, comfortable layers work best: something you are happy to dine in, with shoes that grip and a light rain jacket in your bag.

Mornings in Cusco are cool, Aguas Calientes is warm and humid, and Machu Picchu can go from sun to mist in minutes.

One day or two?

A day tour is long, with an early start and a late return. If you would rather sleep near the citadel and visit it in the morning, look at the Luxury Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days. We can also add a hotel night in Aguas Calientes to this tour.

For a day visit at a lower price, the Machu Picchu day trip uses the regular trains.

Stations and timetables

The departure station, the train times, the entry time and the final route at Machu Picchu can change with the season and with operating conditions. We confirm all of them in writing before you travel.

Your passport must be valid and must match the details on your train and entry tickets.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hiram Bingham train?

It is the luxury train on the Machu Picchu line, with 1920s style Pullman carriages, a dining car, a bar car with live music and an open observation car. Meals and drinks are included in the fare.

Is the tour private?

The transfers between your hotel and the station are private. The train, the bus and the lounge are shared with the other passengers of the Hiram Bingham.

Can I be picked up in the Sacred Valley?

Yes. We collect you from hotels in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and take you to the station confirmed for your date.

What time do we get back?

Usually late in the evening. The exact time depends on the train timetable for your date.

Which circuit will I visit?

The best official route available for your date and train time. We ask for a classic route whenever one is open and confirm it when the tickets are issued.

Can special diets be catered for on board?

Yes. Tell us about vegetarian, vegan or gluten free diets and any allergy when you book, and we pass the request to the train.

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