Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu

Arriving at Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham is the grand version of the journey. The train is styled on the 1920s Pullman carriages, with polished wood, an observation car and live music, and the day is built around comfort: a leisurely ride through the Andes, a guided visit to the citadel and a long, elegant meal. This full-day option is a splurge, and it suits couples, anniversaries and anyone who wants a very different experience from the usual early-morning scramble. It starts from Cusco, so it is a better fit if you are staying in the city or can reach the departure point easily, but valley hotels such as Rio Sagrado have their own link to the same train service.

The day usually begins with an early pick-up, a welcome with light refreshments and a brunch on board as the train winds out of the highlands and down into the cloud forest. The route follows the Urubamba River, and the changing scenery from dry highland to green gorge is part of the pleasure.

Live music and an observation car keep the mood festive. On arrival you transfer up to the ruins for a private guided tour, with time afterwards for afternoon tea at the lodge beside the site, and a candlelit dinner and cocktails on the way back.

Think carefully about what you are paying for. The experience is as much about the train and the service as about the ruins, and the guided visit is shorter and more structured than a self-paced day.

Meals, drinks and the guide are generally part of the package, and entry to the citadel is arranged for you, but you should check exactly what is included for your chosen option, and whether any extra mountain climb is offered. Drinking alcohol at altitude hits harder than at sea level, so pace yourself.

Plan the season. In the dry months from about June to October the views are clearest and the route is easiest to fit into other plans, while from November to March rain and cloud are common and the ruins may be misty, though many travellers find that atmospheric.

Smart-casual clothing is appropriate on the train, but bring sturdy shoes and a light rain jacket for the citadel. Book well ahead, since seats are limited, and confirm the pick-up time and departure point when you reserve.If you are weighing the splurge against the standard route, consider how you like to travel. The luxury day compresses a lot into twelve hours and leaves little room for wandering at your own pace, so it suits people who value service, scenery from the train and a polished experience over long hours among the ruins.

If you want more time at Machu Picchu itself, you could stay overnight in Aguas Calientes on a separate booking, or add a valley night before the trip.

Either way, make dinner reservations and transfers easy by confirming the details with the operator, and arrive rested, since the day starts early and ends late. Finally, remember that rules at Machu Picchu change, including routes, entry windows and what you can carry, so listen to your guide and check the conditions for your date. Photography is allowed, but tripods, drones and large bags are not,, and food is not allowed inside the gate.