Few places on earth stir the imagination like Machu Picchu. Cradled among the emerald peaks of the Peruvian Andes, the lost city of the Incas rises from the clouds in a spectacle of terraced stone that has captivated travelers for more than a century. Add the golden light of the Sacred Valley, the cobbled charm of Cusco, and a train that treats the ride itself as an occasion, and you have one of the world’s most transporting luxury journeys.
Places to See
Your adventure begins in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Here, baroque Spanish churches rise atop Inca foundations, and the Plaza de Armas hums with life beneath the surrounding hills. Wander the artisan lanes of the San Blas quarter, marvel at the mortarless masonry of Qorikancha, and acclimatize gently to the mountain air.
From Cusco, the landscape unfolds into the fabled Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile ribbon carved by the Urubamba River. The valley’s crown jewel is Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town whose steep ceremonial terraces and original street grid remain remarkably intact. It is a place where daily life still follows rhythms set five centuries ago.
And then there is Machu Picchu itself, the Inca citadel that needs no introduction. Explore the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana ritual stone, and the agricultural terraces that seem to defy gravity, all framed by the dramatic silhouette of Huayna Picchu. Whether you first glimpse it wreathed in morning mist or bathed in afternoon sun, the encounter is unforgettable.
Getting There by Luxury Train
The most gracious way to reach the citadel is aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham, a luxury day train named for the explorer who brought Machu Picchu to the world’s attention in 1911. Departing from Cusco, it glides through the Sacred Valley and past Ollantaytambo before arriving at the foot of the mountain.
This is rail travel as celebration. On board, guests savor a gourmet brunch on the outbound leg and elegant fine dining on the return, all served amid polished wood, gleaming brass, and the warm glow of the 1920s-inspired carriages. Pisco Sours flow at the bar car, live Peruvian music fills the air, and floor-to-ceiling windows turn every mile of Andean scenery into a moving painting. For travelers who wish to greet the citadel at first light, the journey can be combined with a stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel beside the ruins, offering early access before the day’s crowds arrive. The Hiram Bingham operates year-round.
For specific departure schedules, guided-tour inclusions, and the latest on combining your rail journey with a lodge stay, our specialists are glad to help, simply contact us.
Best Time to Visit
Peru’s highlands enjoy two broad seasons. The dry season, from May through September, brings clear skies, crisp mornings, and the most reliable mountain views, making it the classic window for exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The shoulder months of April and October offer lush green landscapes with fewer visitors, while the wetter season from November to March is quieter still, though afternoon showers are common. Whenever you travel, allowing a day or two in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude will make the whole experience more comfortable.
Plan Your Peruvian Rail Adventure
Machu Picchu deserves an arrival worthy of its legend. Let our luxury-rail specialists design a seamless journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Inca citadel aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham. Explore more Peru inspiration in our Peru travel journal, discover the globe’s finest rail experiences in our guide to the world’s most iconic luxury train journeys, or browse our full collection of luxury trains.
When you are ready to begin, visit our bookings page, email bookings@luxurytrainvacations.com, or call us toll-free at (855) 720-2539. The city in the clouds is waiting.