Hiram Bingham

Route overview

The Hiram Bingham is a luxury tourist train service in Peru that connects the ancient Inca capital of Cusco with the citadel of Machu Picchu. Operated by PeruRail, the service typically departs from Poroy Station, located about 20 minutes from central Cusco, and travels through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. The route covers approximately 110 kilometres, though the journey takes around three and a half hours due to the mountainous terrain and the train’s leisurely pace. The service is designed for travelers seeking a high-end experience, with onboard dining, entertainment, and panoramic windows. The train operates on a narrow gauge of 914 mm (3 feet), which is common for the region’s historic railway lines. The Hiram Bingham is not a commuter service but a dedicated tourist train, offering a round-trip experience that includes bus transfer from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. The route passes through a variety of landscapes, from the high Andean plateaus around Cusco to the lush, subtropical Urubamba Valley. The train’s name honors Hiram Bingham III, the American explorer who brought international attention to Machu Picchu in 1911. The service is part of the PeruRail portfolio, which also operates other trains on the same line, such as the Vistadome and Expedition. The Hiram Bingham typically runs once daily in each direction, with a morning departure from Poroy and an evening return, allowing passengers a full day at Machu Picchu. The experience is often described as one of the most scenic and luxurious rail journeys in South America, combining historical intrigue with modern comfort.

History of the line

The railway line to Machu Picchu has its origins in the early 20th century, when the Peruvian government sought to connect the city of Cusco with the fertile Urubamba Valley and the emerging town of Aguas Calientes. Construction of the line began in the 1920s, and it was completed in 1931, although the full route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes was not fully operational until later. The line was built primarily to serve local communities and to transport agricultural products, but it also opened up access to the remote region around Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham III, an American historian and explorer, had famously reached the ruins of Machu Picchu in 1911, guided by local farmers. His expeditions brought global attention to the site, and by the mid-20th century, tourism began to grow. The railway played a crucial role in this development, providing the only mechanized access to the area until the construction of a road in the late 20th century. In the 1990s, PeruRail, a private company, took over the operation of the line and introduced new passenger services. The Hiram Bingham luxury train was launched in 2003, named in honor of the explorer. It was designed to offer a premium travel experience, with elegant dining cars, observation lounges, and personalized service. The train quickly became a symbol of high-end tourism in Peru, attracting visitors from around the world. Over the years, the service has been refined, but it continues to operate on the same historic route, preserving the legacy of the railway that first connected Cusco to the cloud forest. The line itself has faced challenges, including landslides and flooding, particularly during the rainy season, but it remains a vital link for tourism and local communities.

Landscape and scenery

The journey on the Hiram Bingham offers a spectacular transition from the high Andes to the edge of the Amazon Basin. Departing from Poroy, the train climbs through the rolling hills and agricultural terraces of the Cusco region, with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Urubamba in the distance. As the train descends into the Sacred Valley, the landscape becomes greener and more tropical. The route follows the Urubamba River, passing through narrow gorges, alongside steep cliffs, and through patches of cloud forest. The valley is dotted with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and terraced fields, offering glimpses of local life. The train crosses several bridges and passes through a few tunnels, including the notable Torontoy tunnel. One of the highlights is the section between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, where the valley narrows dramatically and the vegetation becomes denser. The train hugs the river, and passengers can see orchids, bromeliads, and a variety of birds, including hummingbirds and tanagers. The final approach to Aguas Calientes is particularly dramatic, as the train winds through a steep canyon before arriving at the station. The scenery changes with the seasons: during the dry season (May to September), the skies are clear and the mountains are sharply defined; during the rainy season (December to March), the hills are lush and waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. The Hiram Bingham’s large windows and observation car ensure that passengers can enjoy these views in comfort, regardless of the weather. The journey is as much about the landscape as it is about the destination, making it a memorable experience for nature lovers and photographers.

Key stations and cities

The Hiram Bingham service typically begins at Poroy Station, located about 11 kilometres from the center of Cusco. Poroy is a small town in the Cusco Province and serves as the primary departure point for PeruRail’s luxury trains, as the main Cusco station (San Pedro) is often used for local services. Passengers usually transfer from Cusco to Poroy by bus or taxi, a journey of about 20 minutes. The next significant stop is Ollantaytambo, a town in the Sacred Valley known for its massive Inca fortress and well-preserved urban layout. The station here is a major hub for trains to Machu Picchu, and many passengers board or alight here. The train then continues to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, the terminus at the base of the archaeological site. Aguas Calientes is a small town built along the Urubamba River, with hotels, restaurants, and a bustling market. From here, passengers take a bus up a winding road to the Machu Picchu citadel. The Hiram Bingham does not stop at other stations along the route, but it passes through several small communities, such as Pachar and Chilca, which have their own stations for local trains. The return journey follows the same route in reverse, with a stop at Ollantaytambo before continuing to Poroy. The stations themselves are modest but functional, with basic facilities. Poroy has a small waiting area and a platform where the Hiram Bingham is often greeted with music and refreshments. Ollantaytambo station has a larger platform and a few shops. Aguas Calientes station is the busiest, with multiple trains arriving and departing throughout the day. The key cities are Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich colonial and Inca heritage, and Aguas Calientes, a gateway town that exists almost entirely for tourism. Ollantaytambo is also a significant tourist destination, offering access to the Sacred Valley’s many attractions.

Rolling stock and service

The Hiram Bingham train is composed of specially designed carriages that evoke the golden age of rail travel. The train typically consists of two dining cars, a bar car, an observation car, and a kitchen car. The carriages are painted in a distinctive blue and gold livery, and the interiors feature polished wood, brass fittings, and comfortable armchairs. The observation car has large windows and an open-air balcony at the rear, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views. The dining cars are set with white tablecloths and fine china, and meals are included in the fare. The service includes a welcome cocktail, brunch or lunch on the outbound journey, and dinner on the return, often featuring Peruvian cuisine with local ingredients. Entertainment is provided, such as live music or a fashion show of alpaca clothing. The train is staffed by attentive waiters and a maître d’. The maximum capacity is around 80 passengers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. The train operates on a narrow gauge of 914 mm (3 feet), and the locomotives are diesel-powered, typically using locomotives from the PeruRail fleet, such as the EMD GT22 or similar models. The carriages are equipped with heating and air conditioning, though the climate is generally mild. The Hiram Bingham is not a high-speed train; it travels at a moderate pace, which allows passengers to take in the scenery. The service is designed for a full-day excursion, with a morning departure from Poroy, arrival at Aguas Calientes around midday, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and an evening return. The train is often fully booked, especially during the high season, so early reservation is recommended. The experience is considered one of the most luxurious train journeys in South America, comparable to the Orient Express in Europe.

Technical facts and engineering

The railway line to Machu Picchu is a remarkable feat of engineering, particularly given the challenging terrain of the Andes. The line is a single-track, narrow-gauge railway with a gauge of 914 mm (3 feet), which is standard for the region’s historic railways. The route from Poroy to Aguas Calientes is approximately 110 kilometres long, but it includes numerous curves, gradients, and switchbacks. The maximum gradient is around 4.5%, which is steep for a adhesion railway, and the train must navigate tight curves with a minimum radius of about 80 metres. The line passes through a total of 13 tunnels and crosses several bridges, including the notable Piscacucho bridge. The track is mostly laid on wooden sleepers and ballast, and it follows the Urubamba River for much of its length. The engineering challenges included constructing the line through unstable slopes and landslide-prone areas, which required retaining walls and drainage systems. The railway is not electrified; all trains are diesel-powered. The line is owned by the Peruvian government and operated under concession by PeruRail and Inca Rail. The maximum speed on the line is around 45 km/h, but the Hiram Bingham travels at a more leisurely pace to enhance the passenger experience. The route includes a zigzag section near Cusco, where the train reverses direction to climb steep grades, but the Hiram Bingham from Poroy does not use this section. The line is subject to periodic maintenance, especially after the rainy season, when landslides can block the track. Despite these challenges, the railway remains a vital link for tourism and local communities, and it is considered one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. The engineering heritage of the line is celebrated, and it continues to operate using many of the original alignments and structures.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the difference between the Hiram Bingham and other trains to Machu Picchu? A: The Hiram Bingham is a luxury service that includes onboard meals, entertainment, and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, whereas other trains like the Vistadome and Expedition offer basic transportation with varying levels of comfort. The Hiram Bingham also has a higher price point and a more exclusive atmosphere. Q: How long does the journey take? A: The one-way journey from Poroy to Aguas Calientes takes approximately three and a half hours. The return journey is similar, and the total experience, including the visit to Machu Picchu, lasts about 12 hours. Q: Is the train accessible for passengers with mobility issues? A: The Hiram Bingham has limited accessibility, as the carriages are historic in design and may not accommodate wheelchairs easily. Passengers with mobility concerns should contact PeruRail in advance to discuss options. Q: What is the best time of year to take the Hiram Bingham? A: The dry season, from May to September, offers clearer skies and better views, but the train operates year-round. The rainy season can bring lush scenery but also occasional delays due to weather. Q: Are meals included? A: Yes, the fare includes all meals and beverages on board, as well as the bus transfer and entrance to Machu Picchu. Q: Can I bring luggage? A: Due to limited space, passengers are advised to bring only small bags; larger luggage can be stored at the hotel in Cusco or Poroy. These are some of the most common questions asked by travelers considering the Hiram Bingham experience.