Journey to the Lost City Aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham

Peru is capturing the imagination of luxury travellers worldwide. From the culinary capital of Lima to the cloud-draped peaks of Machu Picchu, visitors are discovering what makes this Andean nation so compelling. At Travel Associates, we've witnessed Peru ascend to the top of our clients' wish lists, driven by a new generation of properties and experiences that honour the nation's rich heritage while delivering impeccable modern comfort. Leading this renaissance is Belmond, whose storied rail journeys are redefining what it means to travel through the Sacred Valley in style. 

Travel Associates advisor Christine Bottrell recently returned from an extraordinary trip aboard the Hiram Bingham, Belmond's crown jewel rail service to Machu Picchu, now celebrating 20 years of vintage railway luxury. Christine shares why this iconic rail journey has earned its place as the most coveted experience in South American luxury travel. 

Christine's Machu Picchu journey began at Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel, nestled along the banks of the Urubamba River. "The moment you arrive, you understand this isn't simply another luxury property," she reflects. "There's an intimacy here, a sense of place that larger hotels simply cannot match.” The rooms blend contemporary comfort with traditional Peruvian textiles and locally sourced materials, while the service strikes the perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive. 

What truly distinguishes Rio Sagrado is its private railway station, an exclusive amenity that transforms the entire journey. Seasonally, during the rainy season (January–April), guests can board the Belmond Hiram Bingham directly from the hotel grounds. Outside the rainy season, as Christine experienced, departures use the standard railway stations at Poroy or Ollantaytambo, though the train experience itself remains equally luxurious. Christine notes, “The seamless check-in and boarding feels like you’re being welcomed aboard a friend’s yacht, not just hopping on a train. It set the tone for everything that followed.”

The Belmond Hiram Bingham elevates train travel in every way. Named after the American explorer who brought Machu Picchu to international attention in 1911, the train honours his spirit of adventure and discovery. This is the golden age of rail travel, beautifully preserved. The train’s 1920s Pullman-style carriages gleam with polished wood and brass accents, with interiors finished in fine fabrics and plush cream upholstery that evoke classic, old-world luxury. From the moment you step aboard, you’re enveloped in the train’s timeless elegance. Christine describes the experience saying: “The scent of wood polish, the soft clink of crystal, the warm glow of vintage lighting. Every detail transports you back in time to experience what luxury travel once meant: unhurried, elegant journeys, designed for savouring every moment.” 

The onboard menu showcases Peru's celebrated culinary heritage. A brunch service featuring local ingredients and contemporary Peruvian cuisine unfolds alongside the carriage's windows, where the Sacred Valley's terraced hillsides and rushing river provide an ever-changing backdrop. "Every dish tells a story about Peru's biodiversity and rich food culture," Christine explains. “Paired with expertly crafted Pisco cocktails and accompanied by live Peruvian music, you find yourself completely present, taking it all in.” 

The open-air observation car proves irresistible, offering unobstructed views as the train climbs through increasingly dramatic terrain. It's here that the true magic of slow travel reveals itself.

Arriving at Machu Picchu via the Belmond Hiram Bingham offers a distinctly refined alternative to the typical approach. "The logistics are absolutely seamless," says Christine. "From the train, you're guided directly to the bus service, then into the citadel with your expert guide. There's no stress, no crowds to navigate alone. You simply get to focus on the magnificent views." 

The private guided tour allows travellers to absorb the magnitude of the 15th-century Incan citadel without distraction. “Standing among the perfectly cut stones, with mist swirling around the peaks and our guide sharing the site’s stories, it felt truly profound,” Christine recalls. "It’s in moments like these that you realise: this is why people travel.”

The afternoon return journey aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham takes on a different feel. After the emotional intensity of Machu Picchu, the train becomes a sanctuary for quiet contemplation. A gourmet dinner service and fine wines accompany conversations with fellow travellers, live entertainment, and the satisfaction of having experienced something truly extraordinary. 

"I'd describe it to clients as luxury with soul," Christine shares. "It's not about showing off or ticking boxes. It's about being transported, in every sense, to somewhere meaningful." 

For those planning a broader Peru itinerary, Christine suggests pairing the Belmond Hiram Bingham with Lima’s culinary scene, or perhaps a stay in the Amazon. For the truly adventurous, she recommends a journey aboard Belmond’s Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, which winds through the southern highlands to Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon, with an overnight stay at the idyllic Belmond Las Casitas hotel.

Reflecting on her Belmond journey, Christine advises: "The ideal traveller for this trip values depth of experience above all else. They're culturally curious, they appreciate craftsmanship and storytelling, and they understand that true luxury is about feeling something, not just collecting destinations." Christine experienced Peru’s living cultural heritage first-hand, from the vibrant clothing and traditional dances to the locals’ deep respect for their history, particularly during a joyous moment dancing with the people of Lake Titicaca. Other words of advice from Christine for fellow travellers? "Pack layers for varying altitudes, embrace the slower pace, and most importantly, allow yourself to be fully present – and don’t miss the chance to meet the llamas along the way!"  

When asked what she'll remember most, Christine doesn't hesitate: "That moment in the observation car, pisco in hand, watching Peru unfold before me while connected to a century of travellers who've made this same pilgrimage. It was magical." Christine’s experience proves why this journey has become the definitive way to reach the Lost City. 

Inspired to experience the incomparable Belmond Hiram Bingham for yourself? 

Speak to a Travel Associates advisor to craft a bespoke Peru itinerary today.