On July
23, 1911, an explorer named Hiram Bingham climbed up a steep hill and
stumbled onto Machu Picchu, uncovering what had been up until that moment,
the Incas' best kept secret. The World was stunned by his discovery.
PeruRail's luxury train service between Cuzco and Machu Picchu, is named
after the American explorer who discovered the stunning ruins of the
ancient citadel.
The
train leaves from Cuzco in the morning taking a spectacular journey
through a changing landscape while guests enjoy breakfast. After the
steep climb out of Cuzco, the train descends into the Sacred Valley,
passing lush fields and colourful villages in the foothills of the Andes.
From there,
the journey is highlighted by wonderful vistas of the mountains and
the beautiful Urubamba River which runs through the Sacred Valley. On
arrival in the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu,
guests are taken by bus to Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge for lunch, which
overlooks the ancient citadel. A private guided tour of the citadel
follows before the return transfer to the station in the early evening.
A sumptuous dinner is served on the train during the 3½ hour
journey back to Cuzco.
For many
visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Taking the Hiram Bingham means passengers can focus their attention
and energy on what matters most, content in the knowledge that the logistical
details of the day's trip have been taken care of by PeruRail.
These
spectacular carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed
scenic views and photographic opportunities. With glass surrounding
them on all sides, passengers feel as if they are part of Peru's remarkable
landscape.