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I Took A $1,200 Luxury Train To Machu Picchu. Was It Worth It?

Tips For Travellers (Gary Bembridge)
Tips For Travellers (Gary Bembridge)•Jun 6, 2026

Why It Matters

The premium train packages convert a standard tourist trek into a hassle‑free, high‑touch experience, appealing to affluent and older travelers who prioritize comfort and curated service over price alone.

Key Takeaways

  • •Luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham adds $1,000 to Machu Picchu journey.
  • •Includes gourmet meals, open bar, live Peruvian music onboard.
  • •Provides all‑inclusive tickets, guided tour, and dedicated buses to site.
  • •Scenic views identical to budget trains, but experience feels like an event.
  • •Value hinges on hassle‑free logistics, not just the train ride.

Summary

The video chronicles a first‑time visitor’s decision to splurge on the Belmond Hiram Bingham, South America’s most opulent train, for a round‑trip to Machu Picchu. While a standard PeruRail or Inca Rail ticket costs roughly $200, the luxury option adds about $1,000, promising a curated experience that goes beyond mere transportation.

Inside the 84‑passenger, 1920s Pullman‑style carriages, travelers enjoy a full‑service bar, live Peruvian band, and restaurant‑quality cuisine—including beef tenderloin, corn ceviche, and regional trout. The journey also features champagne, complimentary drinks, and a vibrant social atmosphere in the observation deck, turning a two‑and‑a‑half‑hour ride into a celebration rather than a commute.

Beyond the train, the package bundles hard‑to‑secure Machu Picchu entry tickets, priority timed slots, dedicated shuttle buses, and a guided tour, plus a post‑visit cocktail reception at Belmond’s Sanctuary Lodge. The narrator highlights the historic tie to explorer Hiram Bingham and the exclusive Rio Sagrado station, underscoring the brand’s heritage and attention to detail.

The added cost proves worthwhile for travelers who value seamless logistics, premium dining, and an immersive, stress‑free itinerary. For those seeking a once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure without the hassle of coordinating tickets, transport, and meals, the luxury train transforms the trip into an all‑inclusive, memorable event.

Original Description

It costs $1,200 to take the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu — roughly $1,000 more than the standard train option. So, was this luxury rail journey through the Andes an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience… or an over-hyped, over-priced way to reach the same ruins as everyone else? In this video, I reveal what the Hiram Bingham train is really like, what’s included, what surprised me, what disappointed me, and whether I think it was worth the eye-watering extra cost.
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Join me on an extraordinary journey as I recount the three days I abandoned my cruise ship to experience the iconic Machu Picchu. This cinematic video takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Peru, offering a unique perspective on travel and luxury lifestyle. Discover the challenges and triumphs of this solo trip to one of South America's most breathtaking sites, featuring a memorable train ride.

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