At approximately 12:00 noon on July 23, 1911, an explorer named Hiram Bingham climbed up a steep hill and…
At approximately 12:00 noon on July 23, 1911, an explorer named Hiram Bingham climbed up a steep hill and stumbled onto Machu Picchu in Peru, uncovering what had been up until that moment, the Incas` best kept secret. The world was stunned by his discovery.
In September 2003, PeruRail will invite travelers to step aboard the `Hiram Bingham`, the new luxury train service bearing the crest of the famous explorer (available on request), and in great style, follow those historic steps.
Using carriages purchased in Singapore, and refurbished in Peru, this daily addition to PeruRail`s existing fleet of Vistadome, backpacker and local services on the Cuzco – Machu Picchu route, has been given a distinctive blue and gold livery with elegant interior upholstery in warm, inviting tones. The rake consists of four cars, including two dining cars, a bar car and a kitchen car, with an initial capacity for 84 passengers. The general style of the carriages is in-line with those on PeruRail`s `Andean Explorer` train, which operates between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru, and reflects the luxury of the 1920s Pullman era.
The Hiram Bingham will depart Cuzco at 9:00 a.m., allowing a more leisurely start to the day than the traditional 6:00 a.m. departures of other services. Brunch will be served on board while travelers enjoy spectacular scenery as it unfolds through the large windows. Arrival in Machu Picchu at 12:30 p.m. allows Hiram Bingham passengers the advantage of entering the Sanctuary at an hour when the majority of visitors are already beginning to leave for their journey back to Cuzco to arrive in time for dinner. Thus, Hiram Bingham passengers will not only have the opportunity to experience the ruins at Machu Picchu in relative solitude, but will have a longer period of time there, returning to the luxury train only as the sun goes down.
Once back on board for the 6:30 p.m. departure, pre-dinner cocktails and live entertainment will be enjoyed in the bar. After drinks, guests will enjoy a three-course a la carte dinner in the dining cars. The train will pull into Poroy station in Cuzco at 10:00 p.m., with passengers relaxed and ready for bed.
For many visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking the Hiram Bingham service 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.
Included in the price of the ticket are onboard meals, beverages, entertainment, bus transfers to and from the Citadel of Machu Picchu, entrance fee to the ruins, and afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge – Orient-Express` eco-sensitive property located just steps from the entrance to the ruins.
PeruRail was formed in 1999 as a joint venture between Orient-Express Hotels, an international hotel and luxury train company, and Peruvian Trains and Railways (part of the Peruval group), a local Peruvian company at the forefront of developing tourism to the region. PeruRail has signed a long-term contract to operate passenger services with the concessionaire, Ferrocarril Transandino, who are responsible for track and infrastructure. In negotiation with FTSA, PeruRail has committed to make upgrades to both tourist and local passenger services, including improving timetables and train punctuality, more efficient ticketing and enhanced onboard services.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
