1.- OVERVIEW OF PERU’S LUXURY TRAIN SERVICES
Peru has one of the most exclusive collections of railway routes in all of South America, which have been specifically designed to create a different kind of travel experience for the thousands of people who visit it each year. Every option offered by Peru Luxury Train stands out for being memorable, basing its service mainly on exclusivity and eccentric comforts such as gourmet cuisine and dreamlike landscapes, in addition to personalized attention. For this reason, the Peru Luxury Train cost is much higher compared to traditional versions, as these options are only available in the Andean region and are mainly used to visit important and emblematic places. The most popular option is undoubtedly the Luxury Train Cusco Machu Picchu, in addition to other options that connect cities such as Arequipa or Puno, allowing you to cover distances considered to be great adventures. However, to date, there is no alternative to the train from Lima to Cusco precisely because of the distance. For this reason, if you want to enjoy the adventure and pay the Peru luxury train cost, you must first travel to one of the cities in the Peruvian Andes.
2.- Belmond Hiram Bingham
It is considered the most exclusive luxury train you can enjoy when visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco. It has an extensive route that lasts approximately three and a half hours, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the vast sacred valley before finally arriving at the Inca citadel at the top of a mountain. Its popularity is recognized worldwide thanks to its all-inclusive experience, which includes special details from the very beginning that make the trip memorable, such as a welcome cocktail, gourmet food on board, a variety of carefully selected wines, entertainment with live music and dance, and an exclusive visit to the interior of Machu Picchu with a private guide specialized in traditional experiences and history. Due to all these benefits, the Peru luxury train cost is one of the highest, as it is mainly aimed at travelers who have high purchasing power and are looking not only for a way to get to the wonder of the world, but also for an exclusive experience with personalized service at every moment of the trip.
3.- Vistadome Observatory Train
This is a Luxury train Cusco Machu Picchu provided by the company Peru Rail. It stands out mainly for being an experience designed primarily for travelers who seek to enjoy the visual delight of Andean landscapes through a superior experience. Traditionally, this Peru Luxury Train option covers long distances between Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, the latter being the main destination. It features an observatory located in the last car, which is equipped with panoramic windows, creating a 360° view where you can not only enjoy the scenery but also cultural presentations with live music and dance, complemented by complimentary snacks and drinks. Of course, this version is not as exclusive as the Hiram Bingham, so the Peru Luxury Train is much more affordable. For this reason, it is the most sought after by many travelers from around the world who prioritize comfort and entertainment in order to enjoy the trip to this world wonder.
| “A world of luxury awaits.” |
4.- Andean Explorer Belmond
This is the Peru Luxury Train that is positioned as the first luxury night train not only in Peru but also in South America. It is mainly characterized by traveling extensive kilometers over several days in the southern part of the country. This train experience does not go directly to Machu Picchu, but the route includes visits to various cities between Cusco, Puno, and Arequipa, requiring a journey through much of the Peruvian highlands and allowing passengers to discover many special destinations such as Lake Titicaca and the deep Colca Canyon. It is also important to note that the interior is beautifully decorated, and passengers have the opportunity to enjoy privacy in private suites where they can spend the night, as well as other amenities such as haute cuisine, spa facilities, and other panoramic features such as the observation car, which makes this trip an ideal experience similar to what you can enjoy in five-star hotels in big cities. It is therefore understandable that the Peru luxury train cost is the most expensive of all the versions available, but the experience is worth every second.
5.- First Class by Inca Rail
This service is offered exclusively by Inca Rail and mainly covers the route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. This train journey is classified as a premium option thanks to the elegance of each of its carriages, where large windows create the sensation of 360° visibility. Welcome cocktails and gourmet meals are also provided, using mainly local ingredients to highlight the flavor and support local agricultural activity. Another of the most striking attractions inside is undoubtedly the bar car, where you can enjoy music and dance entertainment. It is also worth noting that, compared to other versions, here you can enjoy an intimate and modern luxury where classic style is set aside and aimed mainly at travelers who are looking for unique exclusivity from start to finish with a more versatile contemporary design. For this reason, the Peru luxury train cost is also higher compared to the traditional or standard versions that exist.
6.- DETAILED COST BREAKDOWN BY TRAIN SERVICE
6.1.- Belmond Hiram Bingham Pricing
The Belmond Hiram Bingham alternative is considered one of the most luxurious train options available. In fact, it is precisely the Peru luxury train cost that reflects all the benefits you can enjoy in addition to its exclusivity. Each of these prices varies according to the season and how far in advance you book, as there are special dates on the calendar when there are variations in the service.
- High season
The high season for this service is from May to October each year, as it coincides with the season when the number of travelers increases dramatically due to the pleasant and dry climate in both Cusco and Machu Picchu. This period reflects an increase in the Peru luxury train cost, as the price can rise from $900.00 to $1000.00 per person. Another factor that undoubtedly contributes to this increase are holidays that coincide with vacations, such as the national holidays in July or special times of the year such as Christmas and New Year’s, when the price rises by 10% or 15% due to high demand. Therefore, if you are planning to travel during this season, it is best to book in advance, which will allow you to secure competitive rates, unlike last-minute reservations, which have more limited availability and generate an increase in price.
- Low season
This season runs from October to April, when prices drop dramatically due to the rains, ranging from $750.00 to $850.00 per person. This mainly occurs between January and March, as these are the months with the highest rainfall. On some dates, the service is even blocked due to the possibility of risk on the route. For this reason, it is very important that, despite the reduced price, you always consider the weather, as this can directly affect the visual experience as well as the logistical planning of the trip. This season is also a good time if you are looking to enjoy a more intimate trip, as there are fewer travelers and the destinations are more free to enjoy. In addition, there is a 15% to 20% discount compared to the high season.
6.2.- Inclusions
The exclusive ticket for the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train is all-inclusive, so you are always guaranteed an unparalleled experience. It traditionally includes all the necessary services so that you don’t have to worry about any details:
- The most important aspect is undoubtedly transportation, so in addition to the extensive route from Poroy station to Aguas Calientes (round trip), other necessary aspects are also considered, such as the tourist bus transfer from the town at the base of the mountain to the highest point where the checkpoint is located. Another important aspect is the entrance ticket to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, however, this is always subject to availability, so you should first check if there is still availability on the Ministry of Culture’s website.
- Another important aspect to consider is the gourmet lunch, which is served in several courses and accompanied by selected wines, delicious welcome cocktails, and a wide variety of unlimited beverages.
- Entertainment is always part of the experience, so you can enjoy musical performances as well as the attention of hosts who are always bilingual for the convenience of travelers. In Inca city, you will be accompanied by a professional private guide who will accompany you on a tour of each of the sites inside.
7.- PERURAIL LUXURY SERVICES COSTS
Peru Rail also offers other specialized services focused on comfort and luxury, providing unique landscapes with amenities and inclusive experiences on board. However, all of its services are mainly concentrated in the Andean region, so it is understandable that there is currently no version of Train from Lima to Cusco. The prices of these services always vary according to the season, route, and, of course, the type of cabin chosen, in addition to the service considered.
7.1.- Vistadome Observatory Train
This is one of the options that stands out completely for its superior level of elegance and comfort on board between Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes, where you can find affordable and varied prices that normally range between $85.00 and $120.00 per person, which always depends on the season chosen. The price can vary depending on whether you start in Cusco or the traditional town of Ollantaytambo. Of course, the greater the distance, the higher the price. For large groups, there are also special and affordable rates, with discounts ranging from 5% to 10% for groups of 10 or more people. The same applies when making an advance reservation, so it is highly recommended to secure your seats considering the affordable prices compared to last-minute reservations.
7.2.- Sacred Valley Train
This version of the train is quite special as it is considered an intermediate service in terms of comfort and exclusivity between the Hiram Bingham and the Vistadome Observatory. It is mainly geared towards a premium service for demanding customers, however, it only runs at certain times of the year and the journey usually varies from $150.00 to $250.00 per person. Traditionally, during the high season from May to October, there is a 20% increase due to high demand. It also includes many first-class services such as dining options and cultural activities on board that you can enjoy during the journey. It mainly departs from the station located in Urubamba inside the Sacred River Hotel, and inside you can enjoy comfortable, detailed decor that showcases local elements. It is not available throughout the year, so you must always make a special request and check availability.
7.3.- Belmond Andean Explorer
As the first luxury night train in South America, the Peru luxury train cost of this alternative is one of the highest prices you can consider among all the experiences. However, its service is both personalized and exclusive, recreating an atmosphere of royalty and privilege from the very first moment. The price always varies depending on the route chosen, as there are alternatives that include more than one location, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs.
- There are one-night versions that traditionally run between Cusco and Puno, with rates ranging from $1000.00 to $1200.00 per person, which includes meals, excursion activities, and, of course, a private cabin suite.
- Other versions are more extensive and may include two nights of accommodation, mainly from Cusco – Puno – Arequipa, so you can enjoy time at beautiful Lake Titicaca or visit the deep Colca Canyon. Prices range from $2300.00 to $2800.00 per person.
Both versions are considered all-inclusive, as the rates include accommodation, gourmet food, drinks, excursions to the places visited, and privileged access to entertainment and relaxation areas such as the observation car or the spa.
7.4.- Inca Rail premium options
The First Class experience on Inca Rail is mainly available on the route from Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco, with prices ranging from $150.00 to $250.00 per person, which may vary depending on the season and the routes traveled. Of course, when you choose to depart from the city of Cusco, the price can be much higher compared to departing from the town of Ollantaytambo. This is mainly due to the travel time and the services included. It is also common to see prices vary by 15% to 20% during the high season. Therefore, it is always recommended to make an advance reservation, which will guarantee your entry, unlike a last-minute reservation.
8.- HISTORICAL INSPIRATION
“The traditional name of the Hiram Bingham train comes from the explorer who scientifically discovered the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in 1911. For this reason, its design is quite unique, inspired mainly by the Pullman-style luxury trains that existed in the 1920s.”
9.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- How much does the Hiram Bingham luxury train to Machu Picchu cost?
Considered one of the most important and popular luxury trains in the Andean region for visiting the Inca city of Machu Picchu, it costs between $900.00 and $1000.00 per person during high season. However, during low season, it can be more affordable, ranging from $750.00 to $850.00 per person. It is an all-inclusive service.
- What is the price difference between luxury trains and regular trains in Peru?
The main difference is the type of service quality enjoyed, in addition to the exclusivity offered. The standard version, such as the Expedition or Voyager, is considered budget-friendly, ranging from $60.00 to $80.00 per person. However, the luxury version of the Hiram Bingham is considered to be 8 to 12 times more expensive, costing up to $900.00 or $1000.00 per person.
- Are Peru luxury train prices higher during peak season?
Yes, from May to October, there is an increase in demand for trips to Machu Picchu, so these prices can increase by 10% to 20%, as well as on other holidays such as national holidays or Christmas.
- Do luxury train prices include meals and drinks?
Yes, as it is an exclusive service, it is also considered an all-inclusive service, which includes gourmet meals, beverages such as selected wines and cocktails, snacks, onboard entertainment, professional guides, and even transportation services in Aguas Calientes.
- How far in advance should I book to get the best luxury train prices in Peru?
The best recommendation is always to purchase your ticket for the luxury train at least six months in advance, mainly to ensure the type of service you want and, of course, to avoid running out of availability during the high season.
Now you know everything there is to know about the luxury trains you can choose from, so there’s no need to rethink things and complicate your plans. Auri Peru designs unique and exclusive experiences for you to choose from. Contact us now and we will help you design the best adventure of your life.
“Escape to paradise with a touch of luxury.”
