Dreaming of Machu Picchu: A Ride on the Hiram Bingham Train January 27th, 2014 • by Matt Holmes For most travelers, Peru conjures up images of ancient Inca ruins, tidy Quechua villages, and of course, the climactic experience of exploring the citadel of Machu Picchu. On a recent trip to the country, I hiked through the Sacred Valley, dined at restaurants that capture Peru’s budding gastronomy scene, and discovered Machu Picchu for myself. But there was also a pleasant surprise that became one of the highlights of my journey – the chance to ride on the luxury Hiram Bingham train. A view from inside the Hiram Bingham train. Hiram Bingham was an American explorer who put Machu Picchu on the world map with his discovery of the ruins in 1911. Named after the explorer, the luxurious train is surely not what Hiram Bingham experienced on his own expedition to the citadel. But as a passenger, you get a sense of the monumental journey and feeling of discovery, which is undoubtedly a part of Bingham’s legacy. The Hiram Bingham train is the last to depart from Machu Picchu to Cusco, which offers the advantage of being able to enjoy the ruins once the crowds of the day dissipate. Traveling alongside the Urubamba River, which carves dramatically through the imposing peaks rising up from the Sacred Valley, the train brings you directly back to Cusco. While aboard, the experience is made complete with an elegant, gourmet meal of authentic Peruvian fare. For those who are feeling festive after the dinner service, passengers can file to the bar car in the back of the train to listen and dance to lively Peruvian musicians over a pisco sour or a glass of wine. There is simply no better way to unwind and conclude your journey to this wonder of the ancient world. We have added a ride on the Hiram Bingham train to our Peru: The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2014 journeys, so don’t wait to take advantage of this special experience! Please contact our Peru Destination Manager, Ashley Morton (ashley@www.boundlessjourneys.com), to learn more. About Boundless Journeys Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small-group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.