Features | Peru Rail Tour Trains

From its Cusco hub, PeruRail beckons... cutting through lush Amazon forest and weaving amid Andean peaks. Operated in collaboration with Orient-Express, this isolated national railway caters to the refined traveler and shoestring adventurer alike. In turn, each is smitten with the living, breathing culture of contemporary Quechuan villages... and chilled by the haunting handiwork of castoff Incan souls.

To the ancient Inca, Machu Picchu represented the pinnacle of power, culture and spirituality. Untouched by the Spanish Conquistodors who racked ruin across the native empire, the Pre-Columbian stronghold stood through centuries of splendid isolation. In the early 20th Century, "discovery" of the citadel brought noteriety to American explorer Hiram Bingham, for whom the site's best known train service is named. Today, the "The Lost City of the Incas," is the most cherished and celebrated of all Peruvian historical sanctuaries and PeruRail's focal destination.

Inacessible by modern roadways, Peru's most revered heritage site is best reached by train -- the alternative being an arduous four-day hike along a remote jungle trail. Rail options range from spartan backpacker specials to high-end excursions aboard the Hiram Bingham.

The ultimate way to experience Machu Picchu is by way of the luxurious Hiram Bingham. Guests aboard this distinctive train enjoy impeccable service amid elegant surroundings -- along with breath-taking views of the Sacred Valley. The popular single-day tour itinerary is all-inclusive.

The Hiram Bingham's mid-morning departure from Pory (near Cusco) is prelude to the gourmet brunch served in the train's elegent dining cars. Just past noon, the train glides to a halt and guests detrain at Machu Picchu. Bypassing queues, V.I.P. parties of Hiram Binghan guests join authoritative guides for a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the jungle fortress. The late-day return trip starts off with cocktails and live entertainment in the observation bar car. A formal four-course dinner ends the day with a flourish.

For independent travelers, PeruRail's Machu Picchu routes offers a range of possibilities.

Sweeping panoramic views make PeruRail Vistadome trains a hit with photographers and other travelers. Complimentary snacks and hot and cold refreshments are included. Daily Vistadome services include a single round-trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu (via Poroy); and ten return trips between Machu Picchu and The Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo).

Economizing sojourners can avail themselves of no-frills PeruRail Backpacker trains. Daily Backpacker services, which begin earlier and end later than their Vistadome counterparts, include a single round-trip between Cusco and Machu Picchu; and six return trips from Ollantaytambo.

Descending from the sun, Inca's first chieftain is said to have founded the great empire after rising from Lake Titicaca's waters. Straddling Peru's border with Bolivia, Titicaca is the world's highest navigable body of water and South America's largest lake.

To reach the lake, the luxurious Andean Explorer ascends a scenic 478 mi/770 km southerly course to connect Cusco with Puno, an isolated lake port perched over two miles -- three kilometres -- in the sky!

Onboard, guests circulate among elegant vintage coaches including formal dining car and open-air observation bar. Scenic highlights en route range from deep peak-shrouded valleys to high plains alpaca herds.

Known as the country's "Capital folklórica," Puno is an intriguing cultural crossroads of indigenous heritage and colonial tradition. Nearby attractions include rural Quechuan villages, the Pre-Incan archaeological site of Sillustani and Titicaca's ancient floating islands.