Machu Picchu in the Andes of the Cusco part of Peru
Dateline: Cusco, Peru, 11,200 feet, 11pm
Today I marvelled at the human and natural wonders of Machu Picchu, the Inca’s “Lost City” in the Andes of Peru. Chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in the 2007 global Internet poll, the pre-Columbian destination has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, as “an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization.”
The conquering Spaniards never found Machu Picchu, despite it’s being only 80 kilometers Northwest of Cusco. Now this “Bucket List” destination has to limit the number of visitors each day, so reservations months in advance are advised. Only 2,500 people a day are allowed. Huayna Picchu, the adjacent tall peak that provides great overhead vistas and photos, only allows 200 people between 7 and 10 am, and 200 people between 10 am and 1 pm, according to excellent guide Ruben Tello Velosque of Setours.
Trekkers may walk the Incan trail to Machu Picchu, taking several days to a week over challenging trails. For those who want more comfort and are on tighter time schedules, there’s a one day luxury approach thanks to Orient Express and PeruRail:
Deluxe Train Service begins in the waiting lounge
Take the Hiram Bingham Deluxe Train round trip for stellar service, views, and food, and enjoy a private guide while exploring the Inca’s observatory, agricultural terraces, llamas, and temples.
The waiting area for the Hiram Bingham offers music and Peruvian champagne. Onboard free libations, including a Peruvian specialty, the Pisco Sour, are provided with live music in the lively bar car. Every passenger has a seat at a table with white linen and fresh flower.
The wonderful food and service make it a comfortable way to bookend transportation for a World Wonder, whether you do it in a day or have the luxury of more time. And to enhance the Machu Picchu experience with luxury hotels, a memorable option is to wake up in the Aranwa Sacred Valley (after a superb spa treatment the night before), and go to sleep at the Hotel Aranwa Cusco Boutique.
View of Huayna Picchu from Machu Picchu
The Aranwa bed in my room beckons now, and dreams promise to be rich with the beauties of Peru past and present, and stories yet to come.
Lisa TE Sonne for Luxury Travel Mavens
All photos (c) Lisa TE Sonne
Luxury sleep in an Aranwa Boutique Hotel in Peru
I am planning a trip for 2013 and never thought about taking the train. What an interesting way to get to Machu Picchu. I will be checking into this to add to my adventure. Also, thank you for letting me know about the limitation on visitors, I will be sure to get there early. Thanks for doing the legwork. I know that my trip will be even better with your recommendations!
Machu Picchu is a great place to visit by the Luxury train.
Where else do you recommend as top Luxury Train experiences in the world?
Here is a Luxury train that goes from South Africa to the east coast. This train stop along the way and unloads the jeeps and you go on safari then back to the comfort of the train . Fine dining every night. I will look up the details and let you know.
Sounds fantastic! I would love to know more. Thanks!
@ExploreTraveler Lisa@LuxuryTravelMavens.com Please let readers know here too
Did you go on the South Africa train?
Nice information. There are quite a few more luxury trains around the world which include Maharajas’ Express in India which was voted World’s Leading Luxury Train at World Travel Awards. Another superb train is the Rovos in South Africa. Then there is the stunning Rocky Mountaineer rail journeys in Canada and mesmerizing ride across the Scottish Highland aboard Royal Scotsman. Ah! How I wish I could trabel on them all including the Hiram Bingham in Machi Picchu
Thanks for writing! I loved traveling by train in Alberta. Here’s a Luxury Travel Mavens’ piece. Please let me know when you do enjoy the rails! http://luxurytravelmavens.com/destinations/train-of-thoughts-alberta-canada/