Peak experience

Latin Trade,  Dec, 2003  by Mary A. Dempsey

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A century ago, Yale University archaeologist. Hiram Bingham used a machete to slash his way up a foliage-clogged mountainside to Machu Picchu. Now the adventurer's namesake is making the journey to the Inca ruins in high style.

PeruRail, which operates rail routes to several tourist attractions, has launched a luxury train service named after the explorer and archaeologist who made his way to the Inca ruins in 1911. The blue-and-gold train, refurbished in Singapore, chugs out of Cuzco at 9 a.m., three hours after the regular Machu Picchu train. Brunch is served during the three-and-a-half-hour journey to the ruins.

The Hiram Bingham's 84 passengers arrive long after the morning glut of tourists and get to wander through the ancient city for hours after other visitors have departed. Afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge hotel--operated by the Orient-Express chain--is included in the package.

The luxury train doesn't sound its departure whistle until 6:30 p.m. for a sunset journey back to Cuzco along the single-gauge switchback track. The return journey features cocktails and live entertainment in the lounge car, followed by a three-course Andean dinner in the two dining cars.

PeruRail's service may be several tiers more comfortable than the traditional train service, but it's also considerably more expensive than the regular US$89 fare. Still, the $416 ticket (including taxes) covers meals and beverages, the bus up the hill from the train station to the ruins, as well as Machu Picchu entrance fees and guides.

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