Above: Machu Picchu ruins, Sacred Valley, Peru - GETTY IMAGES

Belmond, a company responsible for several of the world’s greatest train journeys, offers an unforgettable rail excursion to Machu Picchu. It had been many years since I’d first stepped aboard the Hiram Bingham, and I was curious to see if the experience was still worthwhile. After a light breakfast at our hotel in Cusco, we transferred by car about 20 minutes to the train station at Poroy, arriving by 8:30 a.m. to check in. Welcome drinks of sparkling wine, pisco and orange juice occupied us until it was time to board, a process accompanied by live music and traditional dancers.

Join Andrew Harper today to continue reading our exclusive content.