PeruRail, a joint venture between Orient-Express Hotels and local tourist company, Peruval, has announced the introduction of a luxury train service between Cusco and the former Inca stronghold of Machu Picchu.

The Hiram Bingham– departing at 9am and returning by 10pm, allowing six hours at the site – will consist of 4 coaches with an initial capacity of 84 passengers. In style it will replicate the 1920’s Pullman-era luxury of PeruRail’s existing Andean Explorer service between Cusco and Lake Titicaca.

Tickets for the service – which commences in September and is named for the explorer who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911 – include onboard meals, beverages and entertainment; bus transfers to and from the ruins; entry fee and afternoon tea.

The railway is the only means of travel between the two points – there being no road and helicopter flights having been suspended indefinitely – and gains height on its route by traversing five zig-zags. Details: www.perurail.com