Family Vacations: Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu

Children grow up quickly so it's time to stop putting off those must-see sites. Start with the The Lost Citadel of Machu Picchu, the last stronghold of the Incas. From the Andean city of Cuzco, 50 miles to the southeast, the luxurious Hiram Bingham, one of the Orient-Express trains, will lead you through a jungle thick with leafy trees, alongside the tumultuous waters of the Urubamba River, and across two 13,000-feet high mountain passes. Eventually, you'll reach Machu Picchu, whose glorious history will be disclosed in its entirety by your guides, many who are descendents. The train ride is a little over three hours, leaving you at Machu Picchu for five hours, before making the descent home. You'll dine on a four-course dinner that night inspired by Andean recipes, all washed down with that Peruvian signature cocktail, the pisco sour.

The train leaves from Cuzco in the morning taking a spectacular journey through a changing landscape while guests enjoy breakfast. After the steep climb out of Cuzco, the train descends into the Sacred Valley, passing lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.

Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea level, in the midst of a tropical mountain forest in an extraordinarily beautiful setting, Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. Its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.

For many visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking the Hiram Bingham means passengers can focus their attention and energy on what matters most, content in the knowledge that the logistical details of the day's trip have been taken care of by PeruRail.

Looking for that uniquely different family vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com