South America Luxury Rail Tours – Peru’s Iconic Train Journeys
South America is a continent defined by scale, dramatic landscapes and deep cultural heritage rather than extensive rail networks. Luxury train travel here is not about crossing borders, but about experiencing a small number of exceptional journeys in truly extraordinary settings.
Our South America luxury rail tours focus on Peru, the only country on the continent offering true luxury train experiences. These carefully curated luxury train journeys in Peru are seamlessly woven into wider itineraries by our destination specialists, combining refined rail travel with immersive exploration of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca.
● Luxury Trains in South America (Peru)
● Why Travel South America by Train
● Key Regions & Highlights
● Practical Information & FAQs
● Enquire About South America Rail Journey
Why Travel South America by Train
Luxury train travel in South America is about immersion rather than distance. While rail networks across the continent are limited, the journeys that do exist rank among the most scenic anywhere in the world. Travelling by train allows you to experience the Andes at a measured pace, watching vast landscapes unfold from panoramic carriages while enjoying attentive service and thoughtfully prepared regional cuisine.
In Peru, luxury trains connect historic cities, high-altitude plains and remote lakes that are otherwise difficult to experience in comfort. These journeys are designed to be highlights within a broader itinerary rather than standalone transport, pairing seamlessly with private touring, carefully selected hotels and lodges, and expert local guides. The result is a slower, more rewarding way to encounter South America — one that prioritises atmosphere, perspective and a genuine sense of place. For many travellers, the train becomes the moment the journey truly slows and South America reveals itself.
Luxury Trains in South America
Together, these two trains offer complementary experiences: one a refined multi-night journey through the Andes, the other an iconic daytime approach to Machu Picchu, both located in Peru and operated by Belmond. Each delivers a distinct style of journey, combining elegant design, attentive service and access to some of the continent’s most remarkable landscapes.
Belmond Andean Explorer
The Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s most luxurious overnight train and one of the highest-altitude luxury rail journeys in the world. Operating through the Peruvian Andes, it links Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, travelling across vast altiplano landscapes framed by snow-capped peaks and open plains.
Onboard, guests enjoy refined cabins, elegant dining inspired by Andean cuisine, and welcoming lounge and observation cars. The journey is punctuated by guided excursions and cultural encounters, making it an exceptional centrepiece for a wider Peruvian itinerary.
It is consistently regarded as one of the world’s highest-altitude luxury trains and is operated by Belmond, a leader in heritage luxury travel.
➡ View the Belmond Andean Explorer
Belmond Hiram Bingham
The Belmond Hiram Bingham offers one of the world’s most iconic short luxury rail journeys, travelling between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Designed as an elegant daytime experience, the train evokes the glamour of classic rail travel with polished wood interiors, fine dining and live music.
This journey is typically enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of Peru’s Sacred Valley and Inca heritage, providing a seamless and memorable approach to one of South America’s most celebrated archaeological sites.
Note that we offer the Andean Explorer in conjunction with a wider luxury tour in Peru with our sister company – The Latin America Travel Company.
South American Regional Highlights
Luxury rail travel in South America is centred on southern Peru, where high-altitude landscapes and historic cities combine to create unforgettable journeys.
PERU
Arequipa
Colonial elegance at the Andes’ edge
Known as the “White City,” Arequipa sits beneath towering volcanoes and provides a graceful colonial counterpoint to Peru’s highland landscapes.
PERU
Cusco
Historic heart of the Inca world
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is the cultural heart of the Andes and the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
PERU
Lake Titicaca & Puno
High-altitude culture and sacred waters
Set on the vast Altiplano, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake, offering a striking combination of natural beauty and enduring indigenous traditions
Practical Information & FAQs
Explore Luxury Rail Travel Worldwide
Looking beyond this region? Explore all our luxury rail destinations worldwide, from classic European routes to long-distance rail expeditions across Africa, Asia and South America.
Enquire About South America Rail Tours
Our specialists will help you design a South America itinerary that incorporates Peru’s luxury train journeys in a way that suits your interests, pace and travel style. Whether you are planning a dedicated rail-focused experience or wish to integrate a luxury train journey into a broader South American tour, we are here to advise.
We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.
enquiry@theluxurytraintravelcompany.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620
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