Belmond Andean Explorer | Luxury Peru Train Through the Peruvian Andes
The Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s most refined overnight sleeper train and one of the world’s highest-altitude luxury rail journeys. Operating through the dramatic landscapes of southern Peru, it links Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa while crossing the vast Andean altiplano at elevations of over 4,000 metres.
Unlike short day trains connecting Cusco with Machu Picchu, the Andean Explorer is a fully immersive multi-day journey. It combines elegant en-suite cabins, regionally inspired cuisine and curated off-train excursions to create a seamless travel experience across the Peruvian Andes. The journey itself becomes as significant as the destinations it connects.
Designed by Belmond as a contemporary luxury sleeper train, the Andean Explorer integrates effortlessly into a wider Peru itinerary, balancing scenic rail travel with cultural depth, expert guiding and carefully paced exploration.
● Why Travel Peru by Luxury Train
● The Onboard Experience
● Cabins & Accommodation
● Routes & Itineraries
● Dates, Prices & Availability
● Practical Information & FAQs
● Enquire About the Belmond Andean Explorer
The Andean Explorer: A Defining Peruvian Rail Journey
The Belmond Andean Explorer is widely regarded as South America’s most refined overnight rail journey. Travelling at altitudes of over 4,000 metres across the Peruvian altiplano, it offers a rare combination of high-Andean scenery, curated cultural experiences and elegant sleeper accommodation. Unlike day trains linking Cusco with Machu Picchu, this is a fully immersive, multi-day journey designed to showcase the breadth of southern Peru in comfort and style.
Why Travel Peru by Luxury Train
Travelling through Peru by luxury train is about immersion rather than efficiency. The Belmond Andean Explorer offers one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the Peruvian Andes, allowing landscapes to unfold at a measured pace as the train crosses high-altitude plains, snow-capped mountain ranges and remote Andean regions. Rather than moving quickly between highlights, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
As part of our wider South America luxury rail tours, the Andean Explorer is designed to integrate seamlessly into a broader itinerary. By combining refined onboard travel with expert-led excursions, private touring and carefully selected hotels, guests enjoy a more coherent and rewarding journey through Peru — one that balances comfort, cultural depth and a genuine sense of place.
The Onboard Experience
Life onboard the Belmond Andean Explorer is elegant, relaxed and shaped by its surroundings. En-suite cabins provide a calm retreat at altitude, while the restaurant cars and lounge spaces offer a sociable setting to dine, unwind and watch the Andean landscapes pass by. Service is attentive without being formal, creating an atmosphere that feels refined yet unpretentious.
At these elevations, comfort and pacing matter. The Andean Explorer is carefully designed to ensure guests acclimatise gradually while enjoying refined hospitality, regional cuisine and panoramic Andean vistas. The result is not simply transportation between Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, but one of the most atmospheric luxury train journeys in South America.
Cabins & Suites
Accommodation aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer is designed to provide comfort and privacy at high altitude, with all cabins offering en-suite facilities and attentive onboard service. Cabin categories vary in size and layout, allowing guests to choose the level of space and comfort that best suits their travel style and itinerary.
Belmond Andean Explorer Cabin Comparison
All cabin categories include full access to the restaurant, lounge and open-air observation cars, ensuring a consistent onboard experience regardless of accommodation choice.
| Feature | Bunk Bed Cabin | Twin Cabin | Double Cabin | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin style | Compact en-suite cabin | En-suite twin cabin | En-suite double cabin | Spacious en-suite suite |
| Sleeping arrangement | Bunk bed configuration | Two lower twin beds | Fixed double bed | Fixed double bed |
| Daytime layout | Functional seating and storage | Seating area with two beds | More open seating layout | Enhanced seating and living space |
| Bathroom | Private en-suite bathroom | Private en-suite bathroom | Private en-suite bathroom | Private en-suite bathroom |
| Space & comfort | Most compact option | More space than Bunk Cabin | Greater space and comfort | Most spacious accommodation onboard |
| Best suited to | Solo travellers or those prioritising value | Friends or couples seeking comfort | Couples wanting extra space | Couples seeking maximum comfort and privacy |
| Onboard access | Full access to all public areas | Full access to all public areas | Full access to all public areas | Full access to all public areas |
| Availability | Widest availability | Limited | Limited | Very limited |
| Overall experience | Excellent value at altitude | Balanced comfort and space | Premium comfort | Most exclusive cabin category |
Which Cabin Should You Choose?
Guests prioritising value and immersion in the overall journey often select the Bunk Bed Cabin, while Twin and Double Cabins provide additional comfort for couples or friends travelling together. Suites offer the most space and privacy, particularly appreciated on the two-night itineraries across the altiplano. As availability in the higher categories is limited, early booking is strongly recommended.
Suites
Suites are the most exclusive accommodation aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, offering enhanced space, privacy and a more open layout for longer, more comfortable travel at altitude. They are ideal for couples seeking additional room to relax during the day and a refined setting for overnight journeys through the Andes. As Suite availability is limited on each departure, early booking is strongly recommended, particularly during peak travel months.
These cabins feature a plush double bed and cozy seating area with two chairs and a table – perfect for journaling your highlights. Fitted with a compact wardrobe, en suite with shower, washbasin and WC, this 13.1m2 space is an elegant onboard retreat.
Twin Cabin
Twin Cabins provide a spacious layout with two lower beds and a comfortable seating area during the day. With an en-suite bathroom, refined finishes and ample storage, this category is well suited to couples or friends seeking additional comfort on overnight journeys through the Andes.
During the day, these 7.4m2 cabins are configured with a long banquette and comfy seats. Stewards convert this into two ground-level single beds come nightfall.
Bunk Bed Cabin
Bunk Bed Cabins are a compact and comfortable option, ideal for travellers prioritising the journey and scenery over onboard space. Each cabin features a private en-suite bathroom, lower bunk sleeping and thoughtfully designed storage. These cabins offer excellent value while still providing full access to the train’s dining, lounge and observation cars. Each 5.5m2 cabin features a long banquette that transforms into comfortable upper and lower single berths.
Photos and illustrations are for guidance only and may differ to your actual cabin.
Routes & Itineraries
The Belmond Andean Explorer operates several carefully curated routes across southern Peru, linking Cusco, Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Arequipa. Each itinerary is designed to showcase the vast high-altitude plains of the Peruvian Andes while incorporating guided cultural excursions and immersive scenic travel.
usco to Lake Titicaca (Puno)
This one-night journey travels from Cusco across the Andean altiplano to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Along the way, guests explore remote landscapes, traditional communities and historic sites before arriving in Puno for curated visits around Lake Titicaca. This route is ideal for travellers combining Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca to Arequipa
Travelling south from Puno to Arequipa, this journey crosses dramatic high-altitude terrain before descending towards the historic “White City” of Arequipa. It is often combined with the Cusco sector to create a more comprehensive two-night luxury rail experience across southern Peru.
Two-Night Andean Explorer Journey
The two-night itinerary linking Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa provides the most complete experience aboard the train. With additional time for scenic rail travel and off-train exploration, this route allows guests to fully appreciate the scale and atmosphere of the Andes while travelling in refined comfort.
All routes can be seamlessly integrated into a wider Peru itinerary including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Lima. We specialise in designing balanced, tailor-made journeys that combine luxury rail travel with private touring and carefully selected hotels.
Dates, Prices & Availability
Below you can find two luxury tours to Peru which include the Belmond Andean Explorer. Note we only sell this train as part of a Peru itinerary but can tailor either of these trips to meet your needs in collaboration with our sister website, The Latin America Travel Company.
The Belmond Andean Explorer operates on selected departures throughout the year, typically between April and November depending on the route. As one of South America’s most exclusive overnight trains, cabin inventory on each departure is limited, with Suites and Double Cabins often selling out well in advance.
Booking the Andean Explorer as Part of a Peru Journey
We offer the Andean Explorer exclusively as part of a wider tailor-made Peru itinerary. This ensures the journey is carefully paced, with appropriate acclimatisation in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, seamless transfers, and thoughtfully selected hotels before and after the train.
Rather than booking the train as a standalone rail ticket, we integrate it into a complete Peru experience that may include Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa.
When Should I Book?
We recommend confirming travel plans 6–9 months in advance, particularly for peak travel periods between May and September. Higher cabin categories have limited availability and are frequently the first to be confirmed.
As the train forms part of a wider Peru itinerary, securing availability early allows us to design the surrounding programme smoothly and efficiently.
Pricing Guidance
Pricing varies according to route, cabin category, season and overall itinerary structure. As journeys are incorporated into bespoke Peru tours, we provide personalised quotations once preferred travel dates, duration and accommodation level are confirmed.
Checking Availability
Availability can change quickly, particularly for Suites and high-season departures. We check live cabin inventory directly with the operator and can place a short-term courtesy hold while the full Peru itinerary is being finalised.
To receive up-to-date pricing and availability, please contact us with:
● Approximate travel dates
● Preferred route (Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa)
● Cabin category
● Estimated total duration in Peru
We will respond promptly with confirmed options and a proposed itinerary outline.
● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●
12 Nights From UK £ 9,450/ US $ 12,280
Contact us for quotes in other currencies
Lima ● Arequipa ● Belmond Andean Explorer ● Lake Titicaca ● Cusco ● Machu Picchu ● Sacred Valley
18 Nights From UK £ 11,370 / US $ 14,780
Contact us for quotes in other currencies
Lima ● The Amazon ● Sacred Valley ● Machu Picchu ● Cusco ● Belmond Andean Explorer ● Lake Titicaca ● Arequipa
Belmond Andean Explorer Peru FAQs
Plan Your Belmond Andean Explorer Journey
The Belmond Andean Explorer is at its best when thoughtfully integrated into a wider Peru itinerary. We specialise in designing seamless, carefully paced journeys that combine luxury rail travel with private touring, hand-picked hotels and expert local guidance.
If you are considering travelling aboard the Andean Explorer, we would be delighted to discuss your plans and provide tailored recommendations.
Start Planning Your Peru Journey
Please share your preferred travel dates, approximate duration in Peru and any destinations you would like to include (such as Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca or Arequipa). We will respond promptly with availability guidance and a personalised itinerary proposal.
As specialists in high-end rail journeys worldwide, we provide expert cabin guidance and itinerary pacing to ensure your Andean Explorer experience is perfectly balanced within your wider Peru travels.
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
Enquire Here About The Belmond Andean Explorer
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