On a recent trip through Peru, I had the privilege of embarking on The Belmond Andean Explorer – a luxury sleeper train that travels from Cusco to Puno. My mother and I spent quality time gliding through Peru’s stunning landscapes, enjoying top-notch amenities, and exploring fascinating destinations—all from the comfort of a beautifully designed train.
The Belmond Andean Explorer is South America’s first and only luxury sleeper train!
The train’s operating company is Belmond Ltd, a hospitality company founded in 1976 that operates over 40 hotels, trains, boats, and other facilities worldwide. The Belmond train in Peru is called the Andean Explorer; it launched in 2017 as a way for adventurous travelers to see Peru via luxury train. The train is a palace on wheels, providing exquisite private accommodations and a five-star experience throughout the journey.
The Andean Explorer offers several routes lasting between one and two nights and traveling between your choice of three cities. My mom and I opted for the “Spirit of the Water” experience, a one-night trip from Cusco to Puno.
This segment of the trip is one of the highest train routes in the world, showcasing some truly breathtaking scenery. We departed from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and traveled across the majestic high plains of the Andes to the serene shores of Lake Titicaca.
Upon arriving in Lake Titicaca, we experienced a memorable sunrise before disembarking. The serene beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscapes was the perfect end to our luxury train journey.
The onboard experience is everything you’d expect from a luxury train and more! There are cozy lounges, luxurious dining cars, and a stunning observation car with open-air sections. The observation car was my favorite spot to relax with a refreshing Pisco Sour while taking in the magnificent Peruvian scenery through large windows.
There were several room sizes onboard, including double bunks, twin beds, and deluxe double cabin suites. We chose the deluxe double cabin option, which is the largest suite and offers the ultimate comfort and privacy.
The suite was elegantly furnished with Peruvian-inspired decor, such as alpaca wool and hand-woven textiles. It also had all the makings of a typical high-end hotel, like a wardrobe to stow your clothes, complimentary robes and slippers, a nice desk and lounge chairs, plush bedding, fine linens, etc.
The en-suite bathroom offered a spa-like experience with modern fixtures and premium toiletries. The suite also included a seating area, adding to our comfort during the journey.
Dining on the Andean Explorer is a culinary adventure. The train boasts gourmet chefs who prepare exquisite meals using the finest local ingredients. Each dish celebrates Peruvian cuisine, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
We enjoyed a variety of meals, from soups and mains to snacks and desserts, with options for all dietary preferences dining in both the Muña and Llama dining cars, providing elegant settings for all the meals!
Along the journey, we enjoyed lots of snacks, small dishes, and welcome drinks featuring craft cocktails by talented bartenders. I sampled a bit of everything for breakfast, as it was all so delicious. Tea and coffee are also provided, and I loved the Coca-Cola tea, which helped with altitude sickness—great for this particular train journey!
With two bar cars and two restaurants onboard, not to mention live music in the observation car during brunch, the dining experience onboard is top-notch!
Our one-night journey included an excursion to the archaeological site of Raqch’i, an important Inca stronghold featuring the Temple of Wiracocha. Our small group allowed for a personalized experience, where we practiced our Spanish and learned about the ruins in-depth. We also visited a local market, where we picked up some souvenirs.
The next morning, we disembarked in Puno for a stunning sunrise on Lake Titicaca. It was one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever witnessed. We enjoyed coffee and tea by a bonfire while waiting to reboard the train for breakfast.
The staff aboard the train were exceptional, making the journey fun and memorable. With great personalities and a deep knowledge of Peru, they taught us so much about the country and its culture. The staff were always accommodating, ensuring that our every need was met with a smile. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their skill in preparing drinks and meals added a special touch to our experience. The staff made the trip unforgettable, and we can’t wait to return.
Curious to Learn About My Stay on Lake Titicaca?
→ Check out my Lake Titicaca Floating Island Homestay Experience Here!
The cost for a one-way overnight journey is around $1,500 per person, including all meals, drinks, and activities. When you book this experience with a travel agent like myself, you can get extra perks on your journey, such as credit to use at the spa on board or a priority room upgrade. The room we originally booked was a standard twin room, but we ended up being upgraded to a suite free of charge.
My experience on the Belmond Andean Explorer was remarkable, but it’s only one of many great offerings from Belmond. In Peru, Belmond also operates the Hiram Bingham train, which takes you on a scenic journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu. That option is priced at about $600 per person.
Beyond Peru, Belmond extends its luxury offerings to Scotland with the Royal Scotsman. This train journey immerses you in the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands while offering indulgent Scottish cuisine. They also have the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which delivers a remarkable European adventure, traveling through major cities like London, Venice, and Paris. This journey envelops travelers in the nostalgic elegance of the 1920s, complete with vintage décor. For a water-based alternative, Belmond also offers Les Bateaux Belmond in France, luxurious floating villas that allow you to explore the picturesque waterways of the French countryside.
If you’re looking for a unique way to see Peru, a luxury train is a must-try! The Andean Belmond Explorer is a gateway to Peru’s wonders, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or vibrant markets, this luxury train perfectly complements your Peruvian adventure.
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