Andean Explorer
Luxury train journey
The Andean Highlands in first class style
Enjoy the mysticism offered by the beautiful Peruvian Andean landscape aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer luxury train. This spectacular 3-day / 2-night rail journey traverses the highest plains of the Andes, travelling from Cusco to Arequipa.
Riding the Andean Explorer is a unique experience, a journey between highlands, mountains and clouds. Boarding in Cusco you will visit the Incan site of Raqch’I before witnessing a sensational sunset over La Raya mountain and arriving in Lake Titicaca for nightfall. The following day you will soak up the culture of the lake and the floating Uros Islands before continuing to Arequipa, known for its Unesco World Heritage-listed city centre, magnificent volcanic landscape and cave paintings thought to be some 8000 years old. Throughout the journey, the landscape is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which tower over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River as well as rolling Andean plains, dotted with roaming vicuna and alpaca herds.
The Belmond Andean Explorer is exquisitely decorated to subtly evoke the great Pullman trains of the twenties. It includes two dining carriages, a bar and an observation carriage. Cabins are available in double, twin and bunk configurations, each with its own en-suite and shower. Interior designs are inspired by the colours of the mountain landscape, softened by the texture of Peru’s hand-woven fabrics and Alpaca wool.
The Belmond Andean Explorer is one of the most luxurious trains in the world and provides a unique way to travel in first-class style between some of Peru’s most iconic and spectacular destinations.
You will love
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One of the world’s great train journeys
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Luxurious and delightfully civilised
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Fascinating Inca and pre-Inca history
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The floating Uros Islands
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
At a glance
Please Note
This example itinerary is based on the 3D/2N itinerary for the Belmond Andean Explorer train journey from Cusco to Arequipa. Please contact us for further details and alternative itineraries.
Day 1
Board the Belmond Andean Explorer train in Cusco. Settle down and unwind in your luxurious cabin as the train begins its journey towards Puno. Enjoy lunch onboard before visiting Raqch’i – a fascinating archaeological site. Return to the train for canapes and watch the sunset before dinner and relaxing for the evening.
Day 2
Awake early to catch sunrise across Lake Titicaca, before enjoying breakfast onboard. Explore life out on Lake Titicaca, first visiting the Uros Islands before heading to Taquile Island. After lunch and enjoying demonstrations from traditional dancers and artisanal workers, have afternoon tea, continue to Arequipa and have dinner before retiring to your cabin for a restful night.
Day 3
Enjoy breakfast before setting off to explore Lake Lagunillas. Afterwards visit Sumbay Caves and return to the train for lunch before arriving to Arequipa. Note: You may leave the train early at Canahuas and continue to explore the Colca Canyon.
NEED TO KNOW
Start: Cusco, Peru
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Finish: Arequipa, Peru
The Belmond Andean Explorer runs the 2 night/3 day journey from Cusco to Arequipa departing every Thursday, the one night Cusco to Puno journey departing every Tuesday, the one night Puno to Cusco journey departing every Wednesday, and the 2 night/3 day journey from Arequipa to Cusco every Friday in 2020.
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
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Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
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Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
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You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
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Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
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Paul Cozzi
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Sheryl & Robert Taylor
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Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
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Rowntree family
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Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
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Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
