Andean Explorer Peru, South America

Andean Express Offers and News

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NO CARD FEES / NO BOOKING FEES / NO JOINING FEES

CLUB DISCOUNT. Members of the Club receive discounts & guarantee of any valid train offer. Join free by subscribing to the newsletter.

Price Match Guarantee - any like-for-like quote for Andean Explorer luxury train tickets.

NO BOOKING FEE

Bellini Club - Luxury Train Club Members have added benefits when booking Belmond Hotels, Trains, and Belmond Cruises through the Luxury Train Club.

- Bellini Benefit - USD 100 (EUR 84 / GBP ~70) per person.

- Bellini Benefit - $500 Belmond Gift Voucher for a future booking. T&Cs apply, go here.

- Bellini Benefit - Belmond's Peruvian hotels - Hotel credit, per stay, USD 200 (EUR 168) per suite, or USD 90 (EUR 76) per non-suite.

- Bellini Benefit - Complimentary Upgrade at check-in, subject to availability.

Only 15% Deposit for your luxury train tickets. Balance 8 weeks before departure.

- Complimentary station / airport transfer, Arequipa Station to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP), arrives at 18:00hrs.

- .Go here for Belmond Peru Luxury Trains Covid Conditions.

The train operator uses dynamic pricing. With the Club discount, Members receive the lowest possible price. Prices shown are 'from' prices without offers/Club discount. Offers subject to availability and may be removed at any time; they cannot be combined; new bookings only; ask for group rates, 9 or more.

Please bear in mind that offers and details may change without notice. Please email us for the latest news about Bellini benefits.

Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train

Andean Explorer is a Belmond Luxury Train. Club Member discount, Bellini Benefits & guarantee of any valid offer. The Andean Explorer luxury train operates along one of the world’s highest rail routes in the Peruvian Andes; some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world.

Andean Explorer Highlights

• Observatory car - open-air balcony with a view of the Peruvian Andes
• Restaurant car, a refined atmosphere to enjoy exquisite meals
• Bar car, a space for conviviality and relaxation
• Breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinner on board
• Suites with Double Bed, Cabins with Twin Beds or Bunks
• Wardrobe, coat rack and mirror
• Bathroom with washbasin, shower and toilet
• 110v/220v power points
• Visits and tours
• Cocktails and canapés
• Afternoon tea
• Spa service - please ask for .pdf brochure.
• Storage for hold baggage up to 23kg

The Andean Explorer luxury train does not travel all night for a better night's sleep and to make the most of extraordinary by day. Hotels can be arranged in Peru (Bellini Benefits apply) before and after the journey. The cabins have in-built oxygen and a complimentary oxygen gas canister for use by guests as required.

Scroll down for detailed itineraries, dates and prices

Between Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, traversing the highest plains of the Andes, to the reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca; then continue towards the city centre of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site (or in reverse), whilst travelling through some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world. Option: leave the train before Arequipa to visit Colca Canyon for a few days.

Andean Explorer Luxury Train Accommodation

There is capacity for 48 guests in a range of en-suite cabins including 8 Double Bed Suites, 11 Twin Bed Cabins and 5 Bunk Bed Cabins.

There are two dining cars, a lounge car, a spa car and an observation car with a large open-air deck for scenic viewing.

Interior designs of the Andean Explorer, by Inge Moore of The Gallery HBA, are inspired by the texture of Peru’s hand-woven fabrics and soft tones of Alpaca wool blended with Andean slate greys, creating a sense of calm.

PRICES, DATES & AVAILABILITY - EMAIL THE CLUB

Cabins

Discover true relaxation as you step into your own personal sanctuary. The Andean Explorer luxury train offers three types of cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom and shower.

The largest cabins have a double bed and a seating area with two chairs and a table. A tall wardrobe provides storage, while the bathrooms are equipped with a shower, WC, vanity and pedestal washbasin. (13.1 m2)

Twin Bed Cabins provide living space with a tall wardrobe plus an en-suite bathroom with shower, WC and washbasin. During the day they are configured with a long banquette and a seat, converted to two ground-level single beds. (7.4 m2)

These cabins offer a traditional sleeper train experience with a tall wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, complete with shower, WC and washbasin. In the daytime, these cabins feature a long banquette; in the evening, upper and lower berth single beds. (5.5 m2)

Lounge Car

Gather around the baby grand piano or relax in comfortable seating enjoying a refreshing drink as majestic vistas drift past outside the Belmond Andean Explorer.

Dining Cars

There are two dining cars serving fresh, colourful and seasonal dishes using locally-sourced ingredients from the Peruvian Andes. Menus are skillfully designed by chefs from Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco.

Observation Car

The place to unwind and enjoy the views whilst sipping a Pisco Sour from the bar. Breathe in the Andean air from the open deck of the Observation Car as the Andean Explorer luxury train travels through the ever-changing landscape.

Spa Car

Picaflor Spa Car - enjoy a relaxing treatment in one of the enticing spa rooms. Please ask for .pdf brochure.

Scroll down for detailed itineraries, dates and prices

or EMAIL THE CLUB

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates. We will quote with Club discount - join the Club free by signing up for the newsletter.

Consider Belmond Hotels Peru for your pre- and post-train accommodations - Bellini benefits apply.

Contact us to book the Andean Explorer luxury train or to ask any questions.

Andean Explorer Prices/Dates

Andean Explorer Itinerary Summaries

PERUVIAN HIGHLANDS: Cusco - Puno - Arequipa

Thursdays Departure: 11:00 hrs. 03 days and 02 nights.

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ANDEAN PLAINS AND ISLANDS OF DISCOVERY: Arequipa - Puno - Cusco

Saturdays Departure: 20:00 hrs. 02 days and 02 nights

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SPIRIT OF THE WATER: Cusco - Puno

Tuesdays Departure: 11:00 hrs. 01 day and 01 night

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SPIRIT OF THE ANDES: Puno -Cusco

Wednesdays Departure: 12:00 hrs midday. 01 day and 01 night

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SPIRIT OF THE VALLEY: Puno - Arequipa (short section within the Peruvian Highlands)

Fridays Departure: 14:30 hrs. 01 day and 01 night

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SPIRIT OF THE ANDES II: Puno -Cusco (short section within the Andean Plains)

Sundays Departure: 14:30 hrs. 01 day and 01 night

Email the Club for more information

Peruvian Highlands: Cusco - Arequipa

Cusco – Lake Titicaca – Arequipa City

3 days/2 nights. Departing from Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, travelling across the highest plains of the Andes reaching 4800 metres in altitude, to Puno where guests can visit the remote villages and floating islands on Lake Titicaca; a visit to Sumbay Caves, home to the rock art of the first humans to live in the Peruvian highlands, then onwards to the city centre of the 'White City' Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a chance to explore the vast *Colca Canyon, the dramatic realm of the condor; a visit to Sumbay Caves, home to the rock art of the first humans to live in the Peruvian highlands; the volcanic ‘White City’ of Arequipa. This journey include a chance to explore the vast *Colca Canyon, the dramatic realm of the condor.

Altitudes: Cusco 3,399 m (11,152 ft); Puno (Lake Titicaca) 3,810 m (12,500 ft); Lake Laguinillas 4,264m (13,989 ft); Arequipa 2,350 m (7,710 ft). For information about altitude sickness, go here.

Thursday. CHECK IN for the Andean Explorer is at 10:00AM, Monasterio Hotel, Calle Plazoleta Nazarenas 337, Cusco. Transfer to Wanchaq station to board the Andean Explorer. Unwind in your luxurious cabin as the train begins its journey southeast towards Puno.

Luncheon on board in one of the elegant dining cars, serving delicious Andean specialties. (Afternoon, visit Raqch’i. Once an important control point for the Incas, it is today an archaeological site.)

Return to the Andean Explorer for tea whilst watching the sunset over the La Raya mountains before preparing for cocktails and dinner. Afterwards, perhaps go to the bar car and enjoy a drink as the train continues to Lake Titicaca, where it will stable for the evening.

Friday. Awake early to maybe catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca, before enjoying a delicious breakfast on board.

Today’s tours explore the beauty and diversity of life on Lake Titicaca, South America's largest lake with many islands, with a boat trip to the Uros Islands, man-made lands carefully created from woven reeds that are constantly being replenished.

Continue to Puno Muelle hangar for lunch before returning to the train for cocktails and canapes as your journey continues to the Saracocha Lagoon. Dinner and overnight.

Saturday. Wake early to maybe see the sunrise over Lake Lagunillas before breakfast, followed by a visit to Sumbay Caves, with cave paintings estimated to be almost 8,000 years old. Return for lunch as the train travels to Arequipa and journey's end.

Complimentary station to airport mini bus transfer, Arequipa Station to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP), arrives at 18:00hrs.

*Please note: You may choose to leave the train early on Day 3 at Cañahuas (after the Cave visit) and explore Colca Canyon. A sweeping area of breathtaking beauty and one of the world’s deepest canyons, you’ll spot countless example of Inca and Pre-Inca architecture alongside alpacas, eagles and the mighty Andean condor. Additional supplement applies - ask for details

Itinerary subject to change

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

Cusco-Puno-Arequipa: depart every Thursday at 11:00hrs/ arrive Saturday 15:30hrs

Prices are pre Club Discount, per cabin

Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery: Arequipa - Cusco

Arequipa City - Puno - Cusco

2 days/2 nights

Altitudes: Arequipa 2,350 m (7,710 ft); Lake Laguinillas 4,264m (13,989 ft); Puno (Lake Titicaca) 3,810 m (12,500 ft); Cusco 3,399 m (11,152 ft). For information about altitude sickness, go here.

Saturday. 19:00 hrs. Welcome drinks at Arequipa station before boarding the train. Enjoy cocktails and dinner whilst then travelling through the night to Lake Titicaca.

Sunday. Awake to sunrise on Lake Titicaca (weather dependent). After breakfast, board the boats to explore the Lake and visit the Uros Islands, man-made lands carefully created from woven reeds that are constantly being replenished. Continue to Puno Muelle hangar for lunch. Afternoon tea is served back at the station before departure. Cocktails and dinner onboard as the train travels to La Raya for the night.

Monday. Sunrise at La Raya. Return to the train for breakfast. Brunch is served back on the train whilst travelling to Cusco. Arrival at Wanchaq station at 13:30 hrs.

Itinerary subject to change.

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

Arequipa-Puno-Cusco: depart every Saturday at 20:00hrs/ arrive Monday at 13:00hrs

Prices are pre Club Discount, per cabin

Spirit of the Water: Cusco - Puno

1 day/1 night

Altitudes: Cusco 3,399 m (11,152 ft); Puno (Lake Titicaca) 3,810 m (12,500 ft). For information about altitude sickness, go here.

Tuesday. CHECK IN for the Andean Explorer is at 10:00AM, Monasterio Hotel, Calle Plazoleta Nazarenas 337, Cusco. Transfer to Wanchaq station to board the Andean Explorer. After settling in, head to the Observation Car, order a classic Pisco Sour, and watch the scenery unfold. Later, enjoy lunch as we head for La Raya. Then afternoon tea, cocktails with canapes and dinner are served as the train travels to Puno Docks. Overnight at Lake Titicaca station.

Wednesday. Wake early to take in a spectacular scene as the sun rises across Lake Titicaca. Afterwards breakfast is served on board before the journey's end at 8:30hrs.

Itinerary subject to change.

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

Cusco-Puno: depart every Tuesday 11:00hrs/ arrive Wednesday 08:00hrs

Prices are pre Club discount, per cabin

Spirit of the Andes: Puno - Cusco

1 day/1 night. The itinerary is the same as the Spirit of the Water (above), but in reverse.

Altitudes: Puno (Lake Titicaca) 3,810 m (12,500 ft); Cusco 3,399 m (11,152 ft). For information about altitude sickness, go here.

Wednesday. Depart from Puno (Lake Titicaca) with lunch onboard. Then there are some cooking classes before arrival at La Raya. Cocktails and dinner onboard, before arrival and overnight at Cusipata, 21:00hrs.

Thursday. Early departure for Cusco whilst having breakfast onboard, with arrival at Cusco Wanchaq Station at around 7:30hrs

Itineray subject to change

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

Puno-Cusco: depart every Wednesday 12:00hrs/ arrive Thursday 07:36hrs

Prices are pre Club Discount, per cabin

Andean Explorer Luxury Train General Information

Prices. Prices are in US dollars cabin, quoted as from prices (dynamic pricing), and are inclusive of 18% VAT. Club discount is deducted for Club Members; join free by subscribing to the newsletter.

Prices are per type of journey, type of cabin and number of persons per cabin, and include the general sales tax. Accommodation costs in Belmond hotels are exempted from paying this tax.

Inclusions. Onboard accommodation, meals, open bar, excursions, and tax.

Children. From 3 years old pay full rate/ Under 3 years old free of charge, sharing cabin with parents / guardians. Infants and children under 18 yrs old must travel accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18 years old).

Dress code. Casual wear. In the Andes (highlands) we recommend dressing in layers and including warm clothing for cold mornings and evenings. For off-train excursions, we strongly recommend comfortable walking shoes. Sunglasses, sunscreen (at least SPF 50+) and hats are necessary. Evening dining: casual, no suits or formal wear.

Oxygen. Although the cabins have some piped oxygen, each room has a complimentary oxygen gas bottle, which guests can carry on off-train excursions if required. A nurse travels on the train.

Smoking. No smoking allowed.

Wi-Fi. The notes on the in-room “directory” included a map that shows where Wi-Fi is at its strongest.

Hotels. Consider Belmond Hotels Peru for your pre- and post-train accommodations.

Unforeseen events/changes. Itineraries, routes and times may change at any time for reasons outside the control of the train company. Every effort will be made by train staff to minimise any impact; the Luxury Train Club cannot accept any responsibility for any changes. The Club aims to keep itineraries as up to date as possible. The timetables shown are for guidance only.

Altitudes. Cusco 3,399 m (11,152 ft); Machu Picchu 2,430 m (7,970 ft); Puno (Lake Titicaca) 3,810 m (12,500 ft); Lake Laguinillas 4,264m (13,989 ft); Arequipa 2,350 m (7,710 ft)

Belmond Gift Cards are accepted by the Luxury Train Club towards the price of any Belmond train, hotel or river cruise. Belmond Gift Cards can be redeemed for a delightful afternoon tea or a relaxing massage, a fascinating masterclass or used towards the trip of a lifetime. Go here for Belmond Gift Card terms and conditions.

Coronavirus Notice: Go here for general travel and health advice from governments, WHO and other organisations. Go here for information about Belmond Covid-19 cleaning processes. Go here for Belmond Peru Luxury Trains Covid Conditions.

Travel & Health Advice. For general travel and health advice (including for COVID-19, coronavirus), go here for travel and health advisories links to national governments and health agencies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO).

OTHER NOTES

Changes. Any modification must be requested not less than 24 hours before the departure time of the train and is subject to availability of spaces and charges

Permitted luggage in cabins should not exceed 05 kg / 11 lbs per passenger. For special baggage assistance, contact equipaje@perurail.com not less than 48 hours before the departure, subject to space. For larger luggage, the train has a storage car. We recommend you carry with you everything you need onboard, because access to the storage car is limited.

Departure Time. You must be at the station at the latest 30 minutes before train departure.

Cabins are randomly assigned.

Altitude Sickness

This information about altitude sickness is from the UK's National Health Service (linked 23 Nov 2019; impartial advice). There is much more detail on the NHS web page link.

Altitude sickness can occur when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Breathing becomes difficult because you aren't able to take in as much oxygen. Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), can become a medical emergency if ignored. Age, sex or physical fitness have no bearing on your likelihood of getting altitude sickness.

Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 and 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 3,000m (9,842 feet) above sea level and are similar to those of a bad hangover. The symptoms are usually worse at night.

Consider travelling with these medicines for altitude sickness: acetazolamide to prevent and treat high altitude sickness, ibuprofen and paracetamol for headaches, anti-sickness medication (like promethazine) for nausea.

Preventing altitude sickness: the best way is to travel to altitudes above 3,000 m slowly. It usually takes a few days for the body to get used to a change in altitude. You should also, amongst other things, avoid flying directly to areas of high altitude, if possible; take 2-3 days to get used to high altitudes before going above 3,000m; make sure you're drinking enough water; avoid alcohol; eat a light but high calorie diet; avoid smoking.

Treating altitude sickness: stop and rest where you are & don't go any higher for at least 24-48 hours (if practicable); if you have a headache, take ibuprofen or paracetamol; if you feel sick, take an anti-sickness medication, like promethazine; make sure you're drinking enough water; avoid alcohol; don't smoke; avoid exercise.

Contact Andean Explorer Reservations

Contact us to book the Andean Explorer luxury train in 2022 or 2023 or to ask any questions.

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates. We will quote with Club discount - join the Club free by signing up for the newsletter.

Consider Belmond Hotels Peru for your pre- and post-train accommodations. Bellini benefits apply.

Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed of interesting trains and special offers.

Details of the other Belmond trains are here.