Belmond Andean Explorer – Cusco to Arequipa
Duration
3 days
Tour Type
Wonderful Extensions
Group Size
2 People
Departures
Thursdays
Overview
Your Peruvian adventure begins in Cusco aboard the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer, a five-star train offering a palace-on-wheels experience. As you depart, settle into your elegant cabin, enjoy a drink in the Bar Car, or take in the breathtaking views from the Observation Car. Lunch is served in the dining cars, followed by a visit to the historic site of Raqch’i. After canapés and dinner on board, relax in the Lounge Car.
Wake up to a stunning sunrise over Lake Titicaca. Explore the Uros Islands and Taquile Island, with a private lunch on Collata Beach and traditional dance demonstrations. After afternoon tea, continue your journey to Arequipa, with stops at Lake Lagunillas and the ancient Sumbay Caves. Enjoy your final lunch on board before arriving in Arequipa.
Passengers can also opt to disembark early at Canahuas for an extended tour of Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons.
Day 1 – Thursday
11:00 Depart from Cusco – Wanchaq Station
12:30 Lunch on board
13:55 Tour of Raqchi
15:30 Afternoon tea on board
17:45 Tour of La Raya
19:00 Pre-dinner cocktails
19:30 Dinner on board
22:30 Arrive at Puno – Lake Titicaca Station
Overnight stay at Lake Titicaca Station (Puno)
Day 2 – Friday
Sunrise at Lake Titicaca
06:00 Breakfast on board
08:30 Board boats to explore Lake Titicaca. Visit Uros and Taquile islands
12:30 Private lunch at Collata Beach, Taquile. Dance and artisanal craft displays
15:45 Arrive back at Lake Titicaca Station (Puno)
16:00 Afternoon tea at the Station
16:50 Depart to Arequipa
19:00 Pre-dinner cocktails
19:30 Dinner on board
Overnight stay at Saracocha
Day 3 – Saturday
06:00 Breakfast onboard
06:45 Depart to Arequipa
09:40 Tour of Sumbay Caves
12:30 Light lunch on board
15:30 Arrive at Arequipa –Arequipa Station
16:00 Airport transfer with panoramic views of Arequipa city
17:50 Arrive at Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (Arequipa)
Tour Highlights
Cusco: Start your journey in the heart of the ancient Inca Empire.
Luxury Sleeper Train: Travel in style and comfort aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer.
Lake Titicaca: Explore the world’s highest navigable lake and visit the unique floating islands of Uros.
Altiplano: Traverse the high plains with stunning panoramic views of the Andes.
Colca Canyon: Witness the grandeur of one of the world’s deepest canyons.
Arequipa: End your adventure in the “White City,” known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture.
Itinerary
This morning we will transfer you to Cusco train station to board the Belmond Andean Explorer. Settle down and unwind in your luxurious cabin as the train begins its journey southeast towards Puno.
Savour your first lunch on board in one of the elegant dining cars. Refined Andean specialties are served with contemporary flair.
After, disembark to visit Raqch’i. Once an important control point for the Incas, it is today a fascinating archaeological site brimming with history.
Return to the train just in time for tea.
Soak up the sensational sunset over La Raya Mountain range, before preparing yourself for an elegant dinner on board.
Afterwards, perhaps head to the bar car and chat to your fellow travelers as the train continues to Lake Titicaca, where it will stable for the evening.
(B. L. D.) (Private Transfer)
Awake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca, before enjoying a delicious breakfast on board.
Today’s tours explore the eclectic beauty and rich diversity of life on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and home to many islands.
First, you’ll take a traditional boat ride out to the Uros Islands, stunning man-made lands carefully created from woven reeds that are constantly being replenished.
Continue on to Taquile island, a beautiful island with a way of life barely touched by time. Enjoy a private lunch on Collata Beach, with demonstrations from traditional dancers and artisanal workers.
Return to the train for tea as your journey continues on to Arequipa.
In the afternoon take the opportunity to disembark and find out more about this stunning city, considered one of the most important settlements in Peru.
Return to the train for a final delicious dinner, before retiring to your cabin for a restful night.
(B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)
Enjoy breakfast before setting off on an early-morning excursion to the spellbinding, rugged scenery of Lake Lagunillas.
Afterwards visit Sumbay Caves, home to fascinating cave paintings that estimated to be almost 8,000 years old.
Return to the train for lunch as the trains continues to Arequipa.
Here we bid farewell as you disembark and be transfer to the airport or hotel.
(B.) (Private Transfer)
Hotels & Lodges
NOTES
There are two dining cars, a lounge car, a spa car and an observation car with an open-air deck for scenic viewing.
Interior designs are inspired by the texture of Peru’s hand-woven fabrics and the soft tones of the Alpaca wool blended with Andean slate greys, creating a sense of calm thus enabling guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the journey.
Cabins
Discover true relaxation as you step into your own personal sanctuary. Belmond Andean Explorer offers four types of cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom and shower.
Double Bed Cabins: The largest cabins have a double bed and a seating area with two chairs and a table.
Deluxe Double Bed Cabins: A tall wardrobe provides storage, while the bathrooms are equipped with a shower, WC, vanity and pedestal washbasin. (13.1 m2)
Junior Double Bed Cabins: Junior Double Bed Cabins include a living space. They are fitted with a more compact wardrobe and en-suite, boasting a shower, washbasin and WC. (13.1 m2)
Twin Bed Cabins: 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)
Bunk Bed Cabins: 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.
Dining Cars
There are two dining cars serving fresh, colorful 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 train travels through the ever-changing landscape.
Alternative itineraries are also available:
- Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery: 2 nights (Arequipa – Puno – Cuzco)
- Spirit of the Water: 1 night (Cuzco – Puno)
- Spirit of the Andes: 1 night (Puno – Cuzco)
Excursions to Colca Canyon are not available through the Belmond Andean Explorer and need to be booked separately at extra cost.
Itinerary Map
Included/Excluded
What’s included?
- Luxury accommodation aboard the train
- All onboard meals and beverages
- Onboard entertainment
- Excursions as stated in the itinerary
- Guides and bus transfers
