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Luxury Train Club · Luxury rail journey

Andean Explorer

Luxury train through Peru's high Andes from Cusco to Arequipa

Illustration of Andean Explorer

The Andean Explorer, operated by Luxury Train Club, is a three-day, two-night rail journey through Peru's high Andes, departing Cusco and ending in Arequipa with Lake Titicaca in between. Accommodations are en-suite cabins aboard the train, which carries 48 guests and stables each night for proper rest rather than running as a sleeper train. Day one includes lunch on board and an afternoon visit to the Raqch'i archaeological site. Day two features a boat excursion to the Uros floating islands, traditional settlements built on totora reeds on Lake Titicaca. Day three visits the Sumbay Caves, home to rock art nearly 8,000 years old, before arrival in Arequipa. The train itself offers an open-air observatory car for High Andes views, a spa car, a lounge with a baby grand piano, and dining overseen by chefs from the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. All meals and an open bar are included. This journey suits luxury seekers, couples, and history enthusiasts drawn to Peru's ancient sites and dramatic mountain landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The train does not travel overnight; it stables at night, which means nights are spent ashore rather than in motion, though all accommodation is on board the train itself.
  • An optional Colca Canyon extension is available but comes at an additional supplement beyond the base fare.
  • Maximum group size is 48; confirm final cabin availability and class options when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lake Titicaca (Puno)

    Cusco - Lake Titicaca

    Check-in 10:00hrs at Monasterio Hotel, Cusco; transfer to Wanchaq station to board the Andean Explorer. Lunch on board while travelling southeast towards Puno, with an afternoon visit to Raqch'i archaeological site. Cocktails and dinner as the train continues to Lake Titicaca, where it stables overnight.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Saracocha Lagoon

    Lake Titicaca

    Breakfast on board, then a boat trip to the Uros floating islands. Continue to Puno Muelle for lunch, then cocktails and canapes as the train travels on to Saracocha Lagoon for dinner and overnight.

  3. Day 3rail

    Sumbay Caves - Arequipa

    Visit to Sumbay Caves, with cave paintings nearly 8,000 years old. Lunch on board as the train travels to Arequipa, journey's end, with a complimentary transfer to Rodriguez Ballon International Airport. Guests may instead leave the train at Canahuas to explore Colca Canyon (additional supplement).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Andean Explorer at Wanchaq station in Cusco and lunch on the train while traveling southeast toward Lake Titicaca, stopping at the Raqch'i archaeological site in the afternoon.
  • Day 2Take a boat trip from Puno to the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca, traditional settlements built on totora reeds.
  • Day 3Visit the Sumbay Caves, which contain rock art dating back nearly 8,000 years, before the train continues to Arequipa.

Included

  • Onboard accommodation
  • Meals
  • Open bar
  • Excursions
  • General sales tax (18% VAT)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The three-day journey on the Andean Explorer, all meals, an open bar, excursions, and general sales tax are included. Optional spa treatments and the Colca Canyon extension are extra.
Does the train travel overnight?
No. The Andean Explorer stables overnight at Lake Titicaca and Saracocha Lagoon so guests sleep ashore in cabins rather than in a moving train.
What accommodation types are available?
The train offers Suite cabins with a double bed, Twin Bed Cabins, and Bunk Bed Cabins, all with en-suite facilities.
Which train operates this route?
The Andean Explorer, operated by Luxury Train Club in partnership with Belmond, travels between Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and Arequipa across Peru's High Andes.
What excursions are included?
Day 1 includes a visit to Raqch'i archaeological site; Day 2 includes a boat trip to the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca; Day 3 includes a visit to the Sumbay Caves with ancient rock art.
Who should I contact to book?
Contact Luxury Train Club directly to confirm departures, cabin availability, and pricing.

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