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PeruRail · Luxury sleeper train journey

Belmond Andean Explorer - Peruvian Highlands Journey (Cusco - Puno - Arequipa)

Luxury sleeper train through Peruvian Andes, Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca

Illustration of Belmond Andean Explorer - Peruvian Highlands Journey (Cusco - Puno - Arequipa)

PeruRail operates the Andean Explorer, a three-day luxury sleeper train that departs from Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, and travels through Peru's Altiplano to Arequipa in the south. The journey spans the full width of the Peruvian highlands, stopping at the archaeological site of Raqchi on Day 1 and climbing to La Raya, where guests enjoy sunset cocktails at one of the route's highest points. Day 2 centers on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, with guided tours of the Uros floating islands and lunch on Taquile Island. The train then continues to Saracocha for star observation. On the final day, a guided tour of Sumbay Caves reveals prehistoric rock art before arrival in Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its white volcanic stone architecture. All meals, cocktails, and guided excursions are on board or included. A professional guide accompanies all tours, making this journey suitable for travellers seeking luxury, history, and guided cultural immersion in the high Andes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The independent Colca Canyon transfer from KM 93 is not included in the train ticket; this is available for separate booking.
  • Star observation on Day 2 at Saracocha is subject to weather conditions.
  • An optional guided transfer to Arequipa Rodriguez Ballon International Airport is available; the airport transfer is not included in the core fare.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard - Lake Titicaca station, Puno

    Cusco to Lake Titicaca (Puno)

    09:15-10:15 check-in at Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco. 10:15 transfer to Wanchaq station. 11:00 train departs Wanchaq station, Cusco. 12:30 brunch on board. 14:00 visit to the Archaeological site of Raqchi. 17:20 arrival at La Raya. 19:00 cocktails and canapes at the Piano Bar Car. 19:30 dinner on board. 23:30 arrival at Lake Titicaca - Puno Dock.

  2. Day 2overnight: Onboard - Saracocha

    Lake Titicaca to Saracocha

    Sunrise at Lake Titicaca. 06:00 breakfast on board. 08:30 tour of Lake Titicaca - visit to the floating island of Uros. Lunch in Taquile - visit to the beach of Collata. 16:50 departure for Saracocha. 19:00 cocktails and canapes at the Piano Bar Car. 19:30 dinner on board. 21:15 arrival at Saracocha. Observation of stars and constellations (subject to weather conditions).

  3. Day 3

    Saracocha to Arequipa

    Sunrise at Saracocha. 06:00 breakfast on board. 09:50 tour of Sumbay Caves. 11:30 stop at KM 93 for guests disembarking independently to the Colca Canyon (not included). 12:30 lunch on board. 15:30 arrival in Arequipa. Optional guided transfer available to Arequipa Rodriguez Ballon International Airport, arriving 18:00.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Visit the archaeological site of Raqchi, then sunset and cocktails at La Raya, one of the highest points of the journey.
  • Day 2Day 2: Guided tour of the floating island of Uros on Lake Titicaca, followed by lunch on Taquile Island at the beach of Collata.
  • Day 2Day 2: Observation of stars and constellations at Saracocha, subject to weather conditions.
  • Day 3Day 3: Guided tour of Sumbay Caves, home to prehistoric rock art created by the first inhabitants of the Peruvian highlands.

Included

  • Optional guided transfer to Arequipa Rodriguez Ballon International Airport at the end of the journey

Not included

  • Independent Colca Canyon transfer from KM 93 (not included in the train ticket)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. PeruRail's Andean Explorer luxury sleeper train is the core of the package, from Cusco to Arequipa with two nights on board. All meals, cocktails, and most excursions are included.
Is this journey guided or independent?
All tours are led by a professional guide. Guided excursions include Lake Titicaca and Uros, Taquile Island, Raqchi archaeological site, and Sumbay Caves.
How much walking is involved?
The journey includes walking tours at archaeological sites, the floating island of Uros, Taquile Island beach, and Sumbay Caves. Modest fitness is required.
What is not included?
The independent transfer from KM 93 to Colca Canyon is not included. An optional guided airport transfer to Arequipa Rodriguez Ballon International Airport is available separately.
Which hotels are included?
Check-in on Day 1 is at Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco. Nights 1 and 2 are spent on board the Andean Explorer train.
What are the highlights of this journey?
Highlights include visits to Raqchi and Sumbay Caves, sunset at La Raya, guided exploration of Lake Titicaca and the floating island of Uros, and arrival in Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

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