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Planet Rail · Escorted tour

Highlights of Peru & The Andean Explorer

14-day Peru rail journey from Lima through Machu Picchu to Arequipa

Illustration of Highlights of Peru & The Andean Explorer

Planet Rail's Highlights of Peru and The Andean Explorer is a 14-day escorted tour starting in Lima and ending in Arequipa, routing through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon. The journey blends three luxury trains: the Vistadome with panoramic windows climbing to Machu Picchu, the classic Hiram Bingham descending back to Cusco with dinner on board, and the Belmond Andean Explorer for a two-night passage through the high Andes to Arequipa. Every night is spent in five-star Belmond hotels or on the Andean Explorer itself. Each day combines private guided exploration of Inca sites, colonial towns and natural landmarks with included meals and entrance fees. A local guide meets you on arrival in Lima, and throughout the tour private English-speaking guides and air-conditioned transfers handle all logistics and porterage. This tour suits luxury travellers, repeat rail passengers keen to sample three distinct trains, and those with a passion for Peruvian history and archaeology. The itinerary paces itself with two to three nights in each region, allowing unhurried exploration rather than daily relocation.

What to know before you look closer

  • International and domestic flights are not included; they are available as optional supplements.
  • Dinners not stated in the itinerary are payable locally (Days 1, 5, and 12). Some meals at restaurants outside the hotels may incur additional costs for premium alcoholic beverages.
  • The itinerary includes high-altitude locations: Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres, Chinchero at 3,762 metres, and the Andean Explorer route reaches above 14,000 feet. Acclimatisation and fitness matter.
  • Gratuities for local guides and drivers and tips at local restaurants are not included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lima – Belmond Miraflores Park

    Arrival in Peru

    Arrive at Lima International Airport. Representative meets you in arrivals hall and transfers you to Belmond Miraflores Park (5 star) for 2 nights. Depending on flight arrival time, explore the local area before your first Peruvian dinner (payable locally).

  2. Day 2overnight: Lima – Belmond Miraflores Park

    Lima

    Leisurely breakfast then relax at the hotel before lunch. Early afternoon Lima city tour with local guide including Plaza Mayor (UNESCO World Heritage Site), historic cathedral, Government Palace, City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, San Francisco Monastery, and the Larco Museum in an 18th century mansion featuring ancient Peruvian gold, silver and erotic ceramics.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Sacred Valley – Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

    Lima to Cusco by air – Cusco

    Early breakfast then private transfer to Lima Airport for scheduled flight to Cusco. Met on arrival and transferred to Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley. En route visit the Awanakancha Centre showcasing traditional Andean textile weaving, spinning and dyeing, and an exhibition of South American camelids.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Sacred Valley – Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

    Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo

    Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley. Explore Pisac town and its bustling market, then visit the Pisac ruins with stunning valley views. Lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari with colonial and folk art collection. Afternoon visit to Ollantaytambo with its impressive Inca fortress, 16 massive terraces, steep stone steps and the Sun Temple.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Sacred Valley – Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado

    Further exploration of the stunning Sacred Valley

    Visit Chinchero town and market (3,762m), a traditional Andean community preserving pre-Hispanic weaving techniques. Lunch at Iskay Restaurant in Maras with Chef Tatiana Mendoza using organic garden ingredients. Visit the salt pans of Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray. Return to hotel for dinner (payable locally).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6railovernight: Machu Picchu – Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

    Private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Travel to Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train with panoramic windows, snacks and beverages. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. Private guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel (2,430m), including giant walls, terraces and ramps. Overnight at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge with full board.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Cusco – Belmond Hotel Monasterio

    Exploring Machu Picchu & onwards to Cusco

    Morning hiking options: Inti Punku (Sun Gate, approx. 2 hours) or Huayna Picchu (approx. 2.5 hours, subject to availability). Alternatively explore the citadel at leisure. Late afternoon bus to Aguas Calientes, then board the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Cusco with elegant dinner on board (soft drinks, Peruvian wine and Pisco). Transfer from Poroy station to hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Cusco – Belmond Hotel Monasterio

    Cusco

    After breakfast, half-day tour of Cusco including the Cathedral on Plaza de Armas, Santo Domingo Temple (built on Koricancha Inca temple foundations), the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and Qenqo with its carved rock patterns. Afternoon free to explore Cusco independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 9railovernight: On board Belmond Andean Explorer (Puno station)

    Cusco to Puno on board the Andean Explorer

    Private transfer to Wanchaq train station to board the Belmond Andean Explorer. Lunch on board. Stop at Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha) for an Inca site visit. Canapes and teatime on board. Stop at La Raya (border of Cusco and Puno regions). Pre-dinner cocktails and dinner in the dining car. Arrive Puno at Lake Titicaca station; overnight on the train.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10railovernight: On board Belmond Andean Explorer (Saracocha)

    Lake Titicaca and Puno

    Early rise to experience sunrise at Lake Titicaca. Breakfast on board. Boat excursion to the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island. Lunch at a local restaurant on Collata Beach with entertainment by local dancers and artisan demonstrations. Afternoon tea at the station before the train departs for Arequipa. Dinner on board; overnight at Saracocha.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Colca Canyon – Belmond Las Casitas

    Lake Lagunillas and onto Colca Canyon

    Early breakfast then excursion to Lake Lagunillas. Visit Sumbay Caves with over 500 paintings and engravings of local wildlife. Farewell to the Andean Explorer; private transfer to Colca Canyon. The Colca Valley features high peaks, deep chasms, pre-Inca terraces and 16th century colonial towns. Watch for condors. Check in to Belmond Las Casitas.

    Meals: Breakfast

  12. Day 12overnight: Colca Canyon – Belmond Las Casitas

    Colca Canyon

    Early morning visit to Condor Cross viewpoint to observe condors in flight and appreciate the canyon's depth. Excursion to Cabanaconde village, Maca and Yanque with colonial churches, and Antahuilque Viewpoint. Return to hotel for lunch (payable locally). Afternoon guided visit to Chivay market. Evening free at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  13. Day 13overnight: Lima – Belmond Miraflores Park

    Colca Canyon, Arequipa & Lima

    After breakfast, guided visit to villages on the other side of the valley including Coporaque, Chinina, Uyu Uyu and Ichupampa. Transfer to Arequipa airport with packed lunch provided. Internal flight to Lima. Representative meets you on arrival and transfers you to Belmond Miraflores Park.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)

  14. Day 14

    Departure from Lima

    Final breakfast in Peru. Representative meets you in the hotel lobby for private transfer to Lima Airport for your international flight home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Lima city tour with local guide includes the Plaza Mayor (UNESCO World Heritage Site), San Francisco Monastery, and the Larco Museum in an 18th century mansion featuring ancient Peruvian gold and silver.
  • Day 4Explore Pisac ruins with stunning valley views, then visit Ollantaytambo's Inca fortress with 16 massive terraces and the Sun Temple.
  • Day 6Travel on the Vistadome train with panoramic windows to Aguas Calientes, then guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel at 2,430 metres, staying overnight at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge with full board.
  • Day 7Optional morning hikes: Inti Punku (Sun Gate, approximately 2 hours) or Huayna Picchu (approximately 2.5 hours). Board the Belmond Hiram Bingham train back to Cusco with elegant dinner on board.
  • Day 9Board the Belmond Andean Explorer at Cusco for a two-night luxury train journey. Stop at Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha) Inca site, ascend to La Raya at the border between Cusco and Puno regions.

Included

  • 11 nights' accommodation in twin/double rooms at 5 star hotels on a bed & breakfast basis, unless otherwise stated
  • 2 night journey in a suite on the Belmond Andean Explorer with all meals and drinks on board
  • 5 other lunches and 2 other dinners (including 1 packed lunch and 1 dinner on the Hiram Bingham train)
  • Meet & greet services on arrival in Lima, Cusco & Arequipa airports / train stations
  • All transfers on a private basis in an air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking escort with porterage handling included (two pieces per person)
  • All sightseeing tours on a private basis with an English-speaking guide with entrance fees included
  • Full board meals at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)

Not included

  • International flights (available as optional supplement)
  • Domestic flights (available as optional supplement)
  • Visas for Peru
  • Gratuities for local guides and drivers
  • Tips at local restaurants
  • Dinners not stated in itinerary (payable locally)
  • Premium alcoholic brands and special wines at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes the Vistadome train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the Belmond Hiram Bingham from Aguas Calientes to Cusco, and a full two-night journey on the Belmond Andean Explorer from Cusco to Arequipa. International and domestic flights are not included but available as optional supplements.
Is this escorted or independent travel?
It is fully escorted. Planet Rail provides private English-speaking guides at each destination, private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles with porterage, and arranges all sightseeing and entrance fees.
Which hotels are included?
All accommodation is at five-star Belmond properties: Belmond Miraflores Park in Lima (2 nights initially, 1 night on Day 13), Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley (3 nights), Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu (1 night with full board), Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco (2 nights), Belmond Andean Explorer train (2 nights), and Belmond Las Casitas in Colca Canyon (2 nights).
What meals are included?
Breakfasts at all hotels, 5 other lunches, 2 other dinners, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner with beverages) at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, and all meals on board the Belmond Andean Explorer. Some dinners (Days 1, 5, 12) and tips at local restaurants are payable locally.
How much walking is involved?
Days include city walking tours in Lima and Cusco, visits to ruins with terrain and stairs, and optional mountain hikes at Machu Picchu (Inti Punku approximately 2 hours or Huayna Picchu approximately 2.5 hours). Several sites are at high altitude: Machu Picchu 2,430 metres, Chinchero 3,762 metres, and the train route exceeds 14,000 feet.
What is not included?
International flights, domestic flights, Peru visas, gratuities for guides and drivers, tips at local restaurants, and most dinners not listed in the day-by-day description. Premium alcoholic brands and special wines at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge are not included.

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