Belmond · Luxury train journey

Peruvian Highlands

3-day luxury train from Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca

Peruvian Highlands, a rail journey with Belmond

Belmond runs this three-day, two-night journey aboard the Andean Explorer, traveling from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to Arequipa. The first day includes brunch with views of Cusco in the Observatory Car, a stop at Tinta Station to explore Raqch'i, an Incan archaeological site, and views of the La Raya mountain range, before an elegant dinner as the train continues to Lake Titicaca for the night. The second day is spent exploring Lake Titicaca itself, with a boat ride to the artificial Uros Islands and lunch at Collata Beach on Taquile Island, followed by a choice of yoga or painting. On the final day, the train visits the Sumbay caves before continuing to Arequipa, where guests disembark for a city tour or the airport, with an optional early stop at Cañahuas for those extending to Colca Canyon. This suits travelers who want an immersive, all-inclusive rail journey through the Peruvian highlands rather than a self-driven itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack does not give a price for this package; confirm current fares directly with Belmond.
  • Guests can choose to leave the train early at Cañahuas for an optional Colca Canyon extension, but the evidence does not describe what that extension includes.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lake Titicaca (aboard the train)

    Cusco to Lake Titicaca

    Board the Andean Explorer in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Relax in your deluxe cabin as the train begins its journey southeast to Puno, savouring a delicious brunch with scenic views of Cusco in the Observatory Car or dining cars. Alight at Tinta Station to discover Raqch'i, a one-of-a-kind Incan archaeological site. Take in the stunning La Raya mountain range, before an elegant dinner on board. Afterwards, head to the bar car and chat with fellow passengers as the train continues its journey to Lake Titicaca, where it stops for the night.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the train, en route to Sacacoha

    Lake Titicaca

    Explore the eclectic beauty and rich biodiversity of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and home to several islands. Awake early to watch the sunrise, then enjoy breakfast on board. Take a boat ride to the Uros Islands, extraordinary artificial islands created from woven reeds, then continue to Taquile Island for lunch on Collata Beach, followed by a choice of experiences like yoga and painting. Enjoy afternoon tea on your return to the train at Puno station, as the train departs for Sacacoha.

  3. Day 3rail

    Arequipa

    Watch the sunrise surrounded by the scenery of Lake Lagunillas, then enjoy breakfast. Visit the Sumbay caves, home to cave paintings dated between 6,000 and 8,000 years old. Return to the train for lunch as the train continues to Arequipa, where you disembark, either for a panoramic city tour or a transfer to the airport. Guests may choose to leave the train early at Cañahuas to continue on to explore Colca Canyon (additional supplement applies).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The train stops at Tinta Station to visit Raqch'i, a one-of-a-kind Incan archaeological site, with views of the La Raya mountain range.
  • Day 2A boat ride to the Uros Islands, artificial islands built from woven reeds on Lake Titicaca.
  • Day 2Lunch and a choice of yoga or painting at Collata Beach on Taquile Island, described as the highest beach in the world.
  • Day 3A visit to the Sumbay caves, with cave paintings dated between 6,000 and 8,000 years old.

Included

  • Luxury accommodation aboard the train
  • All onboard meals and beverages
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Excursions as stated in the itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The entire three-day journey is spent aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, in a deluxe cabin.
Which train is used?
The Belmond Andean Explorer, traveling from Cusco to Arequipa via Puno and Lake Titicaca.
What is included?
Luxury accommodation aboard the train, all onboard meals and beverages, onboard entertainment, and the excursions stated in the itinerary, including Raqch'i, the Uros Islands, and the Sumbay caves.
Is there an optional extension?
Yes, guests may leave the train early at Cañahuas to explore Colca Canyon.
How does the trip end?
At Arequipa, where guests disembark for a panoramic city tour or a transfer to the airport.

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