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APT (APT Travel Group) · Small Group Tour

Spirit of Peru with Belmond Andean Explorer Train

12-day Peru small-group tour with 2-night Belmond Andean Explorer sleeper train

Illustration of Spirit of Peru with Belmond Andean Explorer Train

APT operates this 12-day small group tour through Peru, limited to 24 guests, starting in Lima and ending in Arequipa. The first days are built around Lima's private hacienda visit and travel to the Sacred Valley, followed by day 4's visit to the terraced Salt Mines of Maras and the Inca terraces at Moray. Day 5 brings a guided exploration of Machu Picchu before the group returns to Cusco, where day 7 is left as a Freedom of Choice day for independent exploration. From Cusco, the tour boards the Belmond Andean Explorer for a two-night rail journey through the Peruvian Highlands, arriving in the 16th century city of Arequipa on day 10. An APT Tour Director and local guides accompany the group throughout, and the pace suits travelers who want history, scenery and a named luxury train experience, with one free day built in at Cusco.

What to know before you look closer

  • APT does not include flights to and from South America in this package, so travelers need to arrange their own international flights.
  • The evidence names no specific hotels; it states only that the tour includes nine nights in luxury accommodation, so the exact properties are unclear until confirmed with APT.
  • Day 7 in Cusco is listed as a Freedom of Choice day, meaning travelers plan their own activities rather than a group excursion.
  • No current departure dates are listed in the evidence; confirm scheduling and pricing directly with APT.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive Lima

  2. Day 2

    Lima

    Signature Experience

  3. Day 3

    Lima, Sacred Valley

    Signature Experience

  4. Day 4

    Sacred Valley, Maras, Moray

    Signature Experience

  5. Day 5

    Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

    Signature Experience

  6. Day 6

    Machu Picchu, Cusco

  7. Day 7

    Cusco

    Freedom of Choice

  8. Day 8rail

    Cusco, Belmond Andean Explorer Train

    Signature Experience

  9. Day 9rail

    Belmond Andean Explorer Train

  10. Day 10rail

    Belmond Andean Explorer Train, Arequipa

  11. Day 11

    Arequipa

  12. Day 12

    Depart Arequipa

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4The tour visits the World Heritage listed Salt Mines of Maras, where salt pools cascade down terraced slopes, and the circular Inca terraces at the Moray archaeological site.
  • Day 5The tour explores Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, with a local guide.
  • Day 9The tour spends a full day aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, described as South America's first luxury sleeper train, traveling through the Peruvian Highlands with a Piano Bar Car.
  • Day 10The rail journey ends as the Belmond Andean Explorer reaches Arequipa, described in the tour as a 16th century city.

Included

  • Visit the World Heritage-listed Salt Mines of Maras and the circular Inca terraces at the Moray archaeological site
  • Two-night luxury train journey aboard Belmond Andean Explorer, including all beverages
  • Relish an authentic lunch and a Peruvian Paso horse show at a private hacienda in Lima
  • Travel on Inca Rail's First Class Machu Picchu Train and enjoy a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board
  • Nine nights in luxury accommodation
  • Locally inspired dining, a total of 26 meals
  • Expert APT Tour Director and local guides

Not included

  • Flights to and from South America

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes a two-night journey aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer through the Peruvian Highlands, including all beverages, and a ride on Inca Rail's First Class Machu Picchu Train with a gourmet Andean-inspired lunch on board.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an escorted small group tour, limited to 24 guests, with an APT Tour Director and local guides throughout.
Which trains are used?
The Belmond Andean Explorer, described as South America's first luxury sleeper train, travels from Cusco to Arequipa via the Peruvian Highlands, and Inca Rail's First Class Machu Picchu Train runs to and from Machu Picchu.
What is not included?
Flights to and from South America are not included in the package.
How many meals are included?
The tour includes 26 meals across its 12 days, described as locally inspired dining.
What hotels are used?
The evidence does not name specific hotels; it states the tour includes nine nights in luxury accommodation.

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