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Railbookers · Escorted tour

The Luxury Trains of Peru

14-day escorted rail tour through Peru's Andes to Machu Picchu

Illustration of The Luxury Trains of Peru

Railbookers operates this 14-day, 13-night escorted tour across Peru, starting and ending near Lima and traveling through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Colca Canyon and Arequipa. Two of the signature journeys are named trains from Belmond: the Hiram Bingham, decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages, carries travelers to Machu Picchu with onboard cuisine and live Peruvian music, and the Andean Explorer gives two nights in a private Suite Cabin as it travels from Cusco toward Arequipa via Lake Titicaca, with stops to visit the Uros islands and Taquile Island. Private guides and drivers accompany the group throughout, including a full-day tour of Lima, a guided walk through the Sacred Valley's Maras Saltpans and Moray terraces, and a viewpoint over the Colca Canyon to look for Andean condors. This suits travelers who want an escorted, fully guided trip through Peru's Andean highlands with two nights of overnight luxury train travel built in.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary text shows overnight stays in Machu Picchu on both day 5 and day 6, while the included list states only 1 night's accommodation there; confirm the exact overnight schedule with Railbookers.
  • The evidence lists several hotel properties for some cities, for example four in Lima, without specifying which one is confirmed for a booking; confirm accommodation with Railbookers.
  • No current departure dates are listed in our records for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lima

    Your Journey Begins in Lima

    Welcome to Peru! You will be met on your arrival at the airport, then transported to your city center hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lima

    Lima

    Today is a day exploring the riches of the city, with your private guide. Visit Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, and the Government Palace. Discover the Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, with its remarkable interior and rich history dating back to 1535. Then, the Larco Herrera Museum to delve into Peru's ancient past, featuring a vast collection of pre-Columbian art. Enjoy a delightful meal at Café del Museo Restaurant within the museum complex. Explore the bohemian district of Barranco, known for its artistic history and the iconic Puente de los Suspiros.

  3. Day 3overnight: The Sacred Valley

    The Sacred Valley

    Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to take you to the airport, where they will also assist with all check-in procedures and departure formalities. The flight to Cusco is just 1hr and 25mins, and you will be met on arrival, then driven on the 1hr 30min drive to The Sacred Valley. Along the way, you can visit the impressive Sulca Museum, which recreates fabrics from ancient Peru, and lunch at the lovely Hacienda Huayoccari.

  4. Day 4overnight: The Sacred Valley

    The Sacred Valley

    After breakfast enjoy a guided journey through the Inca's Sacred Valley, exploring the ancient Maras Saltpans where salt has been harvested for millennia. Witness the breathtaking array of colors in the salt deposits and visit the enigmatic Moray terraces, considered a colossal agricultural lab, astronomical observatory, and place of worship with its circular terraces nestled in cone-shaped depressions. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Community of Misminay, and following your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Machu Picchu

    Machu Picchu

    After a brief visit to the historic site of Ollantaytambo, transfer to the train station for a memorable journey. As you travel from the Andean highlands to the jungle, enjoy the scenic transformation before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes. Your luggage will be managed seamlessly as you embark on a short bus ride to the renowned ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Revel in a guided tour of this enigmatic Lost City of the Incas.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Machu Picchu

    Machu Picchu

    Following a short transfer, you will board the famous Hiram Bingham train today bound for Machu Picchu. Decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages each of which has been finished in the finest polished wood. The finest cuisine is included together with live traditional Peruvian music. Venture to the observation car to take in the sublime scenery before you arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes. Your luggage will be taken care of as you take the short bus ride to the famous ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas.

  7. Day 7overnight: Cusco

    Cusco

    Explore the beautiful city of Cusco today. The cobbled streets and original Inca walls are second to none when it comes to archaeological treasures. Highlights of the tour include the Santa Domingo church, which is built on Inca Temple Koricancha's foundations, the Cristobal viewpoint for some amazing views, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Inca baths of Tambomachay, and finally a tour of the magnificent Main Plaza and Cathedral. Head back to your hotel to refresh, then perhaps return to the Main Plaza for dinner.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard The Andean Explorer

    Overnight Onboard The Andean Explorer

    You will be escorted to the station with plenty of time for your 11 am departure, and onboard you will quickly settle into the opulent surroundings. Your private suite, the dining cars, and the bar are all beautifully decorated, and the outdoor observatory is the best place to enjoy the Andean scenery. Following lunch, there is a tour of the site of Raqchi – an archaeological site that boasts several architectural gems. Back onboard for afternoon tea, then a brief stop at La Raya to soak up the stunning sunset over the La Raya mountain range – the highest point of the journey at 4,000ft above sea level. Relax with your traveling companions over dinner onboard, then perhaps a nightcap in the lounge car as the train continues its way to Lake Titicaca.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Onboard The Andean Explorer

    Overnight Onboard The Andean Explorer

    An early wake-up is worth it today so you can see the sunrise across the lake with breakfast. Disembark the train for an excursion to the magnificent Uros islands, manmade islands constructed from reeds that are constantly being replenished. Then it's on to Taquile Island, noted for the stunning agricultural terraces where you will enjoy lunch in a private location by the lake. From here it's back on the train to enjoy some time to relax in your suite, the bar, or the spa. Enjoy dinner onboard as the train makes its way to Arequipa.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Colca Canyon

    The Colca Canyon

    Enjoy an early breakfast before heading off for a fascinating excursion to explore the scenery of Lake Lagunillas, then visit the Sumbay caves, home to fascinating paintings estimated to be over 8000 years old. Bid farewell to the train at Sumbay Station, from where you continue your journey to the Colca Canyon by road. The scenery is wonderful as you cross Pampa Cañahuas within the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you will come across herds of Alpacas and Vicuñas. Make a stop to refresh with a cup of Coca Tea, then continue over passes offering panoramic views of numerous volcanoes that serve as the origins of the Amazon River. Stop for lunch and perhaps a stroll around Chivay before arriving at your hotel.

  11. Day 11overnight: Colca Canyon

    The Colca Canyon

    In the early morning, you will be driven to the 'Cruz del Condor' observation point, which offers a magnificent view of the expansive Colca Canyon. While not its deepest point, this spot allows you to marvel at the canyon's grandeur, and, with some luck, witness the majestic Andean condors – the world's largest flying birds, soaring above the high plain. On the way back to the lodge, explore villages showcasing ancient terraces built by the Collaguas, a pre-Inka culture. From here take a stroll around the towns of Maca at the base of the volcano Sabancaya, and then Yanque whose beautiful baroque church stands as a testament to the cultural fusion of the colonial era. Once back at the lodge, relax and enjoy at your leisure.

  12. Day 12overnight: Arequipa

    The Colca Canyon to Arequipa

    Today you will be transferred to Chivay for lunch, then it's a three-hour drive to Arequipa passing lookouts and villages and crossing Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve along the way. Once you have arrived in Arequipa settle into your hotel, then enjoy dinner in the evening.

  13. Day 13overnight: Arequipa

    Arequipa

    Enjoy a private half-day tour of Arequipa today, exploring its main square, one of Peru's most beautiful, and the Cathedral, a prime example of 19th-century Peruvian architecture with treasures in gold and silver. Visit the historic La Compañia Church, an important Jesuit temple. Then, explore the Santa Catalina Convent, a 19th-century 'small town' opened to the public in 1970 after 400 years as a cloister. Immaculately preserved, it offers a glimpse into the past with spacious patios, gardens, a kitchen, slave quarters, and stone washbasins, still inhabited by about 20 nuns.

  14. Day 14

    Your Journey Ends in Lima

    A driver will collect you from your hotel at the appropriate time to take you to the airport for your included flight to Lima.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 6Boarding the Hiram Bingham train, decorated in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages, with onboard cuisine and live traditional Peruvian music en route to Machu Picchu.
  • Day 8Boarding the Andean Explorer for an 11am departure into a private suite, with an outdoor observation car for taking in the Andean scenery.
  • Day 9An early breakfast to watch the sunrise over the lake, followed by a stop at the man-made reed islands of Uros and a lakeside lunch on Taquile Island.
  • Day 11A visit to the Cruz del Condor observation point for views over the Colca Canyon and a chance to see Andean condors.

Included

  • Roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu onboard the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train
  • 2 nights onboard the Andean Explorer A Belmond Train, in a Suite Cabin including En Suite facilities
  • Air-conditioning
  • All onboard meals and beverages
  • Onboard entertainment
  • All Excursions
  • Guides and bus transfers
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lima
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in The Sacred Valley
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Machu Picchu
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cusco
  • 2 nights at the Colca Lodge including breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast in Arequipa
  • Full-day private city tour of Lima
  • Full-day private tour of Maras Saltpans, and Moray Terraces including lunch
  • Afternoon, and morning tours of Machu Picchu, including entrance fees
  • Half-day private tour of Cusco, and the surrounding archaeological sites
  • Half-day private tour of Colca Canyon
  • Private scenic transfer from Colca to Arequipa, including lunch
  • Half-day private tour of Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery
  • airfare from Lima to Cusco, and Arequipa to Lima
  • All airport/hotel/station private transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham and two nights onboard the Andean Explorer in a Suite Cabin are both included, along with all onboard meals, beverages and entertainment.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's listed as an escorted tour, with private guides, drivers and bus transfers included throughout.
Which trains are used?
The Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train, roundtrip to Machu Picchu, and the Andean Explorer, a Belmond train, from Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca.
What is included?
All onboard meals and beverages, guides, transfers and excursions, plus hotel breakfasts throughout and private city tours in Lima, the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Colca Canyon.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $22,029 USD per person.

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