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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Wonders of Peru and The Andean Explorer

Private-guided Peru rail vacation with 2 nights on the Andean Explorer

Illustration of The Wonders of Peru and The Andean Explorer

Railbookers runs this fourteen-day independent rail vacation through Peru with private guides throughout, starting and ending in Lima. After two nights in the capital, the trip moves through the Sacred Valley to see the Maras salt pans and Moray terraces, then takes the train to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, followed by a day left unguided to explore the ruins, climb Huayna Picchu, or visit the hot springs. From Cusco, two nights are spent onboard the Andean Explorer, a Belmond luxury sleeper train, traveling via Lake Titicaca with stops at the man-made Uros Islands and Taquile Island. The train continues toward Colca Canyon, where a private tour visits the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to look for Andean condors, before the trip finishes with a private half-day tour of Arequipa. With Belmond hotels, private guiding, and a luxury sleeper train at its center, this suits travelers who want Peru's major sites covered without planning the logistics themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as multiple options per city, such as four choices in Lima and three in Arequipa; which one you're booked into depends on the tier chosen, from the Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores to the JW Marriott Hotel Lima.
  • Despite private guides throughout the rest of the trip, day 6 at Machu Picchu is unguided: exploring the ruins, climbing Huayna Picchu, or visiting the hot springs at Aguas Calientes is left to you.
  • No current departure dates are listed in this itinerary; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

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

    Lima to 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

    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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Machu Picchu

    The Sacred Valley to 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: Cusco

    Machu Picchu to Cusco

    Rise and shine early today as the sunrise over Machu Picchu is a sight you don't want to miss. It's a day to enjoy unguided, so be it a stroll around the ancient ruins, a climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for even better views, or a visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, it's up to you. In the afternoon, return to Cusco by scenic train.

  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.

  8. Day 8overnight: 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. 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.

  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. 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.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Colca Canyon

    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.

  11. Day 11overnight: Colca Canyon

    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 and, with some luck, the majestic Andean condors soaring above the high plain. On the way back explore villages showcasing ancient terraces built by the Collaguas, a pre-Inka culture, and the towns of Maca and Yanque.

  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.

  13. Day 13overnight: Arequipa

    Arequipa

    Enjoy a private half-day tour of Arequipa today, exploring its main square and the Cathedral. 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.

  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 5A scenic train from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, transitioning from the Andean highlands to the jungle, followed by a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Day 6Sunrise over Machu Picchu, with the option of an unguided climb to the top of Huayna Picchu.
  • Day 8Boarding the Andean Explorer in an opulent Suite Cabin, with the outdoor observation car for taking in the Andean scenery.
  • Day 9Breakfast watching the sunrise over Lake Titicaca, then excursions to the man-made Uros Islands and Taquile Island.
  • Day 11A visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint over Colca Canyon to look for Andean condors.

Included

  • Roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu
  • 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. Round-trip rail to Machu Picchu is included, along with two nights in a Suite Cabin aboard the Andean Explorer.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation with private guides throughout, apart from one unguided day at Machu Picchu.
Which train is used for the multi-day leg?
The Andean Explorer, traveling from Cusco to Arequipa via Lake Titicaca, in a Suite Cabin with en suite facilities, air conditioning, and all onboard meals and beverages.
What's included besides trains and hotels?
All excursions, guides and bus transfers, entrance fees at Machu Picchu, and airfare from Lima to Cusco and from Arequipa back to Lima.
What hotels are included?
A choice of hotels in each city, such as Belmond's Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu and the Monasterio in Cusco, plus two nights at the Colca Lodge near Colca Canyon.
Are internal flights included?
Yes, airfare from Lima to Cusco and from Arequipa back to Lima is included.

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