Andean Explorer is a Belmond luxury train operating along one of the world's highest rail routes in the Peruvian Andes, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth. Departing from Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, the train traverses the highest plains of the Andes — reaching altitudes of 4,800 metres — before arriving at the reflective beauty of Lake Titicaca and continuing to the volcanic White City of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unlike many overnight trains, the Andean Explorer does not travel through the night, ensuring guests enjoy every dramatic landscape by day and sleep peacefully during stationary stopovers. Cabins are equipped with in-built oxygen supply and a complimentary canister for use on excursions — essential comfort at altitude. Off-train excursions include the reed Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, the 8,000-year-old cave paintings at Sumbay, and the option to explore the vast Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest gorges and the realm of the Andean condor.
Gallery
Accommodation
The Andean Explorer accommodates 48 guests in 24 en-suite cabins: 8 Double Bed Suites, 11 Twin Bed Cabins, and 5 Bunk Bed Cabins. Interiors by designer Inge Moore of The Gallery HBA are inspired by Peru's hand-woven fabrics, blending soft alpaca wool tones with Andean slate greys to create a serene, distinctly Peruvian atmosphere.
Double Bed Suites (13.1 m²) — The largest cabins feature a double bed, a seating area with two chairs and a table, a tall wardrobe, and a full en-suite bathroom with shower, WC, vanity and pedestal washbasin.
Twin Bed Cabins (7.4 m²) — Configured as a long banquette and seat by day, the cabin converts to two ground-level single beds at night. Full en-suite bathroom with shower, WC and washbasin.
Bunk Bed Cabins (5.5 m²) — A classic sleeper experience with a long daytime banquette that becomes upper and lower berth single beds in the evening. En-suite bathroom with shower, WC and washbasin.
Public spaces include two elegant dining cars, a lounge car with baby grand piano, the Picaflor Spa Car, and an observation car with a large open-air deck for uninterrupted panoramic views of the Andes.
Itineraries
Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.
Peruvian Highlands: Cusco – Arequipa
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The flagship three-day journey departs Cusco, crosses the highest Andean plains, visits the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, explores the Sumbay Caves, and concludes in the UNESCO-listed White City of Arequipa. An optional extension to Colca Canyon is available.
Day 1 — Cusco
Check in at 10:00 at Monasterio Hotel before transferring to Wanchaq Station. Settle into your cabin as the train heads south-east toward Puno. Lunch is served in the dining car, followed by an afternoon visit to the Inca archaeological site of Raqch'i. Return to the train for afternoon tea as the sun sets over the La Raya mountains, then cocktails and dinner before arriving at Lake Titicaca for the overnight stay.
Day 2 — Lake Titicaca
Rise early for sunrise over Lake Titicaca before breakfast on board. Morning excursions explore the lake by boat, including a visit to the remarkable Uros Islands — man-made lands woven from totora reeds. Continue to Puno Muelle hangar for lunch before returning to the train for cocktails and canapés. Dinner is served as the train continues to Saracocha Lagoon for the overnight stop.
Day 3 — Sumbay Caves & Arequipa
An early wake-up reveals sunrise over Lake Lagunillas. After breakfast, visit the Sumbay Caves, home to rock paintings estimated at nearly 8,000 years old. Return to the train for lunch as the journey concludes in Arequipa. A complimentary transfer is provided to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP), arriving at approximately 18:00. Guests may choose to disembark at Cañahuas to explore Colca Canyon independently (supplement applies).
Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery: Arequipa – Cusco
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The reverse journey boards at Arequipa in the evening, travels overnight to Lake Titicaca for a morning of island exploration, then winds up through the La Raya pass to arrive in Cusco by early afternoon.
Day 1 — Arequipa to Lake Titicaca
Welcome drinks at Arequipa Station at 19:00 before boarding. Enjoy cocktails and dinner as the train travels through the night toward Lake Titicaca.
Day 2 — Lake Titicaca to La Raya
Awake to sunrise on Lake Titicaca (weather dependent). After breakfast, board boats to explore the lake and visit the Uros Islands. Continue to Puno Muelle hangar for lunch. Afternoon tea is served at the station before departure. Cocktails and dinner are served on board as the train travels to La Raya for the overnight stop.
Day 3 — La Raya to Cusco
Sunrise at La Raya. Breakfast on board, followed by brunch as the train descends toward Cusco. Arrival at Wanchaq Station at approximately 13:30.
Spirit of the Water: Cusco – Puno
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A one-night journey from Cusco to the shores of Lake Titicaca, departing on Tuesdays. Guests enjoy the full on-board experience — Pisco Sours in the observation car, afternoon tea, cocktails, and dinner — arriving at Puno Docks for an overnight lake-side stay, before disembarking at 08:30 the following morning.
Day 1 — Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Check in at 10:00 at Monasterio Hotel and transfer to Wanchaq Station. After settling in, head to the Observation Car for a classic Pisco Sour and watch the Andean scenery unfold. Lunch is served as the train heads for La Raya, followed by afternoon tea, cocktails with canapés, and dinner as the train reaches Puno Docks. Overnight at Lake Titicaca station.
Day 2 — Lake Titicaca (disembarkation)
Rise early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise across Lake Titicaca. Breakfast is served on board before the journey ends at 08:30.
Spirit of the Andes: Puno – Cusco
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The reverse of the Spirit of the Water itinerary, departing Puno on Wednesdays with lunch on board, cooking classes, and an overnight near Cusipata before arriving into Cusco Wanchaq Station at approximately 07:30.
Day 1 — Puno to Cusipata
Depart from Puno (Lake Titicaca) with lunch on board. Enjoy cooking classes as the train climbs toward La Raya. Cocktails and dinner are served before the train arrives and overnights at Cusipata at 21:00.
Day 2 — Cusipata to Cusco
Early departure with breakfast on board, arriving at Cusco Wanchaq Station at approximately 07:30.
Departure Dates
| Date | Direction / Route | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, 28 Jun 2026 | Arequipa - Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
| Sun, 28 Jun 2026 | Arequipa - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Mon, 29 Jun 2026 | Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 2 Jul 2026 | Cusco - Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 2 Jul 2026 | Cusco - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 3 Jul 2026 | Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 3 Sep 2026 | Cusco - Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 3 Sep 2026 | Cusco - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 4 Sep 2026 | Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Sun, 6 Sep 2026 | Arequipa - Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
| Sun, 6 Sep 2026 | Arequipa - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Mon, 7 Sep 2026 | Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 31 Dec 2026 | Cusco - Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 5 Mar 2027 | Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Sun, 7 Mar 2027 | Arequipa - Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
| Sun, 7 Mar 2027 | Arequipa - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Mon, 8 Mar 2027 | Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 11 Mar 2027 | Cusco - Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 11 Mar 2027 | Cusco - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 2 Sep 2027 | Cusco - Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Thu, 2 Sep 2027 | Cusco - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Fri, 3 Sep 2027 | Puno - Arequipa | Available | Reserve → |
| Sun, 5 Sep 2027 | Arequipa - Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
| Sun, 5 Sep 2027 | Arequipa - Puno | Available | Reserve → |
| Mon, 6 Sep 2027 | Puno - Cusco | Available | Reserve → |
Cabins & Prices
| Cabin / Suite | Basis | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double Bed Suite | per cabin | USD |
| Twin Bed Cabin | per cabin | USD |
| Bunk Bed Cabin | per cabin | USD |
Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.