The Complete Guide
All You Want to Know
All You Want to Know
About Andean Explorer
The Belmond Andean Explorer is South America's first luxury sleeper train, winding through the breathtaking Peruvian Andes between the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, the shimmering shores of Lake Titicaca, and the UNESCO-listed White City of Arequipa. On board, five-star service, gourmet Andean cuisine, a spa car, and an open-air observation deck transform one of the world's highest rail routes into a journey unlike any other. Whether you travel for one night or three, every mile reveals landscapes that simply cannot be seen any other way.
At a Glance
| Region | South America · Peru |
| Countries | Peru |
| Journey length | 1–3 nights |
| Itineraries | Peruvian Highlands: Cusco – Arequipa; Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery: Arequipa – Cusco; Spirit of the Water: Cusco – Puno; Spirit of the Andes: Puno – Cusco |
| Upcoming departures | 25 dates, Jun 2026 – Sep 2027 · view dates → |
| Reservations | 1-800-724-5120 · travel@palacetours.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Andean Explorer and where does it travel?+
The Belmond Andean Explorer is a luxury sleeper train operating along one of the world's highest rail routes in the Peruvian Andes. It travels between Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Lake Titicaca — the highest navigable lake on earth — and Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage city framed by volcanic peaks. The route reaches altitudes of up to 4,800 metres, offering dramatic high-plains scenery found nowhere else.
What journeys and itineraries are available, and how long are they?+
There are four itineraries ranging from one to three nights. The flagship Peruvian Highlands: Cusco – Arequipa (3 days, 2 nights) covers the full route with excursions to the Uros Islands and Sumbay Caves, plus an optional Colca Canyon extension. The reverse journey, Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery: Arequipa – Cusco, runs the same route in the opposite direction over two days and nights. Two one-night options — Spirit of the Water (Cusco to Puno) and Spirit of the Andes (Puno to Cusco) — offer a shorter taste of the experience, departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively.
How much does it cost to travel on the Andean Explorer?+
Pricing varies by cabin type, journey, season, and party size — please contact Palace Trains for a personalised quote for your chosen departure. We'll confirm the current fare for your preferred cabin and journey and ensure you have everything you need to plan your trip. Call us toll-free on 1-800-724-5120, reach us internationally or via WhatsApp on +1-786-408-0610, or email travel@palacetours.com.
What cabin types and accommodation are available on board?+
The Andean Explorer accommodates 48 guests in 24 en-suite cabins across three categories. Double Bed Suites (13.1 m²) are the most spacious, featuring a double bed, a seating area, and a full en-suite bathroom. Twin Bed Cabins (7.4 m²) convert from a daytime banquette to two ground-level single beds, with a full en-suite bathroom. Bunk Bed Cabins (5.5 m²) offer an upper and lower berth with an en-suite bathroom — a classic sleeper experience. All interiors are designed by Inge Moore of The Gallery HBA, inspired by Peru's hand-woven fabrics and Andean slate tones.
What is included in the fare?+
Belmond Andean Explorer fares typically include all on-board meals in the dining cars, afternoon tea, cocktails and canapés, excursions as featured in the itinerary, and use of all public spaces including the spa car and open-air observation deck. An in-cabin oxygen supply and a complimentary oxygen canister for shore excursions are also provided — a practical and thoughtful inclusion at altitude. Exact inclusions can vary by journey and cabin; Palace Trains will confirm precisely what is covered for your chosen departure.
When does the Andean Explorer operate, and when can I travel?+
The Andean Explorer runs select departures in March, June, July, September, and December, with 25 upcoming departures available through to September 2027. Availability varies by journey and dates fill quickly given the train's intimate capacity of just 48 guests. Check the departure table on the Andean Explorer page for specific dates, or contact Palace Trains to find the departure that best fits your schedule.
Who operates the Andean Explorer and what makes it special?+
The Andean Explorer is operated by Belmond, the global luxury hospitality brand behind some of the world's most celebrated trains and hotels. It holds the distinction of being South America's first luxury sleeper train. What truly sets it apart is the combination of extraordinary destination — one of the earth's highest and most dramatic rail corridors — with world-class service, Andean-inspired interiors, a Picaflor Spa Car, and a remarkable open-air observation deck that brings passengers face-to-face with the Andes at their most spectacular.
How do I book or check availability?+
Palace Trains handles all bookings and enquiries for the Andean Explorer. Contact our travel specialists toll-free on 1-800-724-5120, internationally or via WhatsApp on +1-786-408-0610, or by email at travel@palacetours.com. We'll help you choose the right itinerary, cabin, and departure date, and take care of every detail from booking to board.
What off-train excursions are included?+
The flagship Cusco–Arequipa journey includes excursions to the Inca archaeological site of Raqch'i, a boat trip to the remarkable reed Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, and a visit to the Sumbay Caves — home to rock paintings estimated to be nearly 8,000 years old. Guests may also choose to disembark at Cañahuas to explore the vast Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest gorges and a habitat of the Andean condor (supplement applies). The reverse Arequipa–Cusco journey similarly includes the Uros Islands excursion.
How does the train manage high-altitude travel?+
The Andean Explorer reaches altitudes of up to 4,800 metres above sea level — higher than many Alpine summits — so Belmond has designed the journey with guest comfort at altitude firmly in mind. Every cabin is fitted with an in-built oxygen supply, and each guest receives a complimentary oxygen canister to carry on excursions. The train also avoids overnight travel through the highest sections, ensuring passengers sleep peacefully during stationary stopovers and are refreshed for each day's dramatic landscapes.