What's the Most Luxurious Train in Latin America?

This train winds its way between the Andes Mountains and, with its midnight blue color, blends in with the landscape. Its interior design is just as amazing, with fabulous finishes, linen walls, leather seats, and elements of Peruvian culture. In this article, discover the most luxurious train in Latin America!
What's the Most Luxurious Train in Latin America?

Last update: 23 July, 2020

The most luxurious train in Latin America, the Belmond Andean Explorer, travels from Cusco to Arequipa, in southern Peru. This train reaches Lake Titicaca by crossing through the highest mountains in the Andes.

The train crosses the Peruvian Andes from the imperial city of Cusco, once the Inca capital. Then, it continues its journey through Lake Titicaca until it reaches the city of Arequipa, where it does the journey in the opposite direction.

You can explore the natural and cultural wonders of the Peruvian Andes at your own pace as one and two night trips are available.

This luxury sleeper train began operating in 2017 and is popular with lovers of South America. Its interior design stands out because it was inspired by Peruvian textiles and crafts. With soft colors, its decoration is woven with alpaca wool mixed with Andean gray tones, therefore creating a feeling of peace and tranquility.

A Belmond Andean Explorer cabin.
Image: belmond.com

Additionally, the luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer has an outdoor observatory car that is quite amazing. Here you can enjoy the wonderful landscapes accompanied by Peruvian music and dances.

This trip lasts approximately ten and a half hours. The journey begins with a welcome at Wanchaq Station (in Cusco) or at Puno Station where you can enjoy the music of local musicians when you board the train.

The train has suite-style cabins and bunk beds with a private bathroom and shower. In addition, the most luxurious train in Latin America is equipped with a lounge with a grand piano. It also has two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman wagons of the twenties.

Itineraries of the most luxurious train in Latin America, the Belmond Andean Explorer

Belmond Andean Explorer.
Image: belmond.com

People who travel on the Belmond Andean Explorer can choose different itineraries that last between one, two, or three nights.

The style of the first luxury train in South America is unique and bold. It crosses the impressive plateaus of the southern Peruvian Andes. In addition, the cars are decorated in a sublime way, with the impressive Peruvian landscapes as a backdrop.

Peruvian Highlands journey

This itinerary departs from Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire, and crosses the Andean Altiplano towards Puno, in search of the beauty of Lake Titicaca. The travelers have the chance to visit the cave paintings of the Sumbay Caves and the city of Arequipa.

This city holds the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanity from Unesco and its colonial buildings are built with volcanic stone.

Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery journey

This amazing journey begins in the city of Arequipa. From there, a night trip that culminates in Lake Titicaca begins. In addition to its beauty, this lake is the most navigable lake in the world. Along the way,  travelers enjoy wonderful views of deep valleys and high mountains, with a background of Andean fauna such as llamas, alpacas, or vicuñas.

Spirit of the Water journey

This journey departs from the Wanchaq Station in Cusco and heads to the city of Puno. It crosses areas with giant mountains and the great plains of the Southern Peruvian Andes and ends in the majestic Lake Titicaca. According to legend, the first Incas that populated ancient Peru emerged from this lake.

Spirit of the Andes journey (opposite direction)

This itinerary, unlike the previous one, takes the opposite direction. It begins at Puno Station and ends its journey at Wanchaq Station in the imperial city of Cusco. This is one of the most impressive train routes on the planet, and as you cross the plains that were occupied by ancient Andean cultures you can see the Andes Mountains.

The cars of the Belmond Andean Explorer, the most luxurious train in Latin America

The dining room car of the Belmond Andean Explorer.
Image: belmond.com

The train consists of 16 cars, which have been modernized with the best facilities and comfort. The project used original details, such as the wooden floors, combined with Andean textiles.

Through this decoration that combines modernity and Andean tradition, the cars manage to create an atmosphere of romance, nostalgia, and freedom. This luxurious train can accommodate up to 48 passengers.

Its elegant suites feature art deco details and beautiful mahogany paneling. They have many original details and pay tribute to the local culture.

The silver filigree that decorates the cars and the wrought iron railings of the observatory car stand out. In all the rooms, travelers can find alpaca wool blankets and hand-woven textiles, with brightly colored geometric designs and different motifs.

Traveling on the most luxurious train in Latin America, the Belmond Andean Explorer, is once in a lifetime experience because of the wonder it holds! On this trip, you’ll experience classic luxury and enjoy the impressive Andean landscape.