Experience the Belmond Andean Explorer Train

Written by Orange Cares | Octubre 26, 2023

Our experience with the Belmond Andean Explorer

Belmond launched the Andean Explorer, South America’s pioneering Luxury Sleeper Train, with the goal of providing a distinctive and refined journey for those traversing from Puno to Cusco or from Arequipa to Puno.

Undoubtedly, this initiative by Belmond is commendable as it prioritizes sustainability, aiming for a reduced environmental impact. However, as a premium product, many of our prospective customers inquire about its value for the price. To address these concerns, we have compiled a comprehensive analysis based on our CEO’s personal experience traveling aboard the Andean Explorer from Puno to Cusco.

Timetable

Journey	Departure City	Departure Day	Departure Time	Arrival City	Arrival Day	Arrival Time
Spirit of the Water	Cusco	Tuesday	11:00	Puno	Tuesday	22:14
Spirit of the Andes	Puno	Wednesday	12:00	Cusco	Thursday	07:36
Peruvian Highlands	Cusco	Tuesday	11:00	Arequipa	Saturday	15:30
Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery	Arequipa	Saturday	20:00	Cusco	Monday	12:58

Overnight stay in Lake Titicaca station, passengers will disembark on Wednesday
The stated departure days serve as a reference. The train does not run every week. If you have a specific request, please contact us.

What makes this train so special

The Belmond Andean Explorer is the first luxury sleeper train in South America.
This journey gives you the chance to experience the Andean Highlands from a different perspective.
Not only is traveling by train better for the environment than by car, but it also allows you to travel at a slower pace, taking in the pristine and everchanging landscapes.
Take amazing photos from the open deck of the observation carriage while traveling through the Altiplano.
The journey includes exclusive stops en route where you get to explore natural wonders such the La Raya pass.
Enjoy a personalized experience, ensured by a maximum capacity of only 48 guests onboard the train.

Traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients are served in the elegant dining carriages. The carefully thought-out menu is designed by the chefs of the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco. After dinner, you can enjoy a pisco sour from the bar while breathing in the fresh Andean air from the open deck in the observation carriage.

The Routes

Take your pick from a 1-night trip from Cusco to Puno (or reverse), or a 2-night experience from Cusco to Puno and Arequipa (or reverse).

Peruvian Highlands (3 Days / 2 Nights)

This route departs from Cusco and crosses the Altiplano towards Puno and the majestic Titicaca Lake. En route, you will visit the La Raya pass. After spending the night on the train parked at the Lake Titicaca station, you will visit the Uros Islands. In the afternoon you will start your journey to Arequipa and spend the night on board the train parked at Saracoche. The next morning you will visit the Sumbay Caves before arriving at Arequipa city in the afternoon.

Day 1 Cusco – Puno
10:00 Check-in at Wanchaq Station in Cusco
11:00 Train departure from Cusco
13:00 Lunch on board
16:30 Arrival at the La Raya pass
16:45 Tea time at the bar carriage
19:00 Cocktails and canapes at the Piano bar
19:30 Dinner on board
22:00 Arrival at the Titicaca Lake Station in Puno

Overnight at Titicaca Lake Station

Day 2 Puno – Saracocha
06:00 – 08:30 Breakfast on board
09:30 Visit to the Uros islands
12:30 Lunch on board
16:50 Departure to Saracoche
19:00 Cocktails and canapes at the Piano bar
19:30 Dinner on board
21:30 Arrival at Saracoche

Overnight at Saracoche

Day 3 Saracocha – Arequipa
06:00 – 08:30 Breakfast on board
09:50 Sumbay Caves Tour
11:30 Stop at Km 93: Disembark of guests going independently to Colca Canyon (not included in train ticket)
12:30 Lunch on board
15:30 Arrival in Arequipa

Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery (3 Days / 2 Nights)

Departing from Arequipa, this route heads to Cusco. After spending the night on the train while it travels towards Puno, you will visit the fascinating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca. In the evening you will head to the La Raya Pass where you will spend the night on board the train. The next morning you will continue on to Cusco city.

Day 1 Arequipa en route to Puno
19:00 Check-in at Arequipa Station
20:00 Departure from Arequipa
20:45 Dinner on board

Day 2 Puno – La Raya Pass
06:00 – 08:30 Breakfast on board
09:30 Visit to the Uros Islands
12:30 Lunch on board
16:50 Departure to the La Raya pass
19:00 Cocktails and canapes at the Piano bar
19:30 Dinner on board
22:40 Arrival at the La Raya pass

Overnight at the La Raya pass

Day 3 La Raya Pass – Cusco
06:00 – 08:30 Breakfast on board
08:30 Departure to Cusco
11:30 Brunch at the bar carriage
12:58 Arrival at Wanchaq Station in Cusco

Spirit of the Water (2 Days / 1 Night)

On this journey, you will depart from Cusco and travel towards Puno, home of the stunning Titicaca Lake. Before arriving at Puno, you will visit the La Raya Pass en route. After spending the night on board at the Lake Titicaca station you will disembark the train in the morning.

Day 1 Cusco – Puno
10:00 Check-in at Wanchaq Station in Cusco
11:00 Departure from Cusco
13:00 Lunch on board
16:30 Arrival at the La Raya pass
16:45 Tea time at the bar carriage
19:00 Cocktails and canapes at the Piano bar
19:30 Dinner on board
22:14 Arrival at Titicaca Lake Station in Puno

Overnight at Titicaca Lake Station

Day 2 Puno
06:00 – 08:30 Breakfast on board
08:30 Check out at Titicaca Lake Station in Puno

Spirit of the Andes (2 Days / 1 Night)

This route departs from Puno and travels through the pristine landscape of the Altiplano towards Cusco. En route, you will visit the La Raya pass. After spending the night on board at Cuisipata you will arrive at Cusco city in the morning.

Day 1 Puno – Cusipata
11:00 Check-in at Puno Dock Hangar
12:00 Departure from Titicaca Lake Station in Puno
13:30 Lunch on board
16:30 Bar and cooking classes
18:00 Arrival at the La Raya pass
19:00 Cocktails on board
19:30 Dinner on board
21:15 Arrival at Cusipata

Overnight at Cusipata

Day 2 Cusipata – Cusco
05:30 Departure from Cusipata
05:30 – 07:00 Breakfast on board
07:36 Arrival at Wanchaq Station in Cusco

Accommodation

Suite cabins

The suites are the most expensive and largest cabins on the train and feature:

A total area of 13.1 m2
A double bed
A sitting area with two seats
A wardrobe
An ensuite private bathroom with shower, washbasin, and WC
A mirror in front of the washbasin
A coatrack
110v/220v shaver socket outlet

Twin Bed Cabins

The twin bed cabins are the midrange cabins and feature:

A total area of 7.4 m2
A wardrobe
An ensuite private bathroom with shower, washbasin, and WC
A configuration for day and night use, allowing more space during the daytime
Two single beds in nighttime position
One banquette and one seat in daytime position
110v/220v shaver socket outlet

Bunk Bed Cabins

The bunk bed cabins are the smallest of the three types of cabins and feature:

A total area of 5.5 m2
A wardrobe
An ensuite private bathrooms with shower, washbasin, and WC
A configuration for day and night use, allowing more space during the daytime
Two single beds in nighttime position (bunk beds)
One banquette in daytime position
110v/220v shaver socket outlet

What to keep in mind

All the cabins aboard the Andean Explorer are rather small. It is recommended to bring a small backpack with everything you need to spend the night. Your luggage will be put in the storage compartment of the train.
Considering the high altitude at which the train is traveling, it is really important to be acclimatized beforehand. We recommend spending at least two days in the city you are starting the journey from (Puno, Cusco, or Arequipa) prior to your train journey.
In case you do experience altitude sickness, there are oxygen flasks on board, just ask a staff member.
This experience is not for those looking to get from one city to the next in the fastest way. The journey includes various stops and is for those who want to experience the Altiplano at a relaxed pace.
Nearly every night is spent parked at a station, so the train does not catch up on time by driving through the night. Only the first night of the Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery route is spent while traveling at a reduced speed.

While the Andean Explorer may have a higher price tag, it delivers a unique blend of luxury, unspoiled natural beauty, and culinary excellence, all while providing an intimate experience away from crowds. It is particularly appealing to those who value slow travel and are willing to compromise on cabin space in exchange for an exclusive train journey.