Andean Explorer Luxury Train

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Andean Explorer train passing through Cusco on a misty morning
Andean Explorer in Cusco in February 2017; the operating consist may differ by departure. Photo by: EL GUILLE! — Source, CC BY 2.0. Edited

REQUEST VIP coordinates an Andean Explorer luxury train request around a named Peru route, direction, date and cabin. The official programme can mean one or two nights aboard between Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. Share altitude tolerance, mobility and onward plans so each operational detail can be checked before commitment.

Key Facts

  • Belmond currently publishes 35 sleeper cabins and departures from Cusco, Puno or Arequipa.
  • Suite, Twin and Bunk Bed cabins each have a private en-suite bathroom; the beds and daytime layouts differ.
  • The Cusco–Arequipa Peruvian Highlands itinerary is two nights aboard, travelling via Puno and Lake Titicaca.
  • La Raya Pass is 4,338 metres above sea level; supplemental oxygen is available on request, but it is not a substitute for medical advice.

Andean Explorer Concierge Booking

Start with the journey rather than a generic ticket request. Peruvian Highlands runs from Cusco to Arequipa, while Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery travels from Arequipa to Cusco. Belmond also lists one-night sectors linking Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. Direction changes the sequence of Lake Titicaca, archaeological visits, meals and connections.

REQUEST VIP should return a written option naming departure station, arrival station, scheduled date, two-person or sole occupancy, cabin category and booking status. A route shown online is not proof of space. The response must distinguish confirmed operator inventory from a request, waitlist or alternative date, and connect the proposal to the wider luxury-train journey collection.

Cabins, bathrooms and luggage

A Suite has a double bed, seating and the largest layout in the current cabin range. A Twin Cabin converts from a banquette and seats into two ground-level single beds. A Bunk Bed Cabin changes from a long banquette into upper and lower single berths. All three published categories have a private en-suite, so the decision is about bed access, floor space and daytime use rather than whether the bathroom is shared.

Cabin storage remains limited. Belmond’s current FAQ permits one carry-on or backpack in the cabin per passenger, up to 5 kilograms and 114 centimetres across height, length and width combined. Larger bags travel in storage and are not beside you. Pack medication, documents and the first night’s essentials accordingly; a private aviation connection should leave a realistic luggage-transfer margin.

Route nights, altitude and access

Belmond publishes the two-night Peruvian Highlands service from Cusco on Thursday at 11:00 to Arequipa on Saturday at 15:30, subject to national railway constraints and last-minute change. Its stated inclusions are accommodation aboard, onboard meals and beverages, entertainment and the excursions listed for that departure. The reverse two-night journey has its own timing and visit order; neither should be treated as interchangeable.

The route reaches high Andean terrain. Belmond places La Raya at 4,338 metres and says the train can reach about 4,300 metres at its highest point. Disclose recent illness, cardiopulmonary concerns or reduced mobility to an appropriate clinician and the operator before booking. One accessible Bunk Bed Cabin with a wet-room can be requested, but the rest of the train lacks disabled facilities; crossings are uneven, ramps may be steep and the Sumbay Caves visit is not recommended for limited mobility.

Inclusions and booking terms

Read the dated itinerary line by line. Confirm which meals, beverages and excursions are included, whether transfers at the endpoints are present, and what happens if rail operations alter a stop. A Peru entry visa may depend on nationality, and non-Peruvian passengers need a passport valid beyond the journey. REQUEST VIP can coordinate checks but cannot decide entry, railway or health eligibility.

Do not compare proposals until currency, occupancy, taxes, payment deadline, amendment rules and cancellation charges are aligned. The operator’s confirmation and invoice govern the booking. Consider a different sleeper format such as The Ghan or a daylight-and-hotel structure such as Rocky Mountaineer when altitude or compact heritage access makes this route unsuitable.

REQUEST VIP is an independent concierge service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or an official partner of Belmond, Andean Explorer or PeruRail.

How It Works

  1. Send dates, route direction, guests, bed preference, luggage, mobility and altitude considerations.
  2. REQUEST VIP requests the named cabin and a dated inclusions and terms summary through .
  3. Review train nights, excursions, accessibility, passport requirements, payment schedule and cancellation exposure.
  4. Confirm only after the operator documents the journey, then add protected arrival and onward arrangements.

CTA

Send REQUEST VIP your Peru dates, direction, guests, cabin preference and altitude or mobility considerations for a verified Andean Explorer request.

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FAQ

Does every Andean Explorer cabin have a private bathroom?

Belmond’s current accommodation guidance says Suite, Twin and Bunk Bed cabins each have a private en-suite. Their main differences are bed arrangement, space and how the cabin converts between day and night.

How many nights are spent aboard the Andean Explorer?

Published journeys include one- and two-night options. Peruvian Highlands from Cusco to Arequipa and its reverse counterpart each place two nights aboard; verify the exact dated itinerary.

How high does the Andean Explorer travel?

Belmond says the route can reach about 4,300 metres, and gives La Raya Pass as 4,338 metres. Supplemental oxygen can be requested, but travellers should seek personal medical advice before committing.

Is the Andean Explorer wheelchair accessible?

One accessible Bunk Bed Cabin with a wet-room can be specifically requested, yet the rest of the train is not fitted with disabled facilities. Uneven carriage crossings, steep ramps and certain excursions require an individual suitability review.

Can REQUEST VIP guarantee Andean Explorer availability?

No. Cabin allocation and departure operation remain under the operator’s control. REQUEST VIP can request and document a named option once its authorised access and response process are verified.