Belmond Andean Explorer Train

 The first luxurious train in South America, Since the summer of 2017. The Belmond Andean Explorer - travels through the majestic Andean countryside along some of the world's highest-lying railroads. The first thing that arouses interest is its route: it runs between Cuzco (the ancient capital of the Inca Empire) and the picturesque city of Arequipa. The second thing that will not leave you indifferent is its interior, made in the spirit of the 1920s and 1930s, and the unique views that open up to travellers.

Belmond Train Peru

The hotel on wheels was designed by the London agency Muza Lab. Inge Moore described the idea of ​​the project as follows: "We wanted to create a space where you can calmly think and dream, where the beauty of the earth fills the soul."

The train is designed for 48 passengers. But in it, you will not find any reserved seats or shared coaches, only luxurious coupes in various variations. By the way, they are more reminiscent of the rooms of expensive hotels. Single cabins of the luxury class, double and coupe with bunk shelves - the choice makes your stay here even more comfortable. The train also has two restaurants, a spa area with panoramic windows, a bar and a grand piano, and a boutique where you can buy handmade gifts. The restaurant's menu includes delicious dishes from vegetables and fruits that were grown in the Andes.

Belmond Andean Explorer Train

However, Belmond Andean Explorer is interesting not only by its non-standard route but also by providing a haven for long-distance travel fans inside it. The structure does not find reserved seats or typical common carriages, but there are only compartments in different variations, each of which looks more like a room in an expensive hotel.

A unique Belmond Andean Explorer train Inca Empire of Cusco in Peru

The main feature of the train is its wide viewing windows, allowing you to fully admire the local view. Belmond Andean Explorer also has its own observation platform, where travellers can enjoy outdoor activities. Among other things, on the train, you can find a carriage with large panoramic windows, where a bar and a piano are also located.

The train has comfortable single rooms of the "luxury" class, as well as double, two-room and a compartment with shelves with two tiers. All rooms are equipped with their own showers and toilets.

Belmond Andean Explorer has two restaurant cars, which are distinguished by expensive finishes and first-class service. Here you can find rather non-standard dishes prepared only with fresh products, and you can also try fruits grown in the Peruvian Andes. The menu itself was compiled by the chefs of one of the most famous hotels in Peru.

Everything on the train is equipped for the convenience of passengers, and the design has virtually nothing to do with standard cars. Therefore, there are no familiar shelves for things or worn-out wafer towels. The main element of the design of the express train is a stepped cross, which since ancient times has been in great demand directly in South America.

Another “feature” of the train is a sightseeing car. Sofas are installed here - you can relax and drink cocktails in the fresh air, getting real pleasure from the surrounding beauty.

A shelf for personal belongings in a luxury train has nothing to do with what passengers of ordinary trains are used to. There are no washed waffle towels here.

One of the repeating design elements of the Belmond Andean Express - The Chakana - is a stepped cross, which has been widespread in South America since ancient times.

It is depicted on the walls of the wagons, on the uniform of the service staff, on napkins and glasses, and even on bathrobes and towels provided to guests.

In addition to two restaurants, the train has a saloon with panoramic windows, a bar and a piano. Here you can also enjoy the fantastic beauty of Peruvian landscapes. And, of course, communicate with fellow travellers.

According to The Telegraph, about $ 10 million had to be spent to equip the vehicle. In total, the train has 24 compartments, with about 50 employees.

A standard ticket from Cuzco to, in fact, Arequipa through Belmond Andean Explorer will cost $ 1.4 thousand. It is worth noting that the train immediately became popular among travellers and tickets are sold out quickly, despite their high cost.