72 Hours on South America's Luxury Train

Peru's luxury train journey aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer is one of South America's most iconic travel experiences. This five-day route takes you from the bustling streets of Lima through the Sacred Valley to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, with a spectacular overnight train crossing the Altiplano past Lake Titicaca. The Belmond Andean Explorer is the first luxury sleeper train in South America, offering plush cabins, gourmet Peruvian cuisine, and panoramic observation cars that showcase the dramatic Andean landscapes. Starting in Lima, you'll explore the country's culinary capital — ranked among the world's best food cities — before flying to Cusco and boarding the train. The route climbs to over 4,300 meters at La Raya Pass, where alpacas graze against snow-capped peaks, then descends to the shores of Lake Titicaca for a cultural stop at the floating Uros islands. Back in Cusco, explore the colonial plazas and Inca walls before taking the scenic PeruRail Vistadome to Aguas Calientes. Arrive at Machu Picchu for sunrise — watching the mist lift off the ruins as the first light hits the Temple of the Sun is a moment you'll never forget. This trip combines Peru's incredible history, world-class cuisine, and breathtaking scenery into one unforgettable luxury adventure. Budget travelers can adapt this route using local buses and hostels, but the train experience is truly once-in-a-lifetime.