Luxury hospitality and travel operator Belmond has announced an expansion of its rail operations with plans to launch South America’s first luxury sleeper train.
Slated for a 2017 launch, the Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru will run on one of the highest rail lines in the world through the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa.
The train can accommodate 68 guests in en-suite cabins including double and twin cabins and bunk bed cabins for two guests.
Meals served in the two dining cars will be created by chefs at Belmond’s Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, and there is a dedicated lounge car and observation car with an open air deck.
Four itineraies are planned including the overnight ‘Spirit of the Andes’ journey from Lake Titicaca to Cusco, or the two night, three day ‘Peruvian Highlands’ which reaches 4,800 meters in altitude departing Cusco to Puno for Lake Titicaca and then on to Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Belmond Andean Explorer becomes the company’s eighth luxury train.
It is owned by PeruRail, and will be operated by Belmond in a joint venture with Peruvian investors.
