A Magical Luxury Train Journey Through Peru with Room for Improvement

We embarked on the Andean Explorer from Cusco to Colca Canyon as part of a private tour in Peru, arranged by a luxury travel agency. After bidding farewell to our private guide in Cusco, we enjoyed excursions included in the Andean Explorer’s itinerary and were met by a new guide at the Colca Canyon train stop. None of us had experienced a luxury train ride before, so we were eager to try it. With the train cost bundled into the overall tour package, we could almost disregard its hefty price tag. We chose twin bed cabins, preferring not to sleep in bunk beds or a smaller double bed, given our height. The experience exceeded our expectations. The cabin's interior was beautifully designed with vintage details and ingenious storage solutions. With large luggage stowed separately by staff, we found sufficient space to keep the room neat and comfortable. Despite being on a moving train, everything remained remarkably well-maintained. The twin beds and pillows were incredibly comfortable, ensuring restful sleep. By day, the convertible seating arrangements were perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery. The compact bathroom was impressively designed, featuring a great shower, divine-smelling toiletries, and luxurious fluffy towels. We also loved the complimentary knick-knacks like chunky socks and alpaca scarves, contributing to the overall sense of indulgence. We didn't anticipate much from the food and drinks, despite our usual high standards when traveling at a premium price. To our delight, meals, wines, and cocktails were fantastic. Breakfasts were hearty yet offered healthy options, and dinners were fun, with well-portioned three-course meals paired with excellent wine. The bar was well-stocked with everything from non-alcoholic drinks to fine spirits like 18-year Glenmorangie and Veuve Clicquot champagne. Guests had varied dinner attire, from casual daywear to more formal outfits. While we opted for semi-dressy looks, it was clear that this was a free-spirited environment where everyone was comfortable doing their own thing. The excursions were enjoyable and well-orchestrated. While we skipped the 5:15 a.m. sunrise coffee outing, our friends who participated shared stunning photos. The inclusive day trip to Lake Titicaca’s floating Uros islands and Taquile island for lunch was a highlight, as it wasn’t something we would have planned ourselves. The surprising beach hangout after, complete with refreshing cocktails, was also a treat. Other stops along the way, like the Raqchi Archaeological Park and Sumbay Caves, provided interesting cultural and natural insights. Our cabin's location near the back of the train kept us close to the stylish bar car and observatory deck, which became our favorite hangouts. Though our restaurant car was also nearby, we didn’t explore the piano bar car at the train's front. Wi-Fi was only available in the observatory bar, but we weren’t bothered by the limited connectivity. The staff was generally friendly and attentive, with special kudos to David and Cynthia in the bar and Javier in the restaurant. However, there were a few communication hiccups that could have been better handled, especially considering the train’s luxury status. Simple requests like more water or morning coffee sometimes required excessive effort, partly due to language barriers and training gaps. For instance, an issue with our missing shower head took hours to resolve due to poor follow-up. There were also avoidable miscommunications about excursions, like failing to advise passengers to wear appropriate footwear for rocky trails or alerting them to potential altitude challenges. A printed guide or PA announcements could have provided much-needed clarity. The train check-in and welcome at the Belmond hotel in Cusco were somewhat chaotic, and our disembarkation process was confusing. We were told to get off at Km 93 for Colca Canyon, but the train stopped unexpectedly at Km 99. A bartender confirmed it was the correct stop, but staff miscommunication left us puzzled. Despite these minor setbacks, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. As we sipped coffee in bed on the last morning, watching the shifting landscape of mountains, valleys, and a lone vicuña in the snow, we felt utterly enchanted. The Andean Explorer added something truly magical to our Peruvian adventure, and we highly recommend it for a unique and unforgettable journey.