Rail Journeys Of The Andes

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Today begins your fantastic rail journey aboard TREN CRUCERO. Starting at sea level the train climbs 3,600 metres into the imposing Andes mountain range and its ever-present snow-capped volcanos, revealing one of the most dramatic changes in scenery imaginable. Board your train at Duran station and travel to Bucay, crossing through fertile plains and plantations of rice, sugar, banana and pineapple. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Hacienda (farm) where you will learn about the cacao bean and taste home-made chocolate.

Overnight in Bucay.

Travel along the Chanchán river canyon. You will experience a dramatic change in the vegetation and temperature as the train starts the 450 metre ascent of the dramatic Devil’s Nose pass. Journey through golden quinoa fields and visit the indigenous community of Palacio Real. Overnight in Riobamba.

Journey to Urbina, the highest point on our route, where the last glacier-ice merchant awaits to tell the tale of his ancestral trade. Ride along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanos’ and explore an Andean forest trail at the foot of the imposing Cotopaxi volcano. Overnight in Quito.

Travel to the Northern Andes and board your train in Otavalo, home to the biggest indigenous market in South America. Experience the culture, traditions, music, gastronomy and the antique skill of woodcarving of the Andean indigenous people.

Half day tour of the stunning old colonial city and the Middle of the World monument. Evening flight to Lima. On arrival make your own way to your hotel located across the road.

Fly to Arequipa. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Afternoon tour of the city known as the ‘White City’. Visit the main square, the Cathedral, La Compañia church and Santa Catalina convent, a beautifully preserved convent built in the 17th century that opened to the public in 1970

Scenic ride to the breathtaking Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and home of the Condor.

Travel through spectacular mountain scenery to observe the Condor in full flight at the dramatic Cruz del Condor lookout. Continue to Chivay Andean town for lunch, before returning to Arequipa. This evening embark on a luxury rail journey aboard the ANDEAN EXPLORER, one of the highest train journeys on earth, exploring ancient kingdoms and natural wonders.
Depart as the sun sets on the baroque architecture of Arequipa to travel overnight towards Lake Titicaca, through deep valleys and high mountains where South American camelids graze on the wide open plains and ‘big sky’ country of the Peruvian Altiplano.

Wake up to the stunning sunrise at Lake Titicaca. Boat trip to the unique Uros reed floating islands.

Learn about how the lives of the Uros people are closely tied to the totora reeds. Also visit the Taquile island, where you will have a traditional Andean lunch and see some of the local artisan work. Depart in the evening for Cuzco.

After breakfast your journey continues on to the Inca archaeological site of Racqui. Explore the Temple of Wiracocha, before heading to Cuzco where your rail journey ends. On arrival, transfer to your hotel located in the Sacred Valley.

Explore the Sacred Valley and learn about the traditional customs and ancestral weaving techniques in the indigenous town of Chinchero. Continue to Moray, an impressive Inca agricultural research facility and finish at the Ollantaytambo fortress.

Start your two day trip to the unforgettable ruins of Machu Picchu with a wonderful train journey, followed by a comprehensive tour through the beautiful forgotten citadel. Overnight at Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the base of the ruins.

Morning free to explore the ruins at your own pace. Afternoon board the luxury HIRAM BINGHAM TRAIN to Cuzco and be treated to a four-course, Andean inspired dinner, and great live entertainment.

Half day tour of the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, exploring temples, ruins and museums that showcase this wondrous civilisation

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Sightseeing tour visiting the best sites of colonial and modern Lima. Continue to the Larco Herrera museum, housed in a 18th century mansion. Be amazed by a captivating collection showcasing more than 5,000 years of Pre-Columbian history, followed by a gourmet Peruvian dinner at the museum’s restaurant.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santiago. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Half day walking tour of Santiago. A unique experience learning about Chile’s culture and history, while exploring the town centre with stops at the Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Lucia Hill, the Central seafood market, Plaza de Armas square and the Presidential Palace. Evening transfer to the airport for your next flight.