South America's First Luxury Train

Interest in South American Rail Spikes with Continent's First Luxury Train

According to Rail Plus, interest in South American rail journeys have always enjoyed strong growth, but the impending launch of the Belmond Andean Explorer in May, the continent's very first luxury train, is taking interest levels to a whole new level.

With year-on-year sales doubling from 2015 to 2016 for the company's current South American train experiences, Commercial Director of Rail Plus, Ingrid Kocijan, says as May 2017 approaches, the overwhelming interest pouring in for the brand new journey will not be slowing down any time soon, with tickets already being sold through the company's Great Train Journeys portfolio.

"South America remains one of the more exotic parts of the world for many rail travellers as the journeys take them through some of the world's most rough and raw terrains, remote villages and unspoiled nature reserves," says Kocijan. "There is, of course, also the element of affordability when compared to other Great Rail Journeys around the world.

The brand new Belmond Andean Explorer offers travellers a stunning new experience between Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and the glassy Lake Titicaca. With four itineraries to choose from - the 1D/1N
Spirit of the Andes which goes from Puno to Cusco; the 1D/1N Spirit of the Water, the returning Cusco-Puno journey; the 2D/2N Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery which departs Arequipa to Cusco via Puno; and the 2D2N Peruvian Highlands, the return journey from Cusco-Arequipa-Puno - rail enthusiasts can easily tailor their journey according to the direction they are travelling.

All three cabin categories (bunk, twin and double) featuring ensuite facilities and Peru's hand woven fabrics will ensure travellers the utmost comfort, while the two dining cars serving menus designed by chefs from
Cusco's Belmond Hotel Monasterio will spoil palates with the best of local seasonal flavours.

Prices for this brand new luxury Peruvian experience starts from AU$676 per couple and includes all meals and tours. The Belmond Andean Explorer is the fourth addition to Rail Plus' South American offering which includes the Andean Explorer, the Belmond Hiram Bingham and Vistadome.