Experiences include luxury overnight trains, elegant railways to Machu Picchu and Amazon Cruises through the Pacaya Samiria
Experiences include luxury overnight trains, elegant railways to Machu Picchu and Amazon Cruises through the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.
Belmond Andean Explorer. Link here.
The first luxury train with overnight service in South America travels for 3D/2N through Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. After leaving Cusco, the scenic countryside takes over the windows as towns like Oropesa, the land of bakers, and the Huacarpay and Urcos lagoons are left behind. After a stop at the archaeological complex of Racchi, the landscape starts changing and the mountains shrink to make way for the Collao high plateau. Puno is reached after a magnificent view of the sun setting over Lake Titicaca. Sail the next day to the floating islands of Uros and the male knitters’ island of Taquile. The train dawns by Saracocha lagoon, for a morning visit to Sumbay cave paintings before lunch in pleasant Arequipa.
Step aboard for a thrilling journey into the Inca Empire
As the Belmond Hiram Bingham’s luxury cars -inspired by the elegant railway service of the 1920s- enter the lush Amazon forest jungle, its passengers traveling to Machupicchu are possessed by the spirit of the men who in the XVI century searched these lands for “El Dorado”. While the train runs along the Urubamba River, passengers enjoy a live show in the observation car. The dining car serves lunch on the way to the citadel and dinner on the way back. Unlimited free (non- premium) drinks are served in the bar car. A professional guide takes passengers on their visit to Machupicchu and, when emotions subside, tea can be had at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel right next to the citadel.
Journeying from historic Cusco through the Sacred Valley and up to the entrance of Machu Picchu, the Hiram Bingham is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with breathtaking, open-air views. Take a seat and feast upon exquisite Peruvian cuisine, then venture to our vintage cocktail bar for a punchy Pisco sour. At the citadel, be awed by the majestic ruins with a professional guide before heading to Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, for a refreshing cocktail in the mountains. But reserve enough energy for your return journey aboard, where a vibrant party with live music and a carousing spirit pulsates through the carriages.
The Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is called the “jungle of mirrors” because when the dark waters of its rivers reflect the clear skies above, it is difficult to tell the reflected images from the real world. Boutique cruise boats sail in the waters of this mysterious jungle, penetrating the nooks and crannies of the floodplains to look closely at the site’s lush flora and wildlife. Aqua Expeditions’ elegant Aria Amazon is a 16 suite boat featuring a culinary experience created by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Amazon Cruises’ Delfin cruise ships are the world’s first listed by Relais & Chateaux. Its three vessels are Delfin I with 4 exclusive suites, Delfin II with 14 suites, and the new Delfin III with 22 suites. Amazon Cruises. Link here
All boat trips include wildlife sightings, canoe or kayak trips, fishing, jungle treks, visits to riverine communities, swimming with pink dolphins, beachside picnics, and other activities.