12 Luxury Train Journeys Still Operating Around the World

11. The Belmond Andean Explorer - High-Altitude Luxury in Peru

The Belmond Andean Explorer offers the world's highest luxury train journey, traversing the Peruvian Andes at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters while providing passengers with unparalleled access to the region's spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This elegant train features spacious cabins with panoramic windows, a sophisticated dining car serving contemporary Peruvian cuisine, and an observation car with an outdoor terrace perfect for photography and wildlife viewing. The train operates between Cusco and Lake Titicaca, with some itineraries extending to Arequipa, allowing passengers to experience the dramatic beauty of the Altiplano, traditional Andean communities, and some of South America's most significant archaeological sites. The journey includes stops at local markets, textile workshops, and historic towns where passengers can interact with indigenous communities and learn about traditional Andean culture and customs. The Belmond Andean Explorer's cuisine celebrates Peru's renowned culinary scene, with chefs preparing dishes that incorporate local ingredients such as quinoa, alpaca, and native potatoes, while the train's bar features pisco-based cocktails and fine wines from Peru's emerging wine regions. The train operates with oxygen available in all areas to ensure passenger comfort at high altitude, while expert guides provide insights into Andean ecology, history, and the remarkable adaptations that allow both human communities and unique wildlife to thrive in this challenging environment. This extraordinary journey offers passengers the opportunity to experience one of the world's most dramatic mountain landscapes while enjoying luxury accommodations and gaining deep insights into Andean culture.