Belmond enhanced its Peru portfolio with the launch of Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, and the acquisition of Belmond Las Casitas in Colca Canyon. The additions come as part of the company’s strategic growth plan to double in size by 2020.
Belmond Andean Explorer
Belmond Andean Explorer departs on its inaugural journey today from Cusco to Arequipa on a two-night journey.
On these journeys, guests will have “vast, uninterrupted views of snowcapped-mountains, enormous skies, majestic lakes, and herds of alpacas, llamas and vicunas grazing on the altiplano,” according to the written release.
Interior designs reflect Peruvian culture, mixing vibrant colors with natural tones. The observation car with an outdoor terrace is the de-facto social hub of the train, where guests can view their surroundings or enjoy live Latin music.
Executive chef Diego Munoz prepares his dishes using local ingredients, from traditional corn with cheese to alpaca tortellini to lime with melted chocolate and apple custard. Munoz will also host a ceviche class aboard the train.
Off the train, experiences include a private tour of the floating islands on Lake Titicaca and lunch on a private beach with views across to the glacial peaks of La Paz, Bolivia.
Belmond Las Casitas
Belmond Las Casitas is a 20-room property located in the Arequipa region of Southern Peru, set among the Andes. Each individual casita has a private terrace with a heated plunge pool and views across the canyon. The Samay Spa offers treatments using natural ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen garden and views of the surrounding canyon.
Good to know: Guests of Belmond Las Casitas also have the chance to view Andean Condors in their natural environment.
Belmond’s additional luxury travel experiences in Peru includes:
- Belmond Miraflores Park, the city hotel in a quiet neighborhood of the city
- Belmond Palacio Nazarenas and Belmond Hotel Monastario in the heart of Cusco
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the entrance of the Citadel of Machu Picchu
- Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, located in the Sacred Valley
- Belmond Hiram Bingham, taking guests from Cusco to Machu Picchu