South America’s first luxury sleeper train offers Peru’s best views – and menu

I found myself short of breath and having palpitations. I thought it must be the altitude.

I was in Cusco, Peru, about 11,000 feet above sea level, nervously sipping my mate de coca, a bitter tea made from coca leaves that takes a little getting used to but helped us adjust to the effects of the altitude. In reality, I was just excited to be going on a unique travel experience: the maiden voyage of The Belmond Andean Explorer, South America’s first luxury sleeper train, by Peru Rail. Peru Rail also operates the Hiram Bingham, a luxury train that makes day trips from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

The Belmond Andean Explorer is pulled by two massive Peru Rail locomotives that haul its 18 wagons comfortably across the Andes. The train accommodates up to 48 passengers, providing a personal concierge approach with staff available to handle guests’ needs 24/7.

Passengers have three types of rooms to choose from, each with its own private bathroom and shower. There’s the ultra-spacious Double Bed Cabin (141 square feet), the Twin Bed Cabin (80 square feet) and the Bunk Bed Cabin (60 square feet).

Also on the train are two large sit-down dining areas, a boutique, library, piano bar, cocktail lounge and an observation car with open-air seating that makes it easy to mingle, unwind and enjoy the breathtaking vistas and stunning Peruvian Andes.

At the station in Cusco, we were greeted by Lorenzo Sousa, chairman of Peru Rail, founder and major stockholder of Peru Belmond Hotels and my longtime friend, who invited me to take this trip. He made a warm welcoming speech and gave everyone a friendly handshake. Then the festivities began with a group of native dancers and musicians getting everyone in the mood to get aboard.

Inside the train, champagne was served, and we stopped to admire the design by Inge Moore from MUZA Lab of London. The interior was designed to connect with the Peruvian Andes. For example, Moore said, the colours and textures of Peruvian nature are seen in the soft ivory alpaca tones and the Andean slate greys and woven textures and handicrafts.

The train, built in the first half of the 20th century, was brought from Australia to Peru. Sousa had it renovated but kept the style of its early years. The decor, from lamp fixtures to the designs on the ceiling of the cabins, took me back to that era. I was quickly brought back to the present, though, because the Belmond Andean Explorer put every modern amenity at my fingertips — everything except Wi-Fi, but in the end, that didn’t matter.