South America is getting its first luxury sleeper train — and it will be one of the highest train jo

[Judi Lynn]

South America is getting its first luxury sleeper train — and it will be one of the highest train journeys in the world

Chloe Miller, INSIDER
Jun. 22, 2016, 2:49 PM



The ultimate luxury these days? Time.

Because of this, train travel communicates a sense of old-fashioned decadence, and the latest rail journey from Belmond, a luxury travel adventure company, takes this notion to new heights.

Literally.

The Andean Explorer will be one of the highest train journeys in the world, offering overnight excursions through the mountains of Peru. The journey begins in the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, and includes stops like Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and the historic city of Arequipa.

While journeys are expected to begin in May 2017, you can enjoy a preview of the stylish adventure with the photos below.

The Andean Explorer will begin most of its journeys in Cusco. Formerly the Inca empire's capital, it's now a major tourist hub and the gateway to the Andes.

576ade09dd089522388b4de5-1200/the-andean-explorer-will-begin-most-of-its-journeys-in-cusco-formerly-the-inca-empires-capital-its-now-a-major-tourist-hub-and-the-gateway-to-the-andes.jpg

The Andean Explorer will traverse one of the highest rail routes on Earth, reaching nearly 16,000 feet in elevation.



More:
http://www.techinsider.io/belmonds-andean-explorer-luxury-sleeper-train-2016-6

[Warpy]

1. Now that's a trip I'd like to take

I know they have to switch to steam engines at altitude, diesels can't take it, not enough oxygen.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Did not know that! Amazing. Thank you so much for that "detail."

It tells a lot about how extreme it really is up there.

[flamingdem]

2. That's a lot of people with altitude sickness!

But they'll surely have the pills on board or a nurse!

[Judi Lynn]

4. You bet! It would be absolutely no fun with a train full of sick folks.

Passengers could simply pick up some coca leaves from vendors, first, in town!

[mainer]

14. Bring acetazolamide

At that altitude I wouldn't go without it.

[s-cubed]

5. Took that trip n the early 70's through the altiplano on the old train.

Wonderful trip!

[Judi Lynn]

6. Those mountains are overwhelming! Enormous. What an enviable experience.

I take it that it was worth facing altitude sickness.

What a view you must have had along the way.

[BlueCollar]

7. that trip may be luxurious

But if they plan to run it on the existing tracks they had better have a lot of oxygen on board.

I've done that run from Arequipa to Cusco and can attest to the fact that it can be very arduous to the first timer.

[AgingAmerican]

8. My wife and I love stuff like this

Bet it cost a pretty penny though....

[Feeling the Bern]

9. like the trip from Golmud to Lhasa

[chapdrum]

10. Having just returned from the region,

am rather skeptical of this.

Belmond (assume it's the same company) operates a hotel in Cusco (and others around the world). We checked out a couple of the rooms on "special." They went for $595 a night; otherwise, they are normally $995 a night. As far as we could see, Cusco is not exactly a wealthy city.

Sheraton wants to erect a high-rise hotel on the Plaza de Armas, with the stated aim of being higher than the (immense) cathedral.

Do I detect a correlation?

[Judi Lynn]

12. Apparently the Sheraton's intentions are causing a crisis in Cusco.

After seeing your information I went to look for photos of the Plaza de Armas, and found this article:

[center][/center]
Standoff at the Four Points by Sheraton on Saphi Street


David Knowlton
28 December, 2015, 10:35 am

Controversial Sheraton under Construction on Saphy (La Republica)

The drums roll. The countdown continues while many hang on the edge of anguish.

Tomorrow, the 29th of December, is the deadline to stop the construction of a ten story Four Points by Sheraton hotel on Saphi street—the Comisión de Juristas claims it violates statutes and the aesthetics that govern the Inca and Colonial center of Cusco—or let its irregularities become accepted under the law and the building continue.

A demonstration is planned for today and media have spread the word throughout Peru, bringing pressure on Cusco’s mayor, Carlos Moscoso, to decide between the pressure of multimillion dollar investment and international tourism agencies or the rules and procedures for maintaining the basis of colonial and Inca Cusco that is one of the country’s main tourist draws and is regulated by local, national, and international rules.

More:
http://cuzcoeats.com/standoff-at-the-four-points-by-sheraton-on-saphi-street/

Images of the Plaza de Armas in Cusco I had to see:

https://www.google.com/search?q=plaza+de+armas&biw=1236&bih=590&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjJ6ILWncnNAhXIyoMKHRc-AvkQ_AUIBygC#tbm=isch&q=plaza+de+armas+cusco+

Very impressive place.

The Inca structures are beyond priceless. What a marvel.

[center]~ ~ ~[/center]
This Sheraton plan should consider the wishes of the people who live there, for crying out loud. They should build it at a respectful distance from this meaningful, historical area.

Cusco is a poor city, in a very poor country, except for the very racist oligarchy.

It appears you have a valid point.

[mainer]

11. Thank you! i just signed up for their subscription list

This looks like just the way to celebrate our 40th anniversary.

[Judi Lynn]

13. Oh, wow! What an experience to contemplate! Best wishes. n/t

[passiveporcupine]

15. Before I die

Book me a seat on that train.

That looks fabulous!

[burfman]

16. Reminds me of another train car

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz092ReKQsw/UHtJxOB9cII/AAAAAAAABMg/mZQmRBsWaOg/s1600/the+wild+wild+west-jim+west-robert+conrad-cowboys-western-tv-vintage-retro-television-train-7.jpg

burfman....