In the latest instalment of Belmond’s ‘As Seen By’ photography series, Colin Dodgson embarks on a Peruvian odyssey through natural wonders aboard the Andean Explorer train.
One of the highest-altitude train journeys in the world, Andean Explorer takes passengers between Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa. But it’s more than just a means of transportation through the Peruvian heartlands: it is a journey of elevated excellence that aligns you to a deeper connection with Peru’s diverse landscapes and the beauty of the natural world that passes by outside your cabin’s windows. As your horizons expand, your perception evolves as over the course of a day, the colours outside undergo an almost sacred metamorphosis. It was from this everchanging vantage point that acclaimed photographer Colin Dodgson embarked on a mission to capture the unique majesty of Peru.
As the train departs, Cusco slowly fades into the distance. The Andean Explorer steadily ascends, climbing higher with each turn. As it winds toward the sky, it chases the sun, a pivotal element in Peruvian culture. Along the way, encounters with alpacas, the native inhabitants and silent guardians of the Andes, offer an intimate connection with the authentic heart of the Andean world.
Dodgson, who was born in the United States and has lived in New York, London and California, is recognised for his analogue approach to image-making, creating a signature style marked by tranquillity and composure. Appearing in Vogue, i-D, Dazed and the British Journal of Photography, as well publishing several photography books, he is as adept with portraiture as he is landscapes. Known for his thoughtful choice of subjects and settings, Dodgson's work brings a sense of calm and natural beauty to his images, reflecting a careful attention to both environment and detail.
Dodgson's photographic style is well-suited to the Andean Explorer, an experience centred around slowing down and embracing a new pace of travel. His work, typified by a sense of serenity, often explores the delicate balance between past and future, stillness and motion. Through his lens, Dodgson captures the essence of the legendary train; the profound sense of transformation that guests experience and connection to place that this extraordinary voyage inspires.
Let the layers of Peru unfold before your eyes. From the prehistoric art of the Sumbay caves to the sparkling waters of Lake Titicaca and the sacred cultures of the Quechua and Aymara people, journey at a relaxed pace and absorb the enchanting layers of the land in refined comfort.
