The Andean Explorer Train Ride

            Our PeruRail Andean Explorer train departed from Cusco an 8am.  The trip would last 10-hours and would end at Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.  Representing the delicate style of the great Pullman trains of the twenties, the train consisted of the Engine, 1 passenger car, 1 bar/lounge car and 1 outdoor observatory car.  It truly represented the most luxurious way to travel between Cusco and Lake Titicaca.  It was equipped with large oversized chairs, which made for a very comfortable trip, which included a fashion show, live music, mixology class and a happy hour in the bar/lounge car.  The Society of International Railway Travelers lists the Andean Explorer among “The Best Journeys by Train of the World” and one of the best two in South America, in addition to being the winner of South America´s leading luxury train by World Travel Awards 2012-2013.  

            The train departure from Cusco is to the southeast along the Hutanay river through green fields dotted with willow and eucalyptus trees across remote communities gathered around colonial churches. Around 20 miles into the trip and before reaching Lake Muina, the train crossed the valley road to reach Huambutio Vilcanota River, which plunges steeply into the gorge before widening to reach the Grand Canyon of the Urubamba.  At about 10am we were pleasantly surprised as a plate of appetizers were served. 

            At approximately 115 miles into the trip we began to leave behind the fertile hills of Cusco and enter the plains known as the Altiplano. From here the train continues with a slow steady ascent for another 15 miles past the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes to La Raya, now 130 miles from Puno. At about 1:30pm we reached an altitude of 14,955 feet above sea level, the highest point of our trip.  A cold and remote place where a fine mist or rain will often hide the spectacular peaks. After a brief 10-minute stop to take photos and check out local hand crafted items, the train continued on through a sea of seemingly endless pastures and remote villages that all seemed immune to the passage of time. 

            We began to feel the effects of altitude sickness with tingling occurring in our hands, feet and face.  We had taken altitude sickness medication earlier in the morning so drinking lots of water quickly abated the feeling.   A gourmet lunch was served which included wine and cheesecake.  Mike and I both enjoyed the Pasta Tarta entrée with basil sauce while Tamie and Steve selected chicken with red chili peppers, presented like sushi on a bed of vegetables. 

             

         

            At 175 miles into the trip we arrived at Juliaca.  A commercial town and railway center for close to 150,000 inhabitants, whose unbridled trade seems to be spreading on the railroad tracks as the train continues its way slowly among textiles and craft work sellers.  Juliaca is the last city that the train runs through on the journey through the Andean culture before reaching Puno, just over 13,000 feet elevation.  A city originally founded in 1668 that has now expanded to the shores of Lake Titicaca.  And just how much did this cost you ask?  $289 per person and worth every cent.