Evaluation: Titicaca Luxurious Prepare, Peru (Puno to Cusco)

Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a resort or flight evaluate.

Final summer time, I loved a terrific vacation in Peru. You possibly can learn my journey stories right here:

Evaluation: KLM (outdated) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Lima
Evaluation: Central, world’s greatest restaurant 2023, Lima
Evaluation: Cirqa Resort, Arequipa
Evaluation: Puqio Lodge, Colca Canyon
Evaluation: Titilaka Lodge, Lake Titicaca
Evaluation: Titicaca Luxurious Prepare, from Puno to Cusco (at the moment)
Evaluation: Explora Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley
Evaluation: Rio Sagrado, a Belmond Resort, Sacred Valley
Evaluation: Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Prepare, from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Evaluation: Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Resort, Machu Picchu
Evaluation: Inca path to Machu Picchu
Evaluation: Fausto Resort, Lima
Evaluation: KLM (new) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Lima to Amsterdam

Right now: Titicaca Luxurious Prepare, from Puno to Cusco (Peru)

A breath-taking prepare journey by way of the Andes, the PeruRail Titicaca Prepare travels from the town of Puno (on the shores of Lake Titicaca) to the traditional Inca capital of Cusco. The complete day journey – which takes roughly 10 hours and half-hour – is a sluggish prepare experience, one that enables passengers to really admire the various landscapes of Peru. The star attraction of the journey is in fact the gorgeous surroundings of the Altiplano to the Andean peaks, however the ticket additionally features a three-course gourmand lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard leisure.

I took the prepare from Puno station (departure at 7 am) to Cusco (arrival at 6:30 pm), though you can even take the prepare within the different route. Bookings might be made instantly on the web site of PeruRail ($290 USD per particular person).

Have you ever ever traveled with the PeruRail Titicaca Prepare in Peru? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this evaluate (extra information and pictures beneath my YouTube video):

THE TRAIN

The PeruRail Titicaca Prepare harks again to the golden period of journey, and goals to represents the epitome of luxurious and luxury for prepare journey in South America. With a capability for 132 passengers, the prepare is comprised of six coaches:

4 coaches present desk seating for the passengers. These couches characteristic a chic decor, with massive armchairs, tables coated in white tablecloths and dark-brown panelled wooden nodding to the 19820s ‘Pullman Type’. Upon boarding, passengers are guided to their assigned seat by a uniformed conductor. Journey events can sit collectively generally (so long as the reserving is made beneath one title). Completely different desk set-ups are offered for both solo vacationers, journey companions (duos), or events of as much as 4 vacationers.
There’s a separate coach for baggage (all baggage is checked-in at Puno railway station, and delivered once more after arrival at Cusco railway station).
A devoted bar and semi-open air statement coach is situated within the final carriage. The bar carriage provides an unique and refined surroundings, excellent for having fun with a cocktail whereas soaking within the luxurious environment. Onboard mixologists craft modern cocktails that mix Andean substances with up to date strategies, offering a singular tasting expertise. The bar lounge opens to a spacious open-air balcony, permitting passengers to completely benefit from the Andean surroundings in open air. The bar & statement carriage is good for assembly fellow vacationers, sharing tales, and having fun with energetic conversations in a classy setting.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Through the first a part of the journey, the prepare travels by way of the Andean plains, which appear by no means ending, providing alternatives to identify animals reminiscent of llamas and alpacas of their pure habitat.

About 90 minutes after leaving Puno, the prepare crosses the central market of the town of Juliaca, a bustling industrial hub. Because the prepare approaches, the market hurriedly tidies up and steps away from the railway tracks (which is kind of a sight). Among the items are left as is in the midst of the tracks because the prepare passes over them.

Shortly after lunch, a cease is made at La Raya market, the very best level within the journey at 4,300 m (14,100 ft) above sea stage. Right here, passengers can stretch their legs for 10 minutes, benefit from the surroundings (with the imposing snow-capped Chimboya on the left aspect within the route of the prepare), and optionally store within the native market. As well as, this place has a chapel whose development dates from the 20th century and in it we will discover a picture of the Lord of the Cane.

Through the second half of the journey, the surroundings turns into actually spectacular and is dominated by the Andes: a big define of imposing mountains over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River.

ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT

Dwell music and conventional dances from the Peruvian Altiplano are offered as on-board leisure, each within the morning and within the afternoon (one carriage at a time is invited to attend the reveals to keep away from overcrowding within the bar sofa). The reveals are fairly enjoyable, making a festive environment that enhances the journey expertise.

There’s additionally an onboard trend present specializing in child alpaca clothes. A few fashions show the high quality and delicate clothes reminiscent of sweaters, hats, coats, shawls, gloves and way more (which might be bought afterwards).

Within the afternoon, a Pisco Bitter workshop is obtainable. Passengers can take part within the preparation of Pisco Bitter, and be taught the secrets and techniques behind this iconic Peruvian cocktail whereas having fun with it freshly made.

WiFi just isn’t accessible on board of the PeruRail Titicaca Prepare.

ONBOARD FOOD & DRINKS

A 3-course gourmand lunch is obtainable throughout every journey, showcasing recent, native Andean substances. Throughout my journey onboard the PeruRail Titicaca Prepare, the next dishes have been provided:

Starter: native potatoes cream scented with recent herbs pesto, toast with gratin Andean cheese and annatto oil
Major course (selection n° 1): beef tenderloin saltimbocca wrapped with bacon, chilli trigotto, carrots, sautéed cherry tomatoes & pepper sauce
Major course (selection n° 2): spring quinotto, native mushroom, sautéed asparagus, corn and Andean herbs pesto
Dessert: chocolate temptation with almonds and hazelnut praline with strawberry coulis

Water in included within the journey, as is one drink throughout lunch (mushy drink, juice or glass of wine). Different drinks, reminiscent of cocktails, wines and premium spirits, can be found at an additional value, and are provided both within the bar or on the tabe.

The journey additionally consists of afternoon tea, served with a choice of sweets and high quality snacks roughly 90 minutes previous to arrival.