Review: Titicaca Luxury Train, Peru (Puno to Cusco)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Last summer, I enjoyed a terrific holiday in Peru. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: KLM (old) Business Class Boeing 777 from Amsterdam to Lima
Review: Central, world’s best restaurant 2023, Lima
Review: Cirqa Hotel, Arequipa
Review: Puqio Lodge, Colca Canyon
Review: Titilaka Lodge, Lake Titicaca
Review: Titicaca Luxury Train, from Puno to Cusco (today)
Review: Explora Valle Sagrado, Sacred Valley
Review: Rio Sagrado, a Belmond Hotel, Sacred Valley
Review: Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train, from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Review: Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu
Review: Inca trail to Machu Picchu
Review: Fausto Hotel, Lima
Review: KLM (new) Business Class Boeing 777 from Lima to Amsterdam

Today: Titicaca Luxury Train, from Puno to Cusco (Peru)

A breath-taking train journey through the Andes, the PeruRail Titicaca Train travels from the city of Puno (on the shores of Lake Titicaca) to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. The full day trip – which takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes – is a slow train ride, one that allows passengers to truly admire the varied landscapes of Peru. The star attraction of the journey is of course the beautiful scenery of the Altiplano to the Andean peaks, but the ticket also includes a three-course gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard entertainment.

I took the train from Puno station (departure at 7 am) to Cusco (arrival at 6:30 pm), although you can also take the train in the other direction. Bookings can be made directly on the website of PeruRail ($290 USD per person).

Have you ever traveled with the PeruRail Titicaca Train in Peru? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

THE TRAIN

The PeruRail Titicaca Train harks back to the golden era of travel, and aims to represents the epitome of luxury and comfort for train travel in South America. With a capacity for 132 passengers, the train is comprised of six coaches:

Four coaches provide table seating for the passengers. These couches feature an elegant decor, with large armchairs, tables covered in white tablecloths and dark-brown panelled wood nodding to the 19820s ‘Pullman Style’. Upon boarding, passengers are guided to their assigned seat by a uniformed conductor. Travel parties can sit together in most cases (as long as the booking is made under one name). Different table set-ups are provided for either solo travelers, travel companions (duos), or parties of up to 4 travelers.
There is a separate coach for luggage (all luggage is checked-in at Puno railway station, and delivered again after arrival at Cusco railway station).
A dedicated bar and semi-open air observation coach is located in the last carriage. The bar carriage offers an exclusive and refined environment, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while soaking in the luxurious atmosphere. Onboard mixologists craft innovative cocktails that blend Andean ingredients with contemporary techniques, providing a unique tasting experience. The bar lounge opens to a spacious open-air balcony, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the Andean scenery in open air. The bar & observation carriage is ideal for meeting fellow travelers, sharing stories, and enjoying lively conversations in a stylish setting.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

During the first part of the journey, the train travels through the Andean plains, which seem never ending, offering opportunities to spot animals such as llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.

About 90 minutes after leaving Puno, the train crosses the central market of the city of Juliaca, a bustling commercial hub. As the train approaches, the market hurriedly tidies up and steps away from the railway tracks (which is quite a sight). Some of the goods are left as is in the middle of the tracks as the train passes over them.

Shortly after lunch, a stop is made at La Raya market, the highest point in the journey at 4,300 m (14,100 ft) above sea level. Here, passengers can stretch their legs for 10 minutes, enjoy the scenery (with the imposing snow-capped Chimboya on the left side in the direction of the train), and optionally shop in the local market. In addition, this place has a chapel whose construction dates from the twentieth century and in it we can find an image of the Lord of the Cane.

During the second half of the trip, the scenery becomes truly spectacular and is dominated by the Andes: a large outline of imposing mountains over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River.

ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT

Live music and traditional dances from the Peruvian Altiplano are provided as on-board entertainment, both in the morning and in the afternoon (one carriage at a time is invited to attend the shows to avoid overcrowding in the bar couch). The shows are quite fun, creating a festive atmosphere that enhances the travel experience.

There’s also an onboard fashion show focusing on baby alpaca garments. A couple of models display the fine and delicate garments such as sweaters, hats, coats, shawls, gloves and much more (which can be purchased afterwards).

In the afternoon, a Pisco Sour workshop is offered. Passengers can participate in the preparation of Pisco Sour, and learn the secrets behind this iconic Peruvian cocktail while enjoying it freshly made.

WiFi is not available on board of the PeruRail Titicaca Train.

ONBOARD FOOD & DRINKS

A three-course gourmet lunch is offered during each journey, showcasing fresh, local Andean ingredients. During my trip onboard the PeruRail Titicaca Train, the following dishes were offered:

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

Water in included in the trip, as is one drink during lunch (soft drink, juice or glass of wine). Other drinks, such as cocktails, wines and premium spirits, are available at an extra cost, and are offered either in the bar or at the tabe.

The trip also includes afternoon tea, served with a selection of sweets and fine snacks approximately 90 minutes prior to arrival.