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

Wednesday newsletters all the time function a lodge or flight evaluate.

Final summer season, I loved a terrific vacation in Peru. You may learn my journey experiences right here:

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Assessment: Puqio Lodge, Colca Canyon
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Assessment: Titicaca Luxurious Prepare, from Puno to Cusco (in the present day)
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Assessment: Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Prepare, from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Assessment: Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Lodge, Machu Picchu
Assessment: Inca path to Machu Picchu
Assessment: Fausto Lodge, Lima
Assessment: KLM (new) Enterprise Class Boeing 777 from Lima to Amsterdam

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

A breath-taking practice journey via 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 full day journey – which takes roughly 10 hours and half-hour – is a sluggish practice journey, one that permits passengers to actually admire the numerous landscapes of Peru. The star attraction of the journey is after all the lovely surroundings of the Altiplano to the Andean peaks, however the ticket additionally features a three-course connoisseur lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard leisure.

I took the practice from Puno station (departure at 7 am) to Cusco (arrival at 6:30 pm), though you too can take the practice within the different route. Bookings may be made immediately 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 under 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 practice journey in South America. With a capability for 132 passengers, the practice is comprised of six coaches:

4 coaches present desk seating for the passengers. These couches function a chic decor, with massive armchairs, tables coated in white tablecloths and dark-brown panelled wooden nodding to the 19820s ‘Pullman Model’. 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 identify). Completely different desk set-ups are supplied 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 positioned within the final carriage. The bar carriage gives an unique and refined surroundings, good for having fun with a cocktail whereas soaking within the luxurious environment. Onboard mixologists craft progressive cocktails that mix Andean components with modern methods, offering a novel 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 right for assembly fellow vacationers, sharing tales, and having fun with vigorous conversations in a classy setting.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

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

About 90 minutes after leaving Puno, the practice crosses the central market of the town of Juliaca, a bustling business hub. Because the practice approaches, the market hurriedly tidies up and steps away from the railway tracks (which is kind of a sight). A few of the items are left as is in the course of the tracks because the practice 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 degree. Right here, passengers can stretch their legs for 10 minutes, benefit from the surroundings (with the imposing snow-capped Chimboya on the left facet within the route of the practice), and optionally store within the native market. As well as, this place has a chapel whose development dates from the 20 th 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

Reside music and conventional dances from the Peruvian Altiplano are supplied 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 positive and delicate clothes akin to sweaters, hats, coats, shawls, gloves and way more (which may be bought afterwards).

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

WiFi shouldn’t be accessible on board of the PeruRail Titicaca Prepare.

ONBOARD FOOD & DRINKS

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

Starter: native potatoes cream scented with recent herbs pesto, toast with gratin Andean cheese and annatto oil
Essential course (selection n° 1): beef tenderloin saltimbocca wrapped with bacon, chilli trigotto, carrots, sautéed cherry tomatoes & pepper sauce
Essential 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 (smooth drink, juice or glass of wine). Different drinks, akin to cocktails, wines and premium spirits, can be found at an additional price, 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 positive snacks roughly 90 minutes previous to arrival.