Choo-choo, all aboard!- Updated 9/30

We read mixed reviews about the ten-hour luxury train ride from Puno to Cusco. 

The Lonely Planet, which is pretty much the go-to reference abroad, indicated that it was a waste of money and you could see just as much and get there faster on a bus.

However, while perusing at Bookshop Santa Cruz back home, we found a train book that rated the ride third best worldwide and a "must".

 

I can now definitely say to Lonely Planet that was horrible advice.

 

View from our seat as we are leaving Puno (does it look a little like the middle of California to anyone else?)

 

As someone who has ridden her fair share of non-luxury trains, both domestically and abroad, I know that I might be slightly biased. I love train rides almost as much as I love open-air bus tours.

This train was something else. While somewhat generically train-like on the outside, the interior is decked out to look vintage. It was incredibly decorated and trimmed with dark wood. We, seemingly, had the best seats in the house. We were in the A car in a 4 seat set -up with just the two of us.

 

We were closest to the door, which strategically led to the bar car, and through the bar car was the panorama car which had full windows and glass ceiling as well as open back with a patio for viewing.

 

From the viewing car, looking back into the bar car

Not to mention, most other passengers were our absolute favorite type of travelers : old, English-speaking white people. They are the best. Unabashedly speaking English, boozing, and talking way too loudly.

 

I was able to get a brilliant latte (ok, I got more than one) and finish the best book Turn Right at Machu Picchu. It’s the tale of a modern day magazine editor following the path of the famous explorer, Hiram Bingham III, through the Sacred Valley and to Machu Picchu. A friend of Jeff’s dad recommended it and Jeff read it first. Jeff is not typically into novels, but flew through this one so we were able to switch books and I got to read it too. If you are ever thinking of making the trek to Machu Picchu, it’s definitely worth a read. It’s both gripping and informative. It’s a novel, technically, but filled with history and first-hand trekking account.

 

Spoiled

All in all, the scenery was killer and we had a wonderful time. This attendant (David) in the bar car is pouring (free) Pisco Sours on a moving train in a tuxedo. This pretty much sums up the type of swanky experience we had.

 

 

It’s certainly worth a ride if you are ever in the area.

 

Ciao!