In Peru the route between the cities of Cusco and Puno is as magical as the destinations and traveling aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train is even more so. The experience of a luxury trip not only ensures that you will arrive safely at your destination, but we offer an immersive and exciting adventure on the way.
Getting to know the PeruRail Titicaca train
You will be welcomed by the crew of our PeruRail Titicaca train, bound for the city of Puno in the Highlands or the imperial city of the Incas, Cusco, with an estimated travel time of 10 and a half hours.
Our dining cars have 08 properly marked emergency exits: 02 doors at the front of the car, 02 doors at the back and 04 emergency windows at the sides. In case of any emergency, our first aid kit and fire extinguisher are in the service areas.
Reminder: due to government regulations, smoking is prohibited inside the train. This rule also includes the observatory car.
What is on board the luxury train to Puno?
As we already mentioned, you will be welcomed with a hot drink at the boarding station. In addition, on the way, there will be a fashion show featuring baby alpaca garments, where our friendly hostesses will display the fine and delicate garments such as sweaters, hats, coats, shawls, gloves and much more. Of course, there will also be a fantastic live music show with typical local dances.
The luxury train to Puno would not be one without its respective observatory bar car, located at the end of the convoy. In it you will find cold drinks, hot drinks, cocktails, as well as international drinks and, of course, our flagship drink: pisco sour which we will also teach you to prepare during your train trip.
However, and as the name implies, the privileged Andean mystical landscape that can be seen from here is simply impressive. Imagine being surrounded by windows, on both sides and on the ceiling, and large glass walls from where you will be able to see the beautiful life in the valley. Small villages, cattle feeding from early hours of the day, corn fields, etc. You can witness all types of weathers in a single day! Not only will the landscape alternate between mountains and plains, but you will also be able to experience the different climates on the same trip, including snow. Unbelievable, right?
For this occasion, we have 1 scheduled stop: Abra La Raya, the highest point of the route.
Destinations before stopping at Abra La Raya
The first half of the trip is dominated by the Andes: a large outline of imposing mountains over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. The train will travel through the Andean plains, which seem never ending, and will offer us the unique opportunity to spot animals such as llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
Sicuani
Sicuani, located at 3,552 meters above sea level and 118 km from the city of Cusco, is one of the first towns that the PeruRail Titicaca train will cross. In this part of the journey, we will be listening to typical music of Sicuani to connect even more with this endearing city.
Did you know that it is the second most populated city in the entire department of Cusco? In addition, its main economic activity is growing Andean cereals; more specifically: wheat.
Arrival at Abra La Raya
The PeruRail Titicaca train would be arriving at Abra La Raya, its first stop, after having ascended to 4,319 meters above sea level. This is a cold and remote place where the snow-capped peaks are often covered in fog or drizzle and, for a few moments, the silence at this altitude gives you a little chilling sensation that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world.
Passengers will have about 10 minutes to rest, take photos of the landscape, and relax a little in the small handicrafts market that is located here where you can also buy clothes made by the local communities. 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.
The story behind the image is worth mentioning because its expression reflects the suffering and sadness of Jesus after he was flogged. This image describes Jesus Christ tied up in front, holding a reed like a scepter and crowned with thorns covered with a mantle.
Every year on May 3rd the Feast of the Lord of the Cane is celebrated, where it is tradition to tie flowers to the image, decorate the altar with paper figures and light beautifully decorated candles. Then fireworks are lit making it a very festive atmosphere. There are people dancing and drinking chicha de jora until the next day, really quite a spectacle.
In addition, the imposing snow-capped Chimboya is located on the left side in the direction of the train, so it would be a good idea to take the opportunity to view it. Something to keep in mind is that the snow-capped mountains of the area have an invaluable spiritual value for the Andean people, since they are the origin of two important rivers: the Vilcanota towards Cusco and the Ramis towards Arequipa.
Ayaviri
When we arrive to the province of Melgar, we will cross its capital: the town of Ayaviri. It is located at an altitude of 3,925 meters above sea level and 96 km from the city of Juliaca. Ayaviri is known for its quality livestock production: llamas, vicuñas, cattle, and sheep. Such is its fame that it has earned the title of the cattle capital of Peru. Followed by the good views, the train journey continues with the exclusive services on board.
Bar class, music, dances, and happy hour
We take this opportunity to mention the short class that is given on board the train. The head of service on board has everything ready to teach the preparation of pisco sour, Peru’s flagship drink.
At a given point during the trip you can enjoy the fun and colorful Happy Hour on board the train to Puno. The dancers will amaze you with their exotic morenadas, diabladas and other typical dances of the region. Do you also want to join them? Of course you can! That’s precisely what this happy hour is about. Don’t worry, they will show you how to dance from the start and it will only take ten seconds before you catch this folkloric rhythm.
Arrival at Puno station
Finally, the last stop of the trip will be Puno station. After this incredible tour, the crew aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train says goodbye to their passengers and wishes them an unforgettable stay in the highland city of Puno.
As we mentioned at the beginning, the route is as important as the destination. And, after living all this experience, you will feel even more motivated than you already were to explore the wonderful City of the Sacred Lake of Puno.
A journey that you will never forget and that you will not want to end. Delicious food, super comfortable seating, onboard staff always at your disposal, amazing scenery, traditional live partying and much more. The PeruRail Titicaca train thus guarantees your luxury service. Ready to get on board? Get your train tickets by visiting our website.