1.- EMBARK ON A LUXURIOUS VOYAGE THROUGH THE HEART OF PERU
Before starting your trip on the Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train, you should know that there are 2 options to choose from. The first is a slightly more standard version designed primarily to provide a comfortable experience for all travelers, this version is called Peru Rail Titicaca Train. However there is also a much more exclusive option, it is a Belmond Titicaca Train version that is designed only for travelers looking for a first class service worthy of royalty, although they would see in travel time both offer the same thing, that the experience of traveling in Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train is unforgettable. First we will see the Peru Rail Titicaca Train and then its Belmond Titicaca Train version.
“If you don’t climb the mountain, you will never be able to enjoy the scenery.” |
2.- The Peru Rail Titicaca train Experience:
This is the first option that you should take into account for a better level trip, touring the Andes in Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train is one of the most significant experiences that exists and the classic option of Peru Rail Titicaca Train is the easiest way to do it, a journey of approximately 10 hours through a winding road makes you disconnect from the world in addition to enjoying a privileged view of mountains, valleys where herds of vicuñas and alpacas are free. This alternative is the 1 day option.
When you take the first step inside this Lake Titicaca Train you automatically feel a slight trip back in time. Since both its construction and decoration completely simulate the Pullman style, which were popular in the 1920’s, with large armchairs, tables decorated with white tablecloths and dark colored wood give the 132 passengers traveling at the same time a very privileged attention. Inside its 6 cars you can easily find unique cars such as a bar car where you can pass the time, an observatory car where the view will be unique, a dining car where you can taste the gastronomic delights made by the cooks on board. During the trip in Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train you can also break a new personal record, because a stop is made in the sector of the Raya (the natural border between Cusco and Puno – 4200 masl) .
2.1.- What is included in choosing the Peru Rail Titicaca Train option?
When you choose the first alternative of Lake Titicaca Train you will have included the following services:
- Welcome: The trip in Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train begins with a hot drink that is provided by the train staff, this helps people to acclimatize better to the altitude, this mate is almost always coca tea but you can ask for another if you want.
- Food: The tour aboard the Lake Titicaca Train includes a gourmet version of Peruvian gastronomy, a 3 course lunch that includes an appetizer, a main course and a dessert accompanied by a glass of wine, although the portion is personal it is really worth it.
- Live show: During the trip in Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train you will also enjoy a very interactive and fun show. A live folkloric music and dance show that you can be part of if you wish.
- Access to other cars: You can access the other cars if you wish, so that the trip is not just static. There is the option of the bar car to taste a drink, you can even appreciate a demonstration of pisco sour preparation. Also the observatory car where you can appreciate a privileged view of the Peruvian Andes.
- Tea Time: After a busy and fun day you can return to your seat where the Lake Titicaca Train staff will bring you a delicious and relaxing cup of tea.
2.3.- Updated schedules and ticket prices for 2024
Buy your ticket from Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train is really easy, this service is provided by the company Peru Rail (You can access here to take the first step), you can do it personally or through a travel agency. This chart will help you to know more about departure and arrival times:
Day of departure | Train N° | Departure | Time | Arrival | Time |
Wednesday | 20 | Cusco | 07:10 am | Puno | 17:40 pm |
Friday and Sunday | 20 | Cusco | 07:50 am | Cusco | 18:20 pm |
Monday, Thursday and Saturday | 19 | Puno | 07:30 am | Cusco | 17:50 pm |
*For this 2024, the updated price is $ 280.00 dollars per person. |
3.- THE MOST LUXURIOUS TRAIN
“If you want to choose a Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train, your best option is the Andean Explorer, the first luxury overnight train in South America, offering a variety of trips of 1 or 2 nights. From Cusco, if you have time you can even extend your trip to Arequipa.”
4.- The Andean Explorer Experience (Belmond Titicaca Train):
It is the second option when choosing a Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train, this is the most exclusive version also considered the most expensive of all Latin America. The Belmond Titicaca Train or Andean Explorer is a luxury train that offers a journey through the Peruvian Andes allowing its users to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as the sophisticated cuisine prepared exclusively by the chefs on board who create new culinary experiences in each section. The Andean Explorer tour also includes a visit to the city of Arequipa at the end of its journey.
Something you should keep in mind before choosing the Belmond Titicaca Train, is that it is not only a trip from one city to another but a set of unique experiences and sensations that you can enjoy during the 2 or 3 days of travel, depending on the time you have available. Its cars are more sophisticated since they have amenities that provide comfort to all passengers, such as air conditioning, heating, power outlets and even filter systems which are necessary since the cabins simulate versions of hotel suites. Because passengers who delight in this tour spend the night here, the cabins are adapted to provide a pleasant stay, from oxygen supplies to private bathrooms where they can take a hot shower.
4.1.- Cabin types
4.1.1.- Bunk Bed Cabin
It is considered the most standard cabin, besides being the smallest. It has two single beds positioned in the form of a cabin (one on top of the other), also a small piece of furniture where you can rest, closet, power outlet, safe and a private bathroom where you can find a shower and sink. These are the most affordable in terms of price, you can book yours from $3938.00 dollars per room.
4.1.2.- Twin Bed Cabin
This is the second category, all cabins have a private bathroom with a hot shower and sink. With two single beds (side by side), additionally contains a closet where you can place your luggage, plus a space where there is a small bench to rest. Its size is slightly larger than the Bunk Ben Cavin. Its price is also a little higher, with options starting at $4813.00 dollars per room.
4.1.3.- Cabin Suite
It is the most exclusive version to enjoy this trip, it has a larger and more spacious double bed which gives a truly unique comfort, plus a small living room where you can receive visitors, also contains a closet and coat rack where you can place coats. Its private bathroom has a sink, shower and a mirror where you can get ready before going to the dining car or the observatory car. It has the highest price among all the cabins, you can book yours from $6125.00 per room.
4.2.- What is included when choosing the Andean Explorer option?
Being the most exclusive version of the Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train, it has privileges that you will be able to enjoy during the trip.
- Luxury accommodations: When you book your ticket you can also choose the type of cabin you want for your stay during the tour.
- All meals and beverages on board: An exclusive type of food is provided, breakfast, lunch and dinner come in gourmet versions prepared by professional chefs on board who constantly create new recipes mixing flavors and giving new delicious dishes, all versions are three times for the customer to enjoy all the way.
- Entertainment on board: With an exclusive group of professional musicians you enjoy pleasant moments in which travelers can participate, either dancing, singing or even playing some instruments, so that the trip can be interactive with everyone.
- Excursions as indicated in the itinerary: They are made mainly for long trips that reach the city of Arequipa, there are several options from which you can choose.
- Guides and bus transfers: If you wish to live experiences in some points such as visiting Lake Titicaca, the guide and transportation service is included to facilitate your experience.
It should also be noted that your travel ticket will show you the different cars that exist with a different theme each, among the main ones you can find:
- Piano bar car: a space where you can enjoy and relax at the same time with your friends or your partner while enjoying the incredible views tasting a rich pisco Sour made with Peruvian pisco.
- Restaurant car: There are a total of two distinguished dining cars where travelers can enjoy the gastronomic delights prepared by expert Peruvian chefs.
- Spa car: Matching the type of attention of very prominent hotels in the cities, this option from Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train has an alternative Andean spa service where natural treatments designed exclusively for those who choose this alternative, this service can be booked the same day the experience begins the staff on board will guide you in the process.
- Observatory car: One of the best places to relax and enjoy not only the incredible views but also the possibility to feel the Andean air in its purest version.
4.3.- Updated schedules for 2024
The Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train ticket in its exclusive version of the Andean Explorer can also be booked with the company Peru Rail (You can access here to take the first step), find details about their updated schedules in the following table.
Day of departure | Train N° | Departure | Time | Arrival | Time |
Tuesday | 20 | Cusco | 10:00 am | Puno | 23:30 pm |
Now you can enjoy your trip in Cusco to Lake Titicaca Train in a different way, if you do not know how to start the process, Auri Peru will be more than happy to show you how, contact us now. We have something very special prepared just for you.
“You don’t remember the days, you remember the moments of your last trip.”