Overview

The Andean Explorer Train operates from Lake Titicaca to Cusco (Puno – Cusco). It is a first class tourist service operated by Peru Rail, the same company that operates train services from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The ride is 10 hours long and includes a gourmet lunch, on-board entertainment (a live band and dancers) and afternoon tea. The price includes unlimited herbal teas and water, but other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are charged as an extra. The train consists of 4 first class dining cars, a bar / observation car plus a baggage and kitchen car.

The Journey (Lake Titicaca – Cusco)

The Andean Explorer is one of the highest standard-gauge rail routes in the world, reaching altitudes up to 4,312 meters (14,150 feet) en-route. Leaving in the morning the train departs Lake Titicaca / Puno at 8am, first climbing out of the city before heading out into the stark and flat Andean Altiplano. Here you can spot native camelids such as Alpaca, Vicuña and llama. The journey is broken up at the mid-way point – La Raya, where the train stops momentarily for a maintenance break before continuing on to Cusco. Following the meandering Huatanay River, the landscape changes to more rugged and mountainous Andean scenery, all the while slowly descending in altitude before finally arriving in Cusco at 6pm. Lunch and afternoon tea are served en-route.

Route Map

Peru Guide

Recognitions / Awards

The Society of International Railway Travelers – recognizes the Andean Explorer Train as one of the top 25 rail journeys in the world.

Readers of The Guardian – The Observer and the Guardian Unlimited, selected the Andean Explorer as The Best Second Long Distance Tourism Destination.

The World Travel Awards – Leading Luxury train 2012 & 2013. (Albeit a rather easy title to gain as there were only 2 others in the category! – The Hiram Bingham and the Great Brazil Express).

Andean Explorer Timetable

April to October: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
November to March: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Departure Puno (or Cusco): 8am
Arrival Cusco (or Puno): 6pm

Ticket Prices (2015)

Route Puno – Cusco: US$ 164
Route Cusco – Puno: US$ 281

Photos

 

Ticket Offices and Opening Hours

Website: www.perurail.com

Wanchaq – Cusco (main train station)
Av. Pachacuteq s/n, districto de Wanchaq
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 07.00 – 17.00 hrs
Opening hours: Sat / Sun / Bank Holidays, 07.00 – 12.00 hrs

San Pedro – Cusco
Calle Ccascaparo s/n, Cusco
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 05.00 – 12.00 hrs
Opening hours: Sat / Sun / Bank Holidays, 05.00 – 09.00 hrs

Ollantaytambo – Valle Sagrado
Ollantaytambo train station
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 05.00 – 21.00 hrs
Opening hours: Sat and Sun only, 05.00 – 21.30 hrs

Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes)
Aguas Calientes train station
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 05.00 – 21.30 hrs
Opening hours: Sat and Sun only, 05.00 – 21.30 hrs

Puno
Av. La Torre 224, Puno
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 07.00 – 17.00 hrs
Opening hours: Sat and Sun only, 07.00 – 12.00 hrs

Larcomar – Lima
Malecon de la Reserca 610, stand 26, Larcomar. Miraflores
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 11.00 – 22.00 hrs
Opening hours: Sat and Sun only, 11.00 – 22.00 hrs