Cusco to Puno in style

A tough decision
It didn’t take as much deliberation as it possibly should have for us to decide to blow the budget once again by taking the First Class PeruRail Train from Cusco to Puno. A few years ago they had a First Class cabin and a backpacker cabin at the respective prices of $135 and $19. Now, they have done away with the backpacker option and so it was First Class or another long bus journey. Difficult choice!

So, surprisingly enough, when we checked in our luggage there was not a rucksack in sight, let alone any rucksacks as grubby looking as our efforts. I had put on my best shirt though and Chloe her new tracksuit bottoms so we fitted right in!

Travelling in style
The train was really, really nice - picture the orient express, seats like armchairs and uniformed waiting staff - and we soon forgot about the extra Peruvian Soles we had splashed out and sat back and enjoyed the ride. We were welcomed at about 10am, once we were underway, by a pisco sour and a fashion show in the train’s observation car. This was then followed by a father and daughter dancing and singing duo which was very entertaining. Most of the time was spent though enjoying the spectacular scenery both at our seats and from the observation car.

At the highest point on the journey we had a short break and left the train to stretch our legs, take some photos and get bombarded by people selling everything from woolen jumpers to furry hats. Phil was tempted by a lovely while llama hat but resisted, very fetching!

We headed back to the bar for happy hour later on to enjoy a beer and further entertainment before having afternoon tea.

And before we knew it we’d reached our destination of Puno and checked into our hotel which, continuing in our day of luxuries, had a bath! No hot water, but a bath nonetheless. We also managed a wee look around Puno and were pleasantly surprised by its laid back atmosphere. The Coca museum made for an amusing stop and then finally we retired to bed.

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