Flashpacking on the Andean Explorer

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We´ve heard the term ´Flashpacker´a few times during our trip, a name given to backpackers with a bit more class. They take a taxi when a bus would do, order crepes instead of pancakes, and take the Andean Explorer train to get from Cusco to Puno when a bus at a fraction of the price would do.

You can guess what we were on Friday. Flashpackers!

After roughing it for a few days on our Inca Trail and in the jungle we treated ourselves to a posh train ride through the Andes on board "The Andean Explorer", South America´s answer to the Orient Express.


We left Cusco at 8a.m. and were soon enjoying tea in our classical-music filled carriage, before a fashion show and traditional dancing diverted our attentions from the beautiful scenery outside (best seen from the observation carriage at the rear of the train). After lunch (roast beef in a fig sauce with a bottle of Argentinian Cab Sav...chin chin!) we relaxed and watched the Peruvian countryside slip by, played cards, read books, and found time for cheeky beverages (whisky and Baileys during Happy Hour... chin chin!)


Although the fare was more than our budget can usually stand, it was a fabulous journey and was well worth the ten hours it took to get to Puno. Rather than just a means of getting from A to B, it was a experience in itself that we all really enjoyed.


Jez writes...We are writing this having just watched England stuff the French in the rugby semi-final - Hoorah!
The only channel we could find it on had a French commentary. The frog on the mic sounded less and less chipper as the final ten minutes went on - ha!


Bye for now
Jez, Bridget, and Stu

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Photos

Andean Sunset
Arriving at Puno on Lake Titicaca

Comments

[Andrew B]

Jeremy- Pics are great. Looks like all the jungleb trekking is taking it's toll though- your paunch has nearly disappeared!!! Just to let you (and anyone else who cares) know- Angela and I are getting married next August 23. Andrew.