Ride the Andean Explorer

Ride the Andean Explorer, Peru

Puno is the place to board the Andean Explorer train to Cuzco. This spectacular rail journey, on a comfortable train with restaurant, bar and viewing carriage, takes about 10 hours.

The locomotive clambers over the bleak altiplano, a land of snow-capped peaks and herds of llama, before descending into a lusher, greener valley. Here the track clings to the side of the Vilcanota River as you pass adobe villages and waving schoolchildren before arriving, klaxon blaring, in Cuzco.

This journey also operates in the reverse direction for those heading to Lake Titicaca after Cuzco, and perhaps continuing to Bolivia.

There is also the option of taking this wonderful journey by road instead. Travelling by bus or car allows you to make a couple of stops, at the ruins of Raqchi and the village of Andahuaylillas, famous for its lavishly decorated church.