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Is the 'Titicaca Train' the best way to get to/from Cusco & Puno?

Passengers sitting and standing in the observation car of the Tititcaca Train (linking Puno with Cusco)
Amy Kruger
 - 
July 18, 2024
 - 
10 min. read
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Cusco, Puno ยท Peru
#MindfulMatters
#LearnFromLocals

There are 3 different ways to travel between Cusco and Puno (separated by a distance of almost 400 km!) within a day. With the growing trend towards sustainable 'Slow Travel', the Titicaca Train has gained popularity among our clients.

This article serves as a guide to inform you of the different options including not only the train but also the tourist bus and the flight (from Juliaca).The one you choose will depend on the time you have available, your budget and the overall experience you are looking for.

IMPORTANT: At present, LATAM has not yet resumed its direct flights between Cusco and Juliaca (Puno's airport). Flights with a layover in Lima are currently available as an alternative.

In a Nutshell

Titicaca Train Schedule

Departure DayTrain no.Departure Departure TimeArrival Arrival Time
Wednesday20Cusco07:10Puno17:40
Friday &
Sunday
20Cusco07:50Puno18:20
Monday
Thursday
Saturday
19Puno 07:30Cusco17:50

The Titicaca Train

This is a favorite for photographers and those travelers looking for a stress-free exploration option.

As you traverse the unforgettable route from Cusco to Puno, you will get to embrace the endless panoramic views of the Altiplano, snow-capped Andes and other spectacular onboard experiences.

The Titicaca Train Experience

Included in your ticket is a three-course lunch with wine, afternoon tea and a welcome cocktail. The meal is prepared with local produce and is served in the comfortable dining carriage. The freshly mixed Pisco sours prepared by the Titicaca barman are a definite 'not to be missed'. You'll also get to experience some incredible local treats along the way such as dancing and local live music.

Barman preparing pisco sour on titicaca train
traditional music on titicaca train

The train itself

The 132-passenger max. capacity train is luxuriously elegant, with its 1920โ€™s Pullman carriage styling, opulent interiors and seating, a lounge, two dining cars, a bar and open-air viewing platform right at the back. The reduced speed of the train as well as the open observation car allow for a unique opportunity to take some amazing photographs of the Peruvian Altiplano and scenes of rural life.

Observation car in Titicaca train and the railway road in the background
Blue Titicaca train with the Peruvian Altiplano as background and grazing alpacas across
Rural landscape with sheep in Peru
men weaving in peru

In Puno you will also get to take photos of the local sellers alongside the rails, promoting their self-made souvenirs and snacks. From the comfort of the observation car, there's no need to worry about pickpockets or losing your guide as you continue your journey.

man in front of view of market from titicaca train in Puno
woman outside of public toilets at market in puno

The train makes one stop along the way, at La Raya pass, the route's highest point. You can get off the train and take photos of the tiny church against the impressive backdrop of snow-capped mountains and maybe even buy some artisan souvenirs from the local ladies.

La raya church

Safety and Luggage

For passengers traveling on the Titicaca Train, there are specific luggage regulations to adhere to. Hand or cabin baggage is limited to 8 kg with dimensions not exceeding 157 cm (height + length + width). Any excess hand baggage exceeding these limits must be placed in the hold due to space constraints in passenger compartments. Checked baggage allowance consists of up to 2 suitcases, with a combined weight restriction of 23 kg per person. Additional checked baggage beyond this allowance is permitted at an extra cost, approximately 25 USD per additional 23 kg, payable during check-in at the station.

To ensure the safety of their passengers, Peru Rail has invested in an updated air purification system on board their trains. This environmentally friendly system utilizes four of the technologies recommended by the WHO including HEPA filters, FAR UVC lamps, air ionizers and controlled ozone. The system eliminates up to 99.9% of the microbial load in the air.

The Tourist Bus

For those who are looking for a more affordable option. The main advantage of the tourist bus is that it travels every day to/from Cusco and Puno escorted by an English/Spanish guide. It departs around 07:30 in the morning and arrives around 18:00 in the evening.

The 10-hour bus trip makes 4 stops along its route:

Colorful paintings on the artesonado ceiling of the Andahuaylillas church in Cusco
Inca Viracocha Temple with a stone foundation and clay walls in Raqchi (Cusco)
Views from the snow-capped Andes at La Raya Pass and a souvenir seller

Flight Juliaca (Puno) - Cusco

The quickest option is to fly to/from Cusco and Juliaca. Latam offers two direct flights per week, on Monday and Thursday. The flight from Cusco to Juliaca is at 10:45 and the return flight is at 12:20. The total flight time is just under one hour and the flight tickets cost around USD 100 per person.

Juliaca airport is just over an hour from Puno. Therefore, in total, the journey is about 4 - 5 hours from your hotel in Cusco to your hotel in Puno (including leaving your hotel in Cusco two hours before your flight time). The return journey takes about the same time. All in all, you should consider around 5 hours for the journey.

The main disadvantage of this option is that you do not get to visit any sights on the way and you will miss out on witnessing the changing landscape as you travel through Peru on the ground. However, there will be enough time to do a short excursion in the city you arrive in.

Our verdict

Even though it is more expensive than the bus and flight and only includes one stop, the 'Titicaca Train' is an experience in itself. You can move around freely on the train and enjoy the authentic food, drinks and entertainment available. It is perfect for those who want to experience the breathtaking landscape of Peru in a slow and mindful manner.

Is there an overnight option?

As an alternative, you can also opt for the more luxurious option that travels along a similar route. However, this option is an overnight sleeper service and costs a considerable amount more than the day service Titicaca Train.

For more information about this alternative service, take a look at the Spirit of the Water (2 Days / 1 Night) or Spirit of the Andes (2 Days / 1 Night) journey in our Belmond Andean Explorer blog article.

andean explorer dining car staff serving pisco sours

What to do when I'm in Puno?

If you are looking for some more information about what there is to do and see when visiting Puno, where to eat, when to visit and even where to stay, we have created an article that details these very questions, called Are Titicaca Lake & Puno Worth Visiting. If you are thinking about continuing on to Bolivia from Puno, check out our article called Crossing Lake Titicaca from Puno to La Paz.

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