rachelhannahpreston

By rachelhpreston

Puno to Cusco on the Andean Explorer

Today we boarded the Andean Explorer train which would take us the 10 hour journey from Puno to Cusco. The train is fitted out in a luxurious manner - big armchairs for seats, and an observation car and bar at the back. We settled down to enjoy the journey. But just over 1km into the 390km journey, the train derailed. Thankfully we were travelling so slowly no one was hurt, but the it then took two hours to put right. With a somewhat Latin American regard for health and safety, the passengers in the affected carriage were moved into ours, and a nearby digger then lifted the train back onto the tracks.
The rest of the journey proceeded without event, unless you count Henry dropping the champagne, and the door handle breaking (which the maintenance man came to fix, and Mum being unable to refrain from a bit of DIY made herself useful by holding the screws!)
The scenery was absolutely incredible, as the track wound through a progression of Andes, plains and towns. On board entertainment included a Peruvian band (Mum asked a few too many questions about their pan pipes, resulting in one of the musicians desperately trying to sell her his set...), a class on how to make the typical Peruvian cocktail, Pisco Sour, and an alpaca wool fashion show.
It was a long day by the time we eventually reached our hotel, but we thoroughly enjoyed the ride!

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