PERU 2026 : CUSCO

7,8,10 March 

I arranged this part of our trip through the same travel agent, Peru for Travel, that Neil and I used in 2024. Yovana, Emilia and our trusty driver Amedeo met us at the station in Cusco. Our hotel; Casa Andina Premium is a converted 18th century colonial mansion.

All we had time for in Cusco this time was an evening stroll through the old town to busy Plaza Mayor; drinks with a view over the square and dinner at Inka Grill.

In the morning we got to enjoy views of the city from up in the hills.

Back on Tuesday evening, we had drinks at the 16th century Belmond Hotel Monesterio and our last super together. You do see a lot of dogs out and about in Peru. They are not strays; just family dogs that like to live on the streets.

PERU 2026 : PERURAIL to CUSCO

Saturday 7th March

Two years ago this train journey - in the opposite direction - was a highlight of our trip.  Up early and at the station in Puno by 7.15pm, our train departed on time at 7.50am for the 10.5 hour luxury train journey over the Andes to Cusco. 

From your seat in the dining car or from the lounge car and open air viewing deck you can see breathtaking scenery.

Or marvel at close quarters at daily life as the train passes through the towns.

There a stop at the highest point  - nearly 4400m above sea level.

Gourmet lunch and teas, Peruvian wine, cocktails and local entertainment. Luxury train journeys are one of our favourite ways to travel.

PERU 2026 : PUNO AND LAKE TITICACA

Thursday 5th March

I arranged this leg of the trip through Rumbo Explora Tours. I like to go directly to local travel agents wherever possible and  now I can highly recommend David and his team. Dulio drove us from Arequipa to Puno; 6 hours over the Andes. Highest point 4400m above sea level. 

Guanacos and Vicunas are the wild cousins of Llamas and Alpacas. 

Casa Andina is a chain of tourist hotels in Peru. The Premium in Puno has great lake views but according to Fred, lousy background music in the restaurant.

Friday 6th March

Neil is still man down with a bout of norovirus that is getting our group one by one. The rest of us did a great day boat trip on Lake Titicaca.

We visited the man-made floating islands of Uros.

And the island of Taquile.

Fred, Coenraad and Mylene took a taxi into town for the late afternoon and dinner but Neil and I are very cosy back at the hotel.