Has anyone done this train ride or wish he/she did? I know the price for a one-way ticket is outrageous, but I'm trying to justify a way to buy the ticket anyway, LOL.

Have done it long lurchy confining not worth the price.

Inka Express best touristic bus frequent breaks lunch

you actually see the sights along the way...

$40-50 a fraction of what the train costs

book my tickets with www.pmexplorers.com

I think the way you have to look at it is this: PeruRail has the concession to operate the trains to Puno and Machu Picchu not as utilitarian transportation but as tourist excursions. They're marketing the train trips as a sightseeing experience. That keeps the prices high. That's why it's $220 one way to travel to Puno. If you'd pay $200 or so dollars for any other day-long tourist excursion, then you can justify it.

That's an interesting perspective Jeff. I've never thought of it that way before. I had seriously considered hiring a private guide for the Sacred Valley for $130/day, so I guess I'm not that far off. Thanks.

I will say that the Cusco-Puno train ride was an extremely pleasant experience . The scenary was nice, but it wasn't anything like "WOW, I had to be on take the train to see it", etc. Did I think it was worth the 220 USD? No, not really, but I didn't regret taking it either. I would've been curious if I hadn't taken it.

A lot of people waved at us from the ground. There were a few middle fingers though, LOL, from a few young boys so don't be shocked if you see it.

The slow ride through down town Juliaca was surreal and felt very odd. The town and people looked so poor and here come this expensive train going straight through the heart of the city.

We have taken the train to Puno, it was a long boring train ride, and I wouldn't recommend it.