During the first hours the train continuously ascends. Don’t be deceived by the description on the Orient Express website, the train only stops once at La Raya. The trip description there outlines all the nice Inca ruins and villages along the way. Some of them you see flying by, some of them you don’t. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of things to see. You get a really good look at the life in the Altiplano. You will pass through green valleys surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. During the first couple of hours or so, the train will follow the Huatanay River. There are lots of green fields with farmers taking care of the crops (usually corn). Corn seems to be the most popular crop, so it is not surprising to find that the local home brew (Chicha) is made of corn. Honestly I have never tried it, as it doesn’t look very appetizing. On the train they serve Pisco sour, another Peruvian speciality. It is made of Pisco (Rum), Lime Juice, egg white and Syrup. It is quite good, but not as good as some claim.