Peru - has anyone ridden the Central Andes Railroad high altitude train in Peru?

I'm going to Cuzco in August for an Inca Trail trek, and I was thinking about flying into Lima and then traveling overland via the famous high altitude train (second highest in the world) that runs through the Andes and then taking a bus the rest of the way to Cuzco.

http://www.incasdelperu.com/images/one-of-the-worlds-highest-trains-is-back-on-track.pdf

It looks pretty amazing. Anyone here ever ridden it before?

then taking a bus the rest of the way to Cuzco.

I've never been to Huancayo but please look into how you plan on going from Huancayo to Cuzco. The major bus companies like Cruz del Sur don't have that route and you'd have to take a few buses by local companies (I personally don't recommend this, the road/local bus isn't all that safe)... From what I read this would take 24-30 hours.

Check out this Lonely Planet thread on the subject (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1753918).

It isn't impossible to do this but I'd suggest that you go back to Lima and fly to Cusco...

I've taken the train from Puno to Cusco (http://www.perurail.com/web/tper/tper_a2a_home.html). That was easily done. Puno is a worthy destination with its reed islands on Lake Titicaca.

You mean going from Huancayo to Cusco by bus?? DON'T DO IT.

I'm peruvian and I NEVER take a bus from a local (small city) company. Not safe at all

Andreadbc is right saying "few buses by local companies (I personally don't recommend this, the road/local bus isn't all that safe)... "

Besides I don't know if the roads from Huancayo to Cusco are good. I guess not. Lima-Huancayo roads (car or train) are good. Nasca-Cusco buses are good (just car or buses)

The trip from Lima to Huancayo by train, I've never taken it but I know it's fun and enjoyable, but too long. It takes a whole day. I've always gone by my car (4x4) and departing 7am I arrive to Huancayo for lunch.

The highest poiint is "Ticlio", 4800mt over the sea. VERY high, if altitude is not a matter for you, you will enjoy it. Find out if the train stops at Ticlio. I guess not. By my car of course I always stopped for pictures, and stay there the time I want (few minutes cause there is not so much to do, but the landscape is beautiful)

I've taken the train from Puno to Cusco (http://www.perurail.com/web/tper/tper_a2a_home.html). That was easily done. Puno is a worthy destination with its reed islands on Lake Titicaca.

I agree 100% and for this trip I recommend th e touristic buses instead of train, cause is the same time but since it faster, it stops at severe BEAUTIFUL towns like Andahuaylillas, or other Inca remains