South American Rail Journeys

• Peru • Ecuador • Argentina •

Peru

Andean Explorer

Travelling in contemporary style aboard the Andean Explorer (South America’s first luxury sleeper train) is a unique experience. Cosy and intimate (just 68 guests maximum), it traverses the highest plateau-plains of the Central Andes, dotted with roaming vicuna and alpaca herds - a journey between towering cloud-shrouded mountains and awe-inspiring high-altitude pastoral landscapes of the Peruvian Altiplano. Luxurious and delightfully civilised, it’s a gorgeous mix of on-board delights and memorable excursions, with impeccable service and top-quality dining.

Tren de Sierra

The highest railway in the Western Hemisphere, Tren de Sierra is second only to the Qinghai-Tibet railway in China. After tracing the Rimac river through pink-walled gorges lush with corn and eucalyptus, the train traverses a landscape fringed with ancient Inca terraces and traditional farming villages. Then the massive Andes arrive - snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, traditional horsemen, llamas with red ribbons tied to their ears, and cute children waving from remote hamlets. East of the Andes, descend into fertile Mantaro Valley before passing Jauja and arriving in Huancayo.

Hiram Bingham

Travel in supreme comfort on the exclusive Hiram Bingham rail journey for an unforgettable visit to the spectacular world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. The Observatory Car allows you to absorb incredible scenery from the open-air, while sipping on a cocktail and listening to live Andean music - traditional Peruvian flute, pipes, cajon and tambourines. This exquisite luxury VIP travel experience/indulgence, is particularly appropriate perhaps to mark a special anniversary - a ‘once in a lifetime’ visit to Machu Picchu that will reward you with great (and unique) memories for many years to come!

Lake Titicaca Railway

The Lake Titicaca train departs from Cusco’s Wanchaq Station for Puno (a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca) - three times weekly. This train is Pullman style, high-quality with two dining cars, a bar, and an Observation Carriage (half open-air) at the rear. It meanders through the Cusco residential area, before climbing to the expansive high-altitude plateau, which lies between towering snow-capped peaks. It’s ruggedly beautiful scenery plays host to numerous herds of llamas and vicuna. Endless panoramic views occupy these seldom-visited parts of the Andes, for much of the 10 hour journey.

Ecuador

Tren Crucero

This train is a mix of diesel-electric and two magnificent 19th century steam locos, whose elegant carriages and Observation Cars have been lovingly restored. The picturesque journey drops 3,600 metres from glacier-topped volcanoes, through cloud forests to the banana and cacao plantations of the Pacific Coast. The journey is combined with visits to gorgeous national parks, colonial towns and indigenous communities - with each night spent in a comfortable lodge, hotel or iconic hacienda. A highlight is to experience the extraordinary ‘Devils Nose’ railway, dropping hundreds of metres from high in the Andes, through dramatic canyon walls, gorges and patchwork fields, via a spectacular series of snake-like switchbacks.

Argentina

Tren a las Nubes

This iconic Argentinian Andes heritage railway travels along a 21 km section of the railway - originally built for economic reasons, to link Salta (Argentina) across the towering Andes to the Pacific port of Antofagasta (Chile). Only the section between Argentina’s highest town and the highest Viaduct is used today - at 4,220 metres above sea level (one of the highest altitude trains in the world). This rail journey moves at a leisurely pace, offering colourful rock formations and places of geological wonder.

Southern Fuegian Railway

The southernmost functioning railway in the world, the Southern Fuegian Railway was originally built as a freight line connecting a prison camp at Ushuaia to a forestry camp on Tierra del Fuego. Today, this unique 7 km round-trip narrow-gauge heritage steam train experience commences from the ‘End of the World’ station outside Ushuaia. It provides an opportunity to explore the scenery, wildlife and remote wilderness of Patagronia’s southernmost tip, with some spectacular views over the Beagle Channel.