Train Journeys in South America
South America’s railways are relics of a golden age of engineering, when planners drove tracks over Andean passes and across salt flats that seemed to defy the possible. Many lines that once carried ore and passengers have vanished, but the survivors are among the most dramatic train journeys in the world. Riding them means climbing to breathless altitudes, crossing spidery viaducts, and switchbacking down cliff faces on rails laid more than a century ago.
The great routes fall into two camps. Some are tourist experiences pure and simple - the luxurious Perurail services to Machu Picchu, Argentina’s Train to the Clouds - designed to deliver scenery in comfort. Others are working or recently revived lines that carry a mix of locals and travelers through landscapes no road can match, from Ecuador’s Devil’s Nose switchbacks to Peru’s storied central railway over the roof of the Andes. Together they trace a history written in iron and altitude.
Practicalities vary widely, so plan ahead. Marquee trains like the Hiram Bingham and Tren a las Nubes sell out and run on fixed seasonal schedules, while some heritage lines operate only sporadically. Altitude is the recurring theme - several journeys crest 4,000 meters or more, so acclimatize before you board and take the onboard oxygen seriously. Book premium services well in advance, and check current timetables carefully, as South American railways have a habit of changing without much notice.
Iconic South American Train Journeys#
Perurail Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru The most famous rail journey on the continent winds down the Urubamba River gorge from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Services range from the comfortable Vistadome, with panoramic windows, to the opulent Belmond Hiram Bingham, which adds fine dining and live music. The scenery of jungle-clad peaks and rushing river builds anticipation the whole way. Tickets sell out in high season, so book well ahead alongside your entry permit.
Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds), Argentina Departing from Salta, this engineering marvel climbs to more than 4,200 meters, crossing the spectacular La Polvorilla viaduct high above the puna. Ingenious switchbacks and spirals allow the train to gain altitude without a rack system. The landscape of ochre mountains and vast altiplano is staggering. Onboard oxygen and medical staff help passengers cope with the thin air, and the tour typically combines rail and bus segments.
Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose), Ecuador One of the boldest feats of railway engineering anywhere, this short line near Alausi zigzags down an almost sheer mountain face using a series of switchbacks carved into the rock. Restored as a tourist ride, it descends dramatically to the station at Sibambe. Andean scenery and the audacity of the route make it unforgettable despite its brevity. Check current operating status before traveling, as service has been intermittent.
Ferrocarril Central Andino (Lima to Huancayo), Peru Long billed as one of the highest railways in the world, this historic line climbs from the Pacific coast over a pass above 4,700 meters at Galera before descending to the highland city of Huancayo. It crosses dozens of tunnels and bridges in a relentless ascent through the central Andes. Passenger service runs only on select dates each year, so it’s a genuine event to catch. The altitude is extreme, making acclimatization essential.
Serra Verde Express, Brazil Running from Curitiba down to the coastal town of Morretes, this line descends through the lush Serra do Mar mountains and Atlantic rainforest of Parana. Waterfalls, viaducts, and tunnels punctuate a green, misty descent that feels a world away from the Andean high country. It’s one of Brazil’s most scenic and accessible rail trips. Morretes rewards arrivals with its signature barreado stew.
Uyuni Train Graveyard, Bolivia Just outside Uyuni, the rusting hulks of steam locomotives abandoned on the altiplano form one of South America’s most photographed sights. These skeletal engines, relics of a failed 19th-century mining boom, sit half-buried in salt and wind. It’s not a ride but a poignant, atmospheric stop, usually folded into salt-flat tours. Sunrise and sunset light turn the graveyard genuinely haunting.
La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express), Argentina Made famous by Paul Theroux, this narrow-gauge steam train chugs across the Patagonian steppe near Esquel, its little locomotive puffing through a landscape of scrub and distant peaks. The vintage carriages and wood-fired stoves evoke a bygone era of travel. Short heritage runs let visitors soak up the nostalgia. It’s a beloved slice of living railway history in southern Argentina.
Tren Ecuador Coastal and Highland Routes, Ecuador Ecuador’s revived network once offered a range of scenic journeys, from the Avenue of Volcanoes to descents toward the Pacific coast, linking heritage stations and Andean villages. The trains blend engineering history with cultural stops at markets and haciendas. Service levels have fluctuated in recent years, so verify current schedules before planning around them. When running, they offer a gentle window onto highland life.
Tren Crucero (Ecuador) Ecuador’s flagship luxury train once ran a multi-day journey between Quito and Guayaquil, crossing the Avenue of Volcanoes and descending the Devil’s Nose to the coast. Passengers slept in haciendas and rode restored carriages through wildly varied terrain. Its operation has been suspended and revived over the years, so confirm status before counting on it. In full form it was one of the continent’s premier rail experiences.
Ferrocarril de Antofagasta to Bolivia (Andina), Chile/Bolivia This historic line climbs from the Chilean Pacific coast up onto the Bolivian altiplano, one of the great high-Andes railways built to haul minerals. Portions have carried occasional heritage and freight traffic across a stark, dramatic desert-to-highland transition. Rail enthusiasts prize it for its engineering and its role in the region’s mining history. Access to passenger runs is rare and worth researching carefully.
Sacred Valley Bimodal to Machu Picchu, Peru During periods when landslides close the direct line, Perurail runs a bimodal service combining a road transfer with a rail leg from Ollantaytambo down the Urubamba gorge. The train portion still delivers the classic canyon scenery on the approach to Aguas Calientes. It’s a reminder of how weather-dependent Andean railways can be. Travelers should always confirm which service is operating before their date.
Tren del Vino, Chile Wine trains through Chile’s central valley pair heritage carriages with tastings and vineyard visits in the Colchagua region around Santa Cruz. The relaxed ride rolls past rows of vines with the Andes beyond, blending rail nostalgia with the country’s celebrated wine culture. It’s a leisurely counterpoint to the high-altitude epics elsewhere on the continent. Departures are seasonal, so check the calendar and book ahead.