Curator’s statement
Embark on a journey like no other with South American train tours that traverse the breathtaking landscapes of this vibrant continent. These unique rail experiences offer a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural encounters and unforgettable adventures. From the majestic Andes to lush valleys and vibrant cities, each route tells a story waiting to be discovered. As you glide through picturesque scenery, you'll meet local traditions, delicious cuisine and the warm hospitality of the region. Join us as we explore the incredible South American train tours that make this part of the world a true travel gem!
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Things to do in South America
Each of the following South American train tours has fancy rooms that make you feel comfortable and stylish during your trip. Travelers can also indulge in quality dining experiences, showcasing the rich flavors of the region.
Belmond Andean Explorer (Peru):
Duration: seven days
Route: Cusco – Puno – Arequipa
Highlights: This luxury sleeper train offers an immersive journey through the Peruvian Andes. Travelers can expect to see old Incan sites in Cusco, enjoy the peaceful beauty of Lake Titicaca in Puno, and admire the colonial buildings of Arequipa.
Tren Crucero
Duration: eight days
Route: Quito – Guayaquil
Highlights: This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Ecuador's diverse landscapes, from the Andean highlands to the coastal plains. Travelers can expect to witness the Avenue of the Volcanoes, descend the dramatic Devil's Nose and visit vibrant indigenous markets.
Great Brazil Express (Brazil)
Duration: seven days
Route: Curitiba – Morretes – Paranaguá – São Paulo
Highlights: This luxury train journey through southern Brazil offers travelers a unique perspective of the country's diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage. The route includes the breathtaking Serra do Mar coastal forests, historic colonial towns like Morretes and the vibrant metropolis of São Paulo.
La Trochita – Old Patagonian Express (Argentina)
Duration: eight days
Route: Esquel – El Maitén – Ingeniero Jacobacci
Highlights: This heritage train journey through the remote Patagonian region of Argentina offers a nostalgic and adventurous experience. Travelers can expect to ride vintage steam locomotives through rugged landscapes, including the Patagonian steppe and Andean foothills. The tour includes visits to small towns, along with cultural exchanges with local communities.
Here are several more extended train tours in South America, offering unique experiences that span two to three weeks:
South American Grand Tour (Chile, Argentina and Brazil)
Duration: 15 days
Route: Lima – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Quito – Guayaquil – Amazon Rainforest – Bogotá
Highlights: This tour combines the majestic Andes with the lush Amazon Rainforest. Beginning in Lima, the journey includes a scenic train ride to Cusco and Machu Picchu, followed by a flight to Quito. In Ecuador, travelers will explore the Avenue of the Volcanoes and the city of Guayaquil. The tour then continues with a fancy riverboat ride through the Amazon Rainforest. It ends with a train trip from Leticia to Bogotá, Colombia.
Southern Cone Expedition (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay)
Duration: 14 days
Route: Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata – Bariloche – Puerto Montt – Santiago – Valparaíso – Montevideo – Punta del Este
Highlights: This tour explores the Southern Cone of South America, offering a blend of urban and natural attractions. Starting in Buenos Aires, the journey includes a coastal train ride to Mar del Plata, followed by a scenic train ride through the Lake District to Bariloche. In Chile, travelers will explore the fjords of Puerto Montt and the vibrant city of Santiago.
Patagonian Panorama (Chile and Argentina)
Duration: 21 days
Route: Santiago – Puerto Montt – Bariloche – El Calafate – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Torres del Paine
Highlights: This large tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Patagonia's breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Santiago, travelers will take a scenic train ride to Puerto Montt, followed by a journey through the Andes to Bariloche. The tour includes visits to famous places like El Calafate (home of the Perito Moreno Glacier), Ushuaia (the southernmost city in the world), and Punta Arenas. The final leg includes a luxurious stay in Torres del Paine National Park.
Amazon to Andes Odyssey (Brazil, Peru and Bolivia)
Duration: 21 days
Route: Manaus – Amazon Rainforest – Iquitos – Lima – Cusco – Machu Picchu – La Paz – Uyuni Salt Flats
Highlights: This tour takes travelers from the heart of the Amazon Rainforest to the heights of the Andes. Starting in Manaus, the journey includes a riverboat cruise through the Amazon, followed by a flight to Iquitos and a scenic train ride to Lima. In Peru, travelers will explore Cusco and Machu Picchu before continuing to Bolivia. The tour concludes with a train journey from La Paz to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Places to eat & drink in South America
Here are five luxury restaurants in towns and cities featured on South American train tours:
Oro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a special dining experience with a focus on modern Brazilian cuisine. The food is made by famous chef Felipe Bronze, who uses fresh local ingredients.
D.O.M. (São Paulo, Brazil): Celebrated for its innovative dishes that highlight Brazil’s biodiversity, D.O.M. is a two-Michelin-star restaurant led by chef Alex Atala, offering an unforgettable dining experience in a stylish setting.
Cipriani (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Cipriani is a restaurant in the Copacabana Palace. It serves delicious Italian food in a fancy atmosphere. It combines classic recipes with the best ingredients for a truly indulgent experience.
El Cielo (Medelln, Colombia): This restaurant has won awards. It has a dining experience that includes many different parts of the body. The food is made with Colombian flavors and creative presentations. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos created it in a stylish, modern space.
Tierra (Cusco, Peru): Located in the center of Cusco, Tierra offers a fine dining experience with a focus on organic, local ingredients. It serves traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist in a fancy atmosphere.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to South America. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Coastal Charms and Mountain Magic: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Spain.