South America’s scenic train routes aren’t just modes of transport—they’re gateways to adventure, time machines to bygone eras, and front-row seats to some of the planet’s most jaw-dropping scenery.
So, are you ready to hop aboard? Let’s explore 20 of this vibrant continent’s most spectacular rail journeys.
The Andean Explorer: Peru’s luxury rail experience through the mountains
Imagine sipping a pisco sour in an elegantly appointed dining car as snow-capped peaks drift outside your window. The Andean Explorer isn’t just a train ride—it’s a moveable feast for the senses, complete with gourmet meals and cozy cabins that’ll make you feel like a 1920s aristocrat on a grand tour.
The Train to the Clouds: Argentina’s high-altitude railway adventure
This brave little train climbs to a dizzying 14,000 feet above sea level, offering views that’ll make your head spin (and not just from the altitude). As you chug across viaducts and through tunnels, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world—because you almost are.
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The Devil’s Nose Train: Ecuador’s Switchback Rail Marvel
Don’t let the name scare you off—unless you’re afraid of a bit of excitement. This train zigzags its way up and down the ‘Devil’s Nose,’ a nearly vertical wall of rock.
It’s like a roller coaster ride through some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenery. Hold onto your hat—and your lunch!
The Serra Verde Express: Brazil’s journey through the Atlantic Forest
Ever wanted to stick your head out of a train window like a happy dog on a car ride? Here’s your chance! The open-air carriages of the Serra Verde Express let you feel the wind in your hair as you traverse Brazil’s stunning Atlantic Forest.
Just watch out for low-hanging branches!
The Old Patagonian Express: Argentina’s journey to the end of the world
All aboard ‘La Trochita,’ the little engine that could! This narrow-gauge railway chugs its way through Patagonia’s vast, windswept plains.
It’s like traveling back to the frontier days, complete with occasional sheep traffic jams.
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The Copper Canyon Railway: Mexico’s scenic route through dramatic gorges
Okay, it’s technically in North America. But this train journey is so spectacular that it’d be a crime to leave it out.
The Copper Canyon Railway puts the ‘grand’ in ‘Grand Canyon,’ traversing gorges so vast and deep that they make its northern cousin look like a mere crack in the sidewalk.
The Hiram Bingham: Peru’s luxury train to Machu Picchu
Named after the American explorer who ‘discovered’ Machu Picchu (though the locals always knew it was there), this train is posh enough to make Hiram himself green with envy. Think polished wood, brass fittings, and white-gloved waiters. Indiana Jones never had it this good!
The Death Railway: Bolivia’s thrilling ride along cliff edges
Don’t worry; it’s not as ominous as it sounds—though it might feel that way when you’re hugging cliff edges with views straight down to the valley floor! This heart-pounding journey offers more thrills than your average amusement park ride, with some of Bolivia’s most dramatic scenery thrown in for good measure.
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The Zig Zag Railway: Chile’s engineering feat through the Andes
Who needs switchbacks when you can have zigzags? This clever bit of railway engineering will have you going forward, backward, and sideways as it conquers the steep Andean slopes.
It’s like a giant game of Snake, but with better views and less pixel-y graphics.
The Tren Crucero: Ecuador’s four-day journey from the Andes to the coast
Pack your bags for the ultimate Ecuadorian road trip—err, rail trip. The Tren Crucero takes you from the dizzying heights of Quito to the balmy coast of Guayaquil, with plenty of pit stops along the way. It’s like speed dating with Ecuador’s landscapes, giving you just enough time to fall in love with each one.
The Pantanal Express: Brazil’s wildlife-spotting train journey
Forget the zoo—this train takes you through nature’s menagerie. The Pantanal wetlands are teeming with exotic critters, from capybaras (imagine a guinea pig the size of a large dog) to jaguars.
Just resist the urge to yell “Crikey!” whenever you spot an animal.
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The Wine Train: Argentina’s journey through Mendoza’s vineyards
All aboard the party train! This boozy journey through Argentina’s wine country combines two of life’s greatest pleasures: spectacular scenery and top-notch vino. Remember to stay hydrated—all that wine tasting can be thirsty work.
The Machu Picchu Train: Peru’s scenic route to the ancient Incan city
Think of this as the world’s most scenic waiting room. As you wind through the Sacred Valley, the anticipation builds with every tunnel and turn.
When you reach Machu Picchu, you’ll be so excited you might sprint up all those ancient steps.
The Trasandino Railway: Chile and Argentina’s cross-border adventure
This train doesn’t just cross borders—it soars over them. Climbing up and over the spine of the Andes, the Trasandino Railway offers knock-your-socks-off views of Aconcagua, South America’s tallest peak.
Don’t forget to wave to Chile as you chug into Argentina!
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The Serra do Mar Train: Brazil’s journey through coastal rainforest
Rainforest on one side, ocean on the other—talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place! This journey through Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest is a feast for the eyes, with more shades of green than you ever knew existed.
The Tren del Fin del Mundo: Argentina’s southernmost railway
Welcome to the ‘Train at the End of the World’! This brave little steam engine puffs through Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s wild southern frontier.
It’s about as close as you can get to Antarctica without needing to pack your thermal underwear.
The Ferrocarril Central Andino: Peru’s highest standard gauge railway
This high-altitude adventure climbs to over 15,000 feet, offering views that’ll leave you breathless. It’s the second highest railway in the world and the highest railway in Peru and America.
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The Coffee Railway: Colombia’s journey through the Coffee Triangle
Forget your morning cuppa—this train runs on coffee! Winding through Colombia’s lush coffee-growing region, you’ll be buzzing with caffeine and excitement.
Just try not to vibrate right out of your seat as you pass by those aromatic plantations.
The Tren a las Nubes: Argentina’s ‘Train to the Clouds’ in Salta Province
Ever wondered what it’s like to touch the sky? The ‘Train to the Clouds’ comes close, climbing to dizzying heights in Argentina’s northwest.
As you cross the vertigo-inducing La Polvorilla viaduct, you might find yourself checking for wings on the train.
The Curitiba-Paranaguá Railway: Brazil’s Atlantic Forest descent
Imagine a beautiful train ride that makes grown men weep, and poets fumble for words. That’s the Curitiba-Paranaguá Railway for you. As you descend from the mountains to the coast, you’ll pass through more tunnels and bridges than you can shake a ticket at.
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Your South American Rail Odyssey Awaits
So, there you have it—20 of South America’s most spectacular train journeys, with a side of adventure and a sprinkle of local flavor.
Whether you’re a luxury-loving sybarite or a thrill-seeking daredevil, there’s a train ride here with your name. What are you waiting for? The next departure is just around the bend!
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