Long distance and train travel between South American countries is a thing of the past, but local passenger and sightseeing train trips are still available, and in many cases, an attraction in themselves. Some are for fun only, others are a viable way to travel.
For serious, long distance travel, take a bus, or fly. Rent a car if you are experienced with South America driving and roads.
1. Journey by Train to Machu Picchu
Edgar Zambrano Romero - inkatrailcusco@yahoo.es
"To travel by train to Machu Picchu, PERURAIL, the company that operates the Southern Railways, offers a wide variety of services which cover the needs of the different types of travellers to the former Inca citadel or the nearby area." Choose between the Inca Route from Cuzco, the Ollanta Route through Ollantaytambo, or the Poroy 18 km. from Cuzco, right in the Urubamba valley. All trains go to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu.
2. Hiram Bingham Orient Express Train to Machu Picchu
Edgar Zambrano Romero - inkatrailcusco@yahoo.es
"The 'Hiram Bingham' is a new luxury train service that runs from Poroy Station to Machu Picchu taking 3 and a half hours." Expensive, luxurious and what a way to travel.
3. The Devil's Nose
Peter and Jackie Main
Called the Most Difficult Train in the World, the train trip between Riobamba and Alausí is one of Ecuador's most famous attractions. The railroad was originally built to connect the Andes with the coast, and the route goes up and down steep slopes, along river valleys and has to negotiate a wall of rock called Nariz del Diablo, the Devil's Nose. Travelers today can choose to sit inside, or ride the roof for a better view.
4. La Trochita
The Viejo Expreso Patagónico", or Old Patagonian Epress, is represented by this ride on the old narrow-gauge tracks through Argentine Patagonia. Site is in Spanish.5. Curitiba - Paranagua Train Trip
Peter and Jackie Main
The train trip from Curitiba to Paranaguá in Brazil is exciting, spectacular and a favorite with visitors. The route, over 67 bridges and through 13 tunnels, descends a steep mountain to the seaport, and most travelers do a round trip in one day.
6. Tren a los Nubes
Roberto Ingledew
The railroad in Argentina was built in the 1920's for British railways, designed by an American engineeer, to provide access to the nitrate mines in Chile.and reaches 14,000 ft. The train is no longer in service to the end destination due to an engine failure, but the train goes as far as Diego de Almagro as the Tren del Sol.
7. Andean Explorer: Cuzco to Puno, Peru
ClipArt.com
Called the second most beautiful route in the world, the scenery from Cuzco to Puno, Peru takes you from mountains, through the high plains called altiplano, to the shore of Lake Titicaca.
8. Tren del Vino
Peter and Jackie Main
The train takes the Wine Route through the scenic Colchagua valley near Santiago, Chile, visiting wineries for tastings, stopping for meals and a tour of the Colchagua Museum.
9. Tren de la Costa
Roberto Ingledew
Climb aboard the train in Buenos Aires for the short trip along the Rio de la Plata shore to the Tigre Delta, where you can choose to tour the delta and Isla San Martin, amuse yourself in an amusement park or the casino, shop and dine in waterfront restaurants.
