Boarding a train in Latin America means swapping the straight lines of domestic flight for the sinuous poetry of the rails. To the steady rhythm of the steel wheels, the Andean volcanoes appear, the pampas stretch out endlessly, the jungle opens up like a picture book. Each station, each bend tells a piece of history, a flavour, a different accent. For travellers in search of authenticity – and for tourism professionals keen to offer tours that are both responsible and memorable – these rail routes offer much more than a journey: a slow immersion where the journey becomes the very essence of travel.
The cloud train – Argentina
Leaving San Antonio de los Cobres (Salta), this convoy climbs to the La Polvorilla viaduct, 4,220 m above sea level, the third highest line in the world. Between green valleys and Andean deserts, the sensation of ‘touching the clouds’ is a real one. Because of the high altitude, travellers may feel the effects of ‘soroche’ (mountain sickness). So it’s advisable to stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous exercise and keep Maté, the region’s traditional drink, handy!
Our article: Maté, the soul of Argentina in a cup
The train to Machu Picchu – Peru
Few rail routes in the world lead to a destination as mythical as this one. The journey can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the point of departure – Cusco or Ollantaytambo. The altitude of the altiplano offers a privileged view of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba river. The train arrives at the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu mountain, from where a short bus transfer takes you to the entrance of the famous citadel.
Our article: Ollantaytambo, a must-see destination in the heart of the Sacred Valley
The remembrance train – Chile
This trip links Santiago to the Pacific coast, on a journey that brings to life the golden years of the country’s railways. Some carriages dating back over 100 years have been restored to retain their original essence, giving a special character to the escapade.
‘El tren del recuerdo’ offers several itineraries with destinations such as Llay Llay, San Antonio and Limache (to reach Valparaíso). On these excursions, travellers pass through valleys, vineyards and small towns typical of central Chile. Although it only runs on certain dates, such as during the summer season and New Year’s Eve, this experience offers a different way of discovering the country aboard one of the symbols of Chile’s railway heritage.
Our article: Valparaiso, a mythical port of colour, culture and landscape
The Mayan train – Mexico
One of the most modern and ambitious rail projects in Latin America, the Maya Train has been inaugurated in phases since 2023. It currently covers more than 1,500 kilometres of south-eastern Mexico, crossing the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The route, centred on Mayan archaeological sites, offers the chance to explore Palenque, Calakmul and Mérida, as well as renowned seaside resorts such as Cancún and Tulum.
The development of the route should, in a few years’ time, take travellers to other countries such as Belize and Guatemala.
The ice train – Ecuador
Departing from the central highlands from the town of Riobamba to Urbina, the Ice Train enters the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Passengers discover landscapes of moorland, high mountains and volcanoes such as the majestic Chimborazo, the closest point to the sun measured from the centre of the Earth, culminating at 6,263 metres! This adventure is also a gateway to visiting the region’s indigenous communities and discovering their culture.
Our article: Riobamba, the heart of Ecuador
Embarking on these five lines means choosing to travel at the right speed: the speed that allows you, for example, to breathe in the scent of Chilean vineyards or to catch a glimpse of the slopes of Chimborazo as you pass through a tunnel. On rails, the destination is no longer just a point on a map; it becomes a panoramic film in which we are the privileged passengers. For tourism professionals, these itineraries offer a rare promise: to combine cultural discovery, grandiose landscapes and a low-carbon approach in a single product. For travellers and tour designers alike, there’s only one thing left to do: take a seat, let the locomotive’s heart beat… and watch Latin America unfold its most beautiful scenery.
Photos: D.R.
