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. <\/p>\n\n
Leaving San Antonio de los Cobres<\/strong> (Salta), this convoy climbs to the La Polvorilla viaduct<\/strong>, 4,220 m above sea level, the third highest line in the world. Between green valleys and Andean deserts, the sensation of \u2018touching the clouds\u2019 is a real one. Because of the high altitude, travellers may feel the effects of \u2018soroche<\/em>\u2019 (mountain sickness). So it’s advisable to stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous exercise and keep Mat\u00e9, the region’s traditional drink, handy! <\/p>\n\n