🌍 South America

0 countries with railway stations.

South America's railway network is modest by global standards but contains some of the world's most extraordinary scenic journeys. The continent's mountainous terrain, Amazon basin, and vast distances historically made railway construction enormously challenging and expensive. Much of the colonial-era rail infrastructure was built to serve mining and agricultural exports rather than passenger travel, and many lines fell into disuse during the latter half of the twentieth century as road and air transport expanded. Peru's Train to Machu Picchu, operated by Peru Rail and Inca Rail, is among the most iconic rail journeys on the continent, descending from Cusco through the Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. Argentina's Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes) climbs to 4,220 meters above sea level in the Andes and is considered one of the highest railways in the world. Brazil has invested in suburban and metro systems in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and other major cities, while long-distance intercity rail remains limited. Regional investment in rail is growing. Brazil and Argentina have explored high-speed rail proposals between their largest cities, and Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile maintain scenic tourist railways in their highland regions. For travelers, South America's trains reward those seeking dramatic landscapes and unique experiences rather than the fast and frequent intercity connections found in Europe or East Asia.

Peru's Train to Machu Picchu is among the most visited tourist rail journeys in the Americas, carrying over one million passengers per year.

Argentina's Tren a las Nubes climbs to 4,220 meters in the Andes and crosses 29 bridges and 21 tunnels on its route.

Brazil operates South America's largest metro and suburban rail network, centered on Sao Paulo's 100 km metro system.

Bolivia's Expreso del Sur links the highlands of Oruro to the Chilean border through high-altitude altiplano scenery.

South America's rail network covers approximately 65,000 km of track, though the majority is freight-only.

Countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Trains to Machu Picchu depart from Cusco (Poroy station) or Ollantaytambo and arrive at Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Machu Picchu mountain. The two main operators are Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Tickets should be booked weeks in advance, especially for the Vistadome panoramic coaches and the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham service.
A continuous rail journey across South America is not possible due to gaps in the network, different track gauges, and missing cross-border connections. Long-distance intercity travel in most South American countries is primarily done by bus or air. Rail is best used for specific scenic segments within individual countries.
Argentina's Tren a las Nubes ('Train to the Clouds') is widely considered the most dramatic. Departing from Salta, it climbs through the Quebrada del Toro canyon and crosses the 224-meter-long, 63-meter-high La Polvorilla viaduct at 4,220 meters elevation. The full journey takes approximately 16 hours. Ecuador's Devil's Nose train descent near Riobamba is another legendary engineering achievement.
Brazil's intercity passenger rail network is minimal. The country shut down most long-distance passenger services in the 1990s. The Sao Paulo-Campinas and Sao Paulo suburban rail systems are well-developed, and Rio de Janeiro has an urban rail network. Brazil has repeatedly studied a high-speed line between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, but the project has not yet proceeded to construction.
Yes, several countries operate scenic mountain railways. Ecuador's Tren Ecuador runs curated tourist routes including the Devil's Nose switchback descent. Bolivia maintains a network in the Altiplano serving cities like Oruro and Uyuni. Chile's historic railway in the Lake District runs between Temuco and Victoria. These services are targeted at tourists and run less frequently than regular commuter or intercity lines.
Tourist rail services to Machu Picchu, Argentina's Tren a las Nubes, and Ecuador's Tren Ecuador are well-operated, safe, and specifically designed for visitors. General safety standards vary by country and route. For these dedicated tourist services, pre-booking through official operators or reputable travel agencies is recommended for both safety and availability.