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Rail South America · Escorted tour

Buenos Aires to Lima: An Andean Expedition

21-day Andean rail journey from Buenos Aires through Bolivia to Lima

Illustration of Buenos Aires to Lima: An Andean Expedition

Rail South America operates this 21-day escorted expedition across three countries, departing Buenos Aires and arriving in Lima. The journey combines three world-class trains with stays in hand-picked upscale hotels and boutique lodges, traveling through Argentina's wine country and high Andes, Bolivia's remote altiplano and famous salt flats, and Peru's Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Days begin in the tango-infused elegance of Buenos Aires, progress through the colorful valleys of Argentina's northwest and the legendary Tren a las Nubes mountain railway in Salta, then cross into Bolivia to explore the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats and La Paz's cable-car vistas. The journey continues on the luxury Perurail Titicaca Train across high-altitude lakes into Peru, culminates with Machu Picchu and the return on the Belmond Hiram Bingham, and ends in coastal Lima. A dedicated English-speaking tour leader and local experts guide the entire experience, with all internal flights, meals, transfers, and entrance fees arranged.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights to and from Buenos Aires and Lima are not included; only internal domestic flights are covered
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and service providers are not included
  • Maximum group size is 18 travelers
  • One checked bag per person on internal flights is limited to 15 kg (33 lb)

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Buenos Aires: Tango, Culture & Delta Charms

    Immerse in the cosmopolitan elegance and vibrant rhythms of Argentina's capital, culminating in a private tango performance.

  2. Day 2

    Buenos Aires: Tango, Culture & Delta Charms

    Immerse in the cosmopolitan elegance and vibrant rhythms of Argentina's capital, culminating in a private tango performance.

  3. Day 3

    Buenos Aires: Tango, Culture & Delta Charms

    Immerse in the cosmopolitan elegance and vibrant rhythms of Argentina's capital, culminating in a private tango performance.

  4. Day 4

    Argentina's Northwest: Wine Country & Painted Valleys

    Discover the renowned vineyards of Cafayate and traverse the dramatic, multi-hued landscapes of the Calchaquí and Rio de las Conchas Valleys.

  5. Day 5

    Argentina's Northwest: Wine Country & Painted Valleys

    Discover the renowned vineyards of Cafayate and traverse the dramatic, multi-hued landscapes of the Calchaquí and Rio de las Conchas Valleys.

  6. Day 6

    Argentina's Northwest: Wine Country & Painted Valleys

    Discover the renowned vineyards of Cafayate and traverse the dramatic, multi-hued landscapes of the Calchaquí and Rio de las Conchas Valleys.

  7. Day 7rail

    Salta & The 'Tren a las Nubes': High Andes Rail Adventure

    Ascend to dizzying heights aboard the legendary 'Tren a las Nubes', a marvel of engineering, and explore the vibrant geological wonders of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

  8. Day 8rail

    Salta & The 'Tren a las Nubes': High Andes Rail Adventure

    Ascend to dizzying heights aboard the legendary 'Tren a las Nubes', a marvel of engineering, and explore the vibrant geological wonders of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

  9. Day 9

    Into Bolivia: Remote Andes & Uyuni Salt Flats

    Journey through the authentic Bolivian Andes to the surreal, ethereal expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, staying at a unique hotel crafted from salt.

  10. Day 10

    Into Bolivia: Remote Andes & Uyuni Salt Flats

    Journey through the authentic Bolivian Andes to the surreal, ethereal expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, staying at a unique hotel crafted from salt.

  11. Day 11

    Into Bolivia: Remote Andes & Uyuni Salt Flats

    Journey through the authentic Bolivian Andes to the surreal, ethereal expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats, staying at a unique hotel crafted from salt.

  12. Day 12

    La Paz: Mile-High City & Cultural Depths

    Explore the fascinating contrasts of La Paz, from its bustling markets to breathtaking cable car vistas and the unique Moon Valley.

  13. Day 13

    La Paz: Mile-High City & Cultural Depths

    Explore the fascinating contrasts of La Paz, from its bustling markets to breathtaking cable car vistas and the unique Moon Valley.

  14. Day 14

    Lake Titicaca: Sacred Waters & Ancient Legends

    Cruise the mystical waters of Lake Titicaca to Sun Island, birthplace of Inca legends, and cross into Peru, arriving in Puno.

  15. Day 15

    Lake Titicaca: Sacred Waters & Ancient Legends

    Cruise the mystical waters of Lake Titicaca to Sun Island, birthplace of Inca legends, and cross into Peru, arriving in Puno.

  16. Day 16rail

    Perurail Titicaca: Luxury to Cusco

    Experience the breathtaking Andean scenery from the comfort of the luxurious Perurail Titicaca Train on your journey to the heart of the Inca Empire.

  17. Day 17rail

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu: Ancient Wonders Unveiled

    Discover traditional villages, ingenious Inca agricultural sites, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, with an exclusive journey back on the Belmond Hiram Bingham train.

  18. Day 18rail

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu: Ancient Wonders Unveiled

    Discover traditional villages, ingenious Inca agricultural sites, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, with an exclusive journey back on the Belmond Hiram Bingham train.

  19. Day 19rail

    Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu: Ancient Wonders Unveiled

    Discover traditional villages, ingenious Inca agricultural sites, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, with an exclusive journey back on the Belmond Hiram Bingham train.

  20. Day 20

    Lima: Coastal Capital & Farewell Feast

    Explore the rich history and modern vibrancy of Lima, from its colonial grandeur to its sophisticated Miraflores district, before your departure.

  21. Day 21

    Lima: Coastal Capital & Farewell Feast

    Explore the rich history and modern vibrancy of Lima, from its colonial grandeur to its sophisticated Miraflores district, before your departure.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: arrival in Buenos Aires for tango performance and exploration of Argentina's capital
  • Day 7Day 7: ascend aboard the Tren a las Nubes high-altitude train in the Salta region
  • Day 9Day 9: enter Bolivia and journey through the Uyuni Salt Flats, staying at a hotel constructed from salt
  • Day 14Day 14: cruise Lake Titicaca to Sun Island and cross into Peru
  • Day 17Day 17: visit Machu Picchu and return via the Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train

Included

  • Dedicated English-speaking Tour Leader and knowledgeable local guides throughout your journey
  • 20 nights in hand-picked upscale hotels & boutique lodges
  • Regional meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All internal domestic flights (Economy Class: Buenos Aires - Tucuman, Uyuni - La Paz, Cusco - Lima)
  • All scenic train tickets including the 'Tren a las Nubes' and the Belmond Hiram Bingham train
  • All private ground transfers
  • All entrance fees for specified tours and activities
  • One checked bag up to 15kg / 33lb per person on internal flights

Not included

  • International flights to/from Buenos Aires and from Lima
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and excursions
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and laundry
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and service providers
  • Visa fees (if applicable)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail South America includes all scenic train tickets: the Tren a las Nubes in Salta, the Perurail Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. International flights are not included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an escorted tour. Rail South America provides a dedicated English-speaking Tour Leader and knowledgeable local guides throughout the 21 days.
What is included in the price?
The price includes 20 nights in upscale hotels and boutique lodges, all regional meals as specified, all internal domestic flights, all train tickets, private ground transfers, entrance fees, and guide services. International flights, travel insurance, tips, and optional activities are not included.
When does this tour depart?
Rail South America offers three departures: September 2026, May 2027, and September 2027. All departures are priced at 13,899 USD per person.
What is the physical activity level?
The evidence does not specify a physical activity level or altitude acclimatization requirements. Contact Rail South America for details about walking distances and high-altitude considerations.
How many people travel on each tour?
Group size is capped at 18 travelers.

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