Search

Tailor Made Rail · Escorted tour

Buenos Aires to Lima - Escorted Rail Tour

23-day escorted rail journey Buenos Aires to Lima via Andes and salt flats

Illustration of Buenos Aires to Lima - Escorted Rail Tour

Tailor Made Rail's 23-day escorted tour departs London for Buenos Aires and concludes in Lima, crossing three countries: Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. The journey combines five named train experiences with overland and flight segments, staying in hotels ranging from 1 to 4 nights per city. Days flow from Buenos Aires' tango and delta cruises through Argentina's Calchaquí wine valleys and the dramatic Tren a las Nubes near Salta; then across Bolivia's salt flats and Lake Titicaca; and finally into Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, returning via the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train with a gourmet dinner. A dedicated English-speaking Tour Leader and local guides accompany the group of at most 18 travellers throughout. On Day 9, the Tren a las Nubes climbs to 4,200 metres at the Polvorilla Viaduct; on Day 20, guests tour Machu Picchu and return by the Belmond train. The package suits repeat rail travellers seeking a mix of classic and luxury trains, history enthusiasts drawn to Inca sites, and food-and-wine lovers interested in Cafayate vineyards and curated Andean meals.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most hotels are listed as 'or similar', so the final property depends on availability and your tier choice.
  • A high single supplement likely applies; confirm the single room rate with Tailor Made Rail, as the pack does not publish it.
  • The journey includes five flights in addition to five train journeys; rail is a significant but not the only form of transport.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Fly overnight to Buenos Aires

    Catch an overnight flight from London to the Argentinian capital.

  2. Day 2overnight: Buenos Aires

    Arrive Buenos Aires

    A private transfer greets you and takes you to your centrally located hotel, the Hotel Anselmo (or similar), for a 4-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Buenos Aires

    At leisure in Buenos Aires

    A day exploring at your own pace, acclimatising to the time difference. Meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for an orientation and welcome briefing.

  4. Day 4overnight: Buenos Aires

    Discover Buenos Aires

    Iconic landmarks from the Obelisk to the city's historic plazas, Avenida 9 de Julio, and the colourful streets of La Boca and the Caminito. Evening traditional Argentine dinner with a private tango performance.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Buenos Aires

    Rio de la Plata Delta and Tigre

    A cruise from Puerto Madero, navigating the canals of the Río de la Plata Delta. Explore Tigre, with a regional lunch, then a train ride back to Buenos Aires.

  6. Day 6overnight: Cafayate

    Buenos Aires to Cafayate

    A morning flight to Tucumán, then overland through the Calchaquí Valley via Tafí del Valle to Cafayate. Check in for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Asturias (or similar).

  7. Day 7overnight: Cafayate

    Cafayate vineyards

    A guided winery tour of the region's Malbec, Tannat and Torrontés varietals, with a curated tasting and a gourmet lunch at a country estate. Free afternoon to explore Cafayate.

  8. Day 8overnight: Salta

    Cafayate to Salta

    Through the Río de las Conchas Valley, with stops at the Amphitheatre and the Garganta del Diablo, and lunch. Continue to Salta, checking in at the Hotel Design Suites (or similar).

  9. Day 9railovernight: Salta

    Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds)

    Via the village of Alfarcito and the Quebrada de las Cuevas, boarding the Tren a las Nubes to the Polvorilla Viaduct at 4,200 metres. Lunch in San Antonio de los Cobres, then return to Salta.

  10. Day 10overnight: Purmamarca

    Salta to Purmamarca and the Rainbow Valley

    The UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, with its multi-coloured mountains. Overnight at the Hotel la Comarca (or similar) in Purmamarca.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Tupiza

    Purmamarca to Tupiza

    Cross into Bolivia at Villazón, with lunch, then a scenic train ride to Tupiza. Overnight at Hotel Mitru.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Uyuni

    Tupiza to Uyuni

    An overland journey through striking stone formations and volcanoes to Uyuni, with lunch and a visit to the Railway Cemetery. Check in at the Hotel Palacio de Sal (or similar) on the edge of the salt flat for a 2-night stay.

  13. Day 13overnight: Uyuni

    Exploring the salt desert

    Visit Colchani, then the Uyuni Salt Flats and Incahuasi Island, with a picnic lunch on the salt flats.

  14. Day 14overnight: La Paz

    Uyuni to La Paz

    A morning flight to La Paz, with a scenic lookout stop, then check in at the Hotel Europa (or similar). City tour including the Witches Market, Plaza Murillo and the Killi Killi lookout.

  15. Day 15overnight: La Paz

    Exploring La Paz

    The 'Moon Valley' formations and the city's cable car system for aerial views. Free afternoon.

  16. Day 16overnight: Copacabana

    La Paz to Copacabana (Lake Titicaca)

    A scenic journey to Copacabana, with a cruise to Sun Island, an 'Aptapi' traditional Andean lunch, and the Pilkokaina Inca temple. Overnight at the Hotel Rosario del Lago (or similar).

  17. Day 17overnight: Puno

    Copacabana to Puno

    Visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Copacabana, with lunch, then cross into Peru to Puno, checking in at the Hotel Jose Antonio (or similar) on Lake Titicaca.

  18. Day 18railovernight: Cusco

    Lake Titicaca to Cusco by train

    Board the Perurail Titicaca Train, reaching La Raya at 4,321 metres, then descend to Cusco. Transfer to the Novotel Cusco (or similar) for a 4-night stay.

  19. Day 19overnight: Cusco

    Around Cusco and the Sacred Valley

    Chinchero's markets, the circular terraces of Moray, lunch in Maras, and the Maras Salt Mines.

  20. Day 20railovernight: Cusco

    Machu Picchu and the Hiram Bingham

    Transfer to Ollantaytambo, board the Expedition or Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, then a shuttle bus up to Machu Picchu with an expert guide. Return aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train with a gourmet gala dinner, transferring back to Cusco.

  21. Day 21overnight: Cusco

    Explore Cusco

    A city tour including the Santo Domingo Convent (built atop Qorikancha), the Sacsayhuamán fortress, and a local weaving centre. Free afternoon.

  22. Day 22overnight: Lima

    Cusco to Lima

    A morning flight to Lima, checking in at the Hotel Doubletree Pardo (or similar) in Miraflores. City tour of Plaza Mayor, San Isidro and Miraflores, with a farewell lunch.

  23. Day 23

    Depart Lima

    A private transfer to Lima's international airport for the return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Day 4: Evening traditional Argentine dinner in Buenos Aires with a private tango performance.
  • Day 9Day 9: The Tren a las Nubes climbs to the Polvorilla Viaduct at 4,200 metres through the Andean landscapes near Salta.
  • Day 13Day 13: Picnic lunch on the Uyuni Salt Flats beside Incahuasi Island.
  • Day 18Day 18: The Perurail Titicaca Train crosses La Raya at 4,321 metres and descends into Cusco.
  • Day 20Day 20: Machu Picchu guided tour, then return by the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train with a gourmet gala dinner.

Included

  • Return flights from London (or UK airport) to Buenos Aires and back from Lima in Economy Class
  • 21 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • All scenic train tickets including the 'Tren a las Nubes' and the Belmond Hiram Bingham train
  • All meals, transfers and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • All internal domestic flights in Economy Class
  • Dedicated English-speaking Tour Leader and knowledgeable local guides throughout your journey
  • Small group with a maximum of 18 travellers

Questions travellers ask

Is this an escorted tour or independent travel?
It is fully escorted. Tailor Made Rail provides a dedicated English-speaking Tour Leader and local guides throughout the 23 days, with a maximum group size of 18 travellers.
Are all train tickets and internal flights included?
Yes. The package includes all five scenic train tickets (Tren a las Nubes, Villazón-Tupiza train, Perurail Titicaca Train, Expedition/Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, and the Belmond Hiram Bingham), plus all internal domestic flights in Economy Class.
What is included in the price?
Return Economy flights from a UK airport to Buenos Aires and back from Lima, 21 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, all train and internal flight tickets, all meals, transfers, entrance fees, and the services of guides. Small group cap is 18.
When does this tour depart?
The operator lists departures in April 2026, September 2026, May 2027, and August 2027. All are priced at GBP 10,499 (approximately USD 14,021).
What trains are included?
The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) near Salta, a scenic train from Villazón to Tupiza, the Perurail Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco, an Expedition or Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, and the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco with a gourmet dinner.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes city walking tours in Buenos Aires, Cusco, and Lima, plus visits to markets and museums. Some itinerary stops involve moderate walking; the highest altitude reached is 4,321 metres on the Titicaca Train. A shuttle bus and guided walk are provided at Machu Picchu.

Similar journeys