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Rail South America · Escorted tour

Patagonian Rail & Wilderness

22-day escorted rail and wilderness journey from Santiago to Ushuaia through Patagonia

Illustration of Patagonian Rail & Wilderness

Rail South America operates this 22-day escorted tour through the most remote and dramatic regions of Patagonia, departing from Santiago, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina at the southern tip of the continent. The journey weaves together historic trains, internal flights, boat crossings, and overland drives, with the transit itself forming the centerpiece of each day. Day 3 takes you by rail to the coastal city of Valparaíso; Day 9 includes a ride aboard La Trochita, a narrow-gauge heritage train through Patagonian Argentina; and if you opt for the Tierra del Fuego Extension, Day 21 puts you on Tren del Fin del Mundo in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Stops include the granite towers of Torres del Paine, the advancing ice walls of Perito Moreno Glacier, and the remote eco-lodge at Puerto Williams. Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels and lodges anchor each overnight, with all internal transportation, excursions, and entry fees included. Groups remain small, capped at 16 travelers, and English-speaking local guides lead throughout the journey. This tour suits repeat rail travelers and those seeking guided comfort in a landscape of extreme natural beauty.

What to know before you look closer

  • The core tour ends on Day 18 in Punta Arenas; the Tierra del Fuego Extension (Days 18-22) is optional and costs an additional USD 3,403 per person.
  • International flights to and from South America are not included; factor those costs separately.
  • Departures are limited: only February in 2027 and 2028 are listed by the operator.
  • One checked bag per person is limited to 15 kg (33 lb), which may require careful packing for a 22-day journey.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Santiago

  2. Day 2

    Santiago City Highlights

  3. Day 3rail

    Valparaiso Train Day Trip

  4. Day 4rail

    Rail Journey to Concepción

  5. Day 5

    Arrive in Puerto Varas

  6. Day 6

    Osorno Volcano & Petrohué

  7. Day 7

    Carretera Austral & Fjords

  8. Day 8

    Cross Andes to Bariloche

  9. Day 9rail

    Ride 'La Trochita' Train

  10. Day 10

    Explore Lakeside Bariloche

  11. Day 11

    Flight to El Calafate

  12. Day 12

    Perito Moreno Glacier

  13. Day 13

    To Torres del Paine

  14. Day 14

    Explore Torres del Paine

  15. Day 15

    Milodon Caves & Natales

  16. Day 16

    To Punta Arenas

  17. Day 17

    Discover Punta Arenas

  18. Day 18

    Departure or Tierra del Fuego Extension

    Core tour ends here for guests departing directly; those continuing take a flight to Puerto Williams to begin the optional Tierra del Fuego Extension.

  19. Day 19

    Beagle Channel to Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego Extension)

    Cross the legendary Beagle Channel by speedboat to enter Argentina and arrive in Ushuaia.

  20. Day 20

    Estancia Harberton Penguins (Tierra del Fuego Extension)

  21. Day 21rail

    End of the World Train (Tierra del Fuego Extension)

    Ride the historic 'Tren del Fin del Mundo' in Ushuaia.

  22. Day 22

    Final Departure (Tierra del Fuego Extension)

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: rail day trip from Santiago to Valparaíso on the Pacific coast.
  • Day 9Day 9: ride La Trochita, a historic narrow-gauge train through the Patagonian region near Bariloche.
  • Day 12Day 12: visit Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive advancing ice wall in El Calafate.
  • Day 14Day 14: explore Torres del Paine National Park with its granite spires in southern Chile.
  • Day 21Day 21 (Tierra del Fuego Extension): ride Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train) in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city.

Included

  • Expert tour guidance throughout the journey
  • All internal flights, trains & boat crossings
  • Hand-picked 3-4 star hotel & lodge stays
  • All listed excursions, activities & entry fees
  • Meals as indicated in the detailed program
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking local guides
  • One checked bag per person (up to 15 kg / 33 lb)

Not included

  • International flights to and from Patagonia
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses and drinks
  • Any services not specified in the itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Rail South America includes all internal flights, trains, and ferry crossings in the tour price from USD 14,982. This covers La Trochita and Tren del Fin del Mundo, as well as any rail journeys between cities.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a fully escorted tour. Knowledgeable English-speaking local guides accompany you throughout, and the operator handles all logistics and logistics at borders and between transport modes.
What is included and what is not?
Included: expert tour guidance, all internal flights, trains and boat crossings, hand-picked 3-4 star hotel and lodge stays, all listed excursions and entry fees, meals as indicated, and one checked bag (up to 15 kg). Not included: international flights, travel insurance, visas, tips and gratuities, personal expenses, and drinks.
When does this tour run?
Departures are in February only, with confirmed dates in February 2027 and February 2028. The core tour is 18 days; an optional Tierra del Fuego Extension runs Days 18-22.
What is the Tierra del Fuego Extension?
An optional 5-day extension (approximately Days 18-22) that adds Puerto Williams, a speedboat crossing of the Beagle Channel, Estancia Harberton and penguin viewing, and a ride on Tren del Fin del Mundo in Ushuaia. It costs USD 3,403 per person (double occupancy).
How many people travel in a group?
Groups are capped at 16 travelers maximum.

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