Introduction
Cutting across the continent's Andes backbone, South America is blessed with several classic rail journeys that really make the most of the spectacular mountain landscapes.
In Peru, skip the Inca Trail and instead take the train to Machu Picchu on board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train, which travels regularly from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the jumping off point for the legendary Inca ruins.
Alternatively, board the Andean Explorer to journey from Puno and the shore of Lake Titicaca to Cusco and see rural life and traditional villages on the high altiplano that aren't connected to the outside world by road.
In Ecuador, travel from the coastal city of Guayaquil east through changing landscapes and into the Andes to arrive at Riobamba. On route a series of spectacular switchbacks help the train negotiate the Devil's Nose (Nariz del Diablo), a rocky promontory that appears unpassable by rail.
