Price per person from
9'935
CHF

Andes Railway

On rails through South America
  • Exploring the Andes
  • 20 days / 19 nights

Experience the beautiful landscapes of the South American Andes in a very special way: legendary trains - including the Tren a las Nubes in Argentina and the nostalgic Titicaca Explorer - wind their way up to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes on the continent's most fascinating railroads in countless loops, crossing dizzyingly high bridges, rattling through miles of tunnels and over endless plateaus.

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Highlights

  • Railroad nostalgia: combining legendary trains on the fascinating rail routes of South America
  • Journeys with the Titicaca Explorer trains from Lake Titicaca to Cusco and with the Vistadome through the subtropical Urubamba Valley
  • Tren a las Nubes: The train into the clouds offers one of the most exciting train rides in the world
  • Visit 4 important UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Machu Picchu
  • Lake Titicaca: birthplace of the Incas
  • Salar de Uyuni: the largest salt desert in the world
  • Travel in a small group with a German-speaking tour guide
Travel itinerary
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Travel details

Travel programm

  1. 1

    1

    Individual arrival in Buenos Aires.

  2. 2

    2

    Welcome at the airport and transfer to your centrally located comfort hotel. Your orientation tour of the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires with its picturesque districts and quaint tango bars begins around midday. Welcome dinner in a traditional steakhouse. (A)

  3. 3

    3

    In the morning, you will continue your sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires. After a ride on the oldest metro in South America, you will stroll through the picturesque harbor district of La Boca with its legendary colorful houses. In the afternoon, take the Tren de la Costa train to the Tigre Delta, a labyrinth of countless islands. The return journey is by boat across the famous Río de la Plata. In the evening, you have the option of attending a tango show. (FA)

  4. 4

    4

    Morning flight to Salta. The charming little town enchants visitors with its lovely Mediterranean ambience. Luxurious mansions and a colossal cathedral bear witness to the city's former wealth. As part of your tour of the city, visit the Archaeological Museum. An exciting exhibition gives you a fascinating insight into the culture of the Incas and prepares you for your trip to Bolivia and Peru. From the local mountain San Bernardo you can enjoy the view over the city and the surrounding subtropical forests. (FA)

  5. 5

    5

    Excursion to Cafayate, the land of sun and wine. In particular, the park full of flowers and the small, quiet streets complement the wonderful architecture of the town. Lunch awaits you at the beautifully situated Bodega El Porvenir winery, where you will be intoxicated by the scent of oak and the Torrontés grape. In the afternoon, you will explore the Cafayate Gorge with its bizarre rock formations and fascinating views of the Andes. (FM)

  6. 6

    6

    Today, the Tren a las Nubes awaits you for a ride on one of the most famous train routes in the world. You will experience dreamlike landscapes, beautiful valleys and steep gorges between San Antonio de los Cobres and La Polvorilla at an altitude of 4,220 m. From here, you take the bus to Purmamarca, a small village at the foot of the Mountain of the Seven Colors, which creates a fascinating atmosphere with its play of colours and quickly makes you believe you have landed in a fairytale landscape. (FA)

  7. 7

    7

    The morning is at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will explore the magnificent Quebrada de Humahuaca gorge (UNESCO World Heritage Site), through whose spectacular rock faces an ancient Inca road once ran. The Tilcará fortress, a national historical monument in the middle of an impressive cactus landscape, is particularly impressive alongside the unique natural surroundings. (FA)

  8. 8

    8

    Drive to the Bolivian border. The journey through the high plateau, which is sometimes reminiscent of lunar landscapes, is definitely worth it! In Villazón you board the public train Wara Wara in the afternoon and travel with the Bolivians into the night to Uyuni. (FLA)

  9. 9

    9

    The natural jewel that is the Salar de Uyuni stretches endlessly to the horizon at 3,700 m above sea level. Everything seems to have been painted by a master's hand - perfect, beautiful, unique. (FLA)

  10. 10

    10

    Today's excursion takes you to the magical mountain, the Tunupa volcano. Its crater rises impressively from the endless expanses in a glowing yellow-reddish play of colors. For the Aymara Indians, it is a mythical being that teaches hope and peace with the laws of Pachamama. Centuries-old mummies await you at the end of this natural spectacle. The railroad cemetery also offers great photo opportunities. Countless antique steam locomotives and wagons rust away in the middle of the desert - a real adventure playground. (FL)

  11. 11

    11

    Flight to La Paz. The bustling city offers a wealth of things to experience and boasts some world records. You will visit the colonial old town and find everything a shaman needs for his daily rituals at the colorful Indian market. Afterwards, a journey to the moon awaits you - to the bizarre Valle de la Luna. (FA)

  12. 12

    12

    Today you will explore the sun and moon islands. According to legend, the sun god lived on the island of the sun in Bolivia and sent his children Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo out into the world from there to found the Inca empire. After a short hike, you will arrive at your hotel. In the evening, you can experience a spectacular sunset over the Cordillera del Rey. The lake is mystical and full of secrets. (FMA)

  13. 13

    13

    In the morning, you can stroll around the idyllic island at your own pace. Before lunch with a view of the lake, visit the Inca steps and their sacred spring. A hydrofoil trip takes you to the picturesque small town of Copacabana. In the afternoon, drive along Lake Titicaca to Puno. (FM)

  14. 14

    14

    Another day dedicated to Lake Titicaca, which is believed to be the cradle of the Inca civilization. You will visit the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians and the island of Taquile. The excursion gives you an insight into the way of life of the locals. On Taquile Island, the Quechua Indians have largely preserved their traditions and live according to the ancient Inca system. (FM)

  15. 15

    15

    The Titicaca Explorer takes you to Cusco in the elegant style of the grand Pullman trains of the 1920s. The 10-hour, extremely pleasant journey through the highlands of the Andes is an experience in itself. You can marvel at the fantastic landscapes through the large windows. The highest point of the train journey is the La Raya Pass at 4,312 m above sea level. You reach Cusco in the early evening. (FM)

  16. 16

    16

    The town of Pisac comes to life every Sunday when the inhabitants from the surrounding villages flock to the market to sell their Andean products. Take photos of the colorful hustle and bustle before enjoying the magnificent view over the rooftops of Cusco (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress and exploring the historic old town, where Inca and colonial architecture blend together in an impressive way. (FA)

  17. 17

    17

    A wonderful train ride takes you through the subtropical Urubamba Valley. The large panoramic windows offer you wonderful views of tropical gorges and ruins from the Inca era. At an altitude of around 2,400 m, you will explore Machu Picchu (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in detail, probably the most famous and fascinating archaeological site in South America. You will see the rock on which the sun is fixed and enjoy the mystical atmosphere of this unique place. Machu Picchu is still one of the greatest mysteries in archaeology: what significance did the site have for the Inca people? Why did they leave their city in the clouds? Puzzled, you return to Cusco in the afternoon. (FA)

  18. 18

    18

    This morning you will explore the most important places in Cusco on foot. In the famous cathedral, you can admire carved woodwork, an ornate altar and several hundred paintings from the 17th century School of Cusco. Your discovery tour continues to the Koricancha Temple of the Sun, where you will witness the incredible architecture of the Incas - a technical masterpiece that has remained a secret to this day! You will then walk along Hatunrumiyoc Street, named after the 12-angled stone that is still clearly visible in the remaining wall of the Inca Roca Palace. You make a final stop in the artisan quarter of San Blas. The legendary cobblestone alleyways not only offer spectacular views of the city, they are also lined with workshops and galleries that give the district its creative atmosphere. The afternoon is at your leisure. (FA)

  19. 19

    19

    Today you will be transferred to the airport. Return flight via Lima to Switzerland. (F)

  20. 20

    20

    (F) = breakfast, (M) = lunch, (L) = packed lunch, (A) = dinner

Do you have any questions?

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Fabienne Jegge & Chloé Gutknecht

We will be happy to answer your questions personally.

Impressions

Sustainability | © shutterstock / 1190139652

Services

Included in the price

  • 16 nights in comfortable hotels, 1 night in a charming middle-class hotel
  • Internal South American flights Buenos Aires - Salta, Uyuni - La Paz and Cuszco - Lima in economy class
  • Excursions and sightseeing, German-speaking, as per itinerary
  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • Transfers and excursions in comfortable coaches typical of the country
  • All meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, L = packed lunch, D = dinner)
  • Local, German-speaking tour guide from Buenos Aires to Cusco
  • Luggage service in the hotels as well as at the airports and at some train stations
  • All entrance fees for the sightseeing destinations listed
  • Travel documentation

Not included in the price

  • Journey to Buenos Aires and return journey from Lima
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • All meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Optional excursions
  • Cancellation costs and travel insurance

More info

  • You can see which meals are included in the tour price by the abbreviations (FMA) at the end of each day's description. (B) = breakfast, (L) = lunch, (L) = packed lunch, (D) = dinner
  • Number of participants; minimum 10 people, maximum 18 people; international group
  • Tour guide: in German
  • This tour is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us for more detailed information, taking into account your personal needs.
  • Last possibility of withdrawal by the tour operator if the minimum number of participants is not reached: 21 days before the start of the tour
  • Entry requirements / health; Swiss citizens require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date. Please clarify any necessary health clarifications and vaccinations with your family doctor or the Tropical Institute. Please note the Covid regulations valid at the time of entry.

Dates of Travel

Travel dates 2025 and 2026

24.04.2025

25.09.2025

23.10.2025

23.04.2026

Prices

Target prices 2025
Travel price in double occupancy from CHF 9'935 Price per person
Travel price in single occupancy from CHF 11'955 Price per person
Target prices 2026
Travel price in double occupancy from CHF 10'300 Price per person
Travel price in single occupancy from CHF 12'470 Price per person