12-Day Southern Americas Cross-Country Rail Journey (Focus on scenic train routes): Peru, Bolivia & Chile in January
Embark on a sophisticated cross-border odyssey through the heart of the Andes, where ancient history meets modern luxury. This 12-day itinerary is meticulously designed for the discerning traveler, blending the nostalgic charm of golden-age rail travel with the exclusive comforts of 5-star South American hospitality.
While January brings the refreshing rains of the low season to the highlands, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the emerald landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the surreal glass-like reflections of the Uyuni Salt Flats without the crowds. From the culinary heights of Lima to the Martian landscapes of the Atacama, every transition is handled with premium private transfers and first-class rail experiences.
Day 1: Lima, Peru - Arrival & Gastronomic Welcome
Chauffeur Arrival at Jorge Chavez International
Your private chauffeur will meet you at the gate for a seamless transfer to the upscale Miraflores district.
Larco Museum Private Twilight Tour
Explore pre-Columbian art in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion, followed by cocktails in the museum's lush gardens.
Tasting Menu at Central
Indulge in a world-class culinary journey through Peru's altitudes at the world's top-rated restaurant.
Rest at Belmond Miraflores Park
Unwind in a Junior Suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean as you acclimate to the coastal air.
Day 2: Lima to Cusco, Peru - Into the Incan Capital
Luxury Flight to Cusco
A short, scenic flight takes you from sea level to the heart of the Andes mountains.
Coca Tea Welcome & Acclimatization
Check into a historic monastery hotel where oxygenated rooms help you adjust to the 11,000ft altitude.
Private Walking Tour of Qorikancha
Discover the Temple of the Sun, where Incan stonework meets Spanish colonial architecture.
Dinner at MAP Café
Modern Peruvian cuisine served in a glass house within the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Day 3: Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru - The Hiram Bingham Experience
Belmond Hiram Bingham Boarding
Start your journey to the Lost City on a luxury train inspired by 1920s Pullman cars, complete with live music and brunch.
Private Guided Exploration of Machu Picchu
Beat the morning crowds and explore the citadel with an expert historian during the quiet afternoon hours.
Afternoon Tea at Sanctuary Lodge
Relax at the only hotel located adjacent to the citadel gates before the return journey.
Gourmet Dinner Onboard
Enjoy a four-course Andean dinner and cocktails in the Bar Car as you return to the Sacred Valley.
Day 4: Cusco to Puno, Peru - The Andean Explorer (Part I)
All-Aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer
Begin South America's first luxury sleeper train journey, crossing the Altiplano toward Lake Titicaca.
Lunch in the Llama Dining Car
Savor refined seasonal dishes while watching the rolling peaks of the Andes pass by your window.
La Raya Pass Stop
Disembark at the highest point of the route (14,150 ft) to visit a remote chapel and browse local alpaca textiles.
Cocktails in the Piano Bar
Mingle with fellow travelers as the train glides through the high-altitude plains under the Southern Cross.
Day 5: Lake Titicaca, Peru - Sunrise on the Highest Navigable Lake
Sunrise over Lake Titicaca
Watch the sun rise over the vast waters from the open-air observation deck of the train.
Uros Floating Islands Private Visit
Take a private boat to the unique totora reed islands and learn about the ancient Uru culture.
Taquile Island Lunch
Enjoy a traditional trout lunch on a terrace overlooking the sapphire blue lake.
Afternoon Tea at Titilaka
Check into your luxury lakeside lodge and enjoy panoramic views of the water.
Day 6: Puno to La Paz, Bolivia - Crossing the Border
Hydrofoil Cross-Border Transfer
Cross from Peru to Bolivia via a high-speed hydrofoil across Lake Titicaca, visiting the Sun and Moon Islands.
Lunch at Copacabana
A lakeside stop in Bolivia's most famous pilgrimage town for fresh local cuisine.
Private Drive to La Paz
Descend into the dramatic bowl-shaped valley of La Paz as the city lights begin to twinkle.
Dinner at Gustu
Experience the heights of Bolivian gastronomy at this award-winning restaurant focused on native ingredients.
Day 7: La Paz, Bolivia - City of Clouds
Mi Teleférico Sky Tour
Glide above the city in private cabins on the world's highest and most sophisticated cable car system.
Witches' Market Exploration
A guided walk through the Mercado de las Brujas to see traditional Aymara herbalism and crafts.
Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)
Explore the surreal, eroded clay formations on the outskirts of the city that resemble a lunar landscape.
Stay at Casa Grande Hotel
Relax in the upscale Zona Sur district at La Paz's premier luxury design hotel.
Day 8: La Paz to Uyuni, Bolivia - The Mirror of the World
Private Flight to Uyuni
A 45-minute flight brings you to the gateway of the world's largest salt flats.
Train Cemetery Visit
Photograph the haunting remains of 19th-century steam locomotives in the high desert.
Lunch on the Salt Flats
A private 'Pop-up' luxury picnic served in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni.
Sunset Photography
In January, the thin layer of water on the salt creates a perfect mirror effect of the sky.
Day 9: Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia - High Plateau Adventure
Incahuasi Island Exploration
Hike through giant cacti on an 'island' in the middle of the white salt sea.
Tunupa Volcano Base
Visit the mummies of Coquesa and enjoy views of the Salar from the foothills of the volcano.
Perspective Photography Workshop
Utilize the endless horizon for iconic creative photos with your private professional guide.
Stargazing Experience
The high altitude and zero light pollution offer the world's clearest views of the Milky Way.
Day 10: Uyuni to Atacama, Chile - Across the High Desert
Laguna Colorada Expedition
A private 4x4 journey to see the red-colored lake and thousands of Andean flamingos.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
Observe the bubbling mud pools and steam vents at 16,000 feet above sea level.
Hito Cajon Border Crossing
Complete formalities at the remote mountain pass and transfer to a Chilean luxury vehicle.
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
Check into your all-inclusive luxury desert oasis and enjoy a welcome pisco sour.
Day 11: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Martian Landscapes
Valley of the Moon Private Tour
Explore the salt caves and jagged ridges of the Cordillera de la Sal before the heat of the day.
Gourmet Lunch at Tierra Atacama
Savor farm-to-table cuisine using ancient desert irrigation techniques.
Cejar Lagoon Float
Swim in hypersaline waters where you float effortlessly, surrounded by the Andes.
Desert Stargazing Session
Use high-powered telescopes to view the planets in the world's driest non-polar desert.
Day 12: Calama to Santiago, Chile - Final Flight & Farewell
Transfer to Calama Airport
A final private drive through the desert to catch your flight to the capital.
Skyline Lunch in Santiago
Enjoy views of the Andes and the city from the top floors of the Costanera Center.
Last-Minute Boutique Shopping
Pick up high-quality lapis lazuli jewelry in the artistic Bellavista neighborhood.
International Departure
Transfer to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Americas
For this specific Andean route through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, January is the 'Green Season' or Low Season. While you will encounter rain in the Peruvian highlands and the Bolivian Altiplano, the landscapes are vibrantly green and the Uyuni Salt Flats create their famous mirror effect. In contrast, the Atacama Desert remains dry and pleasant year-round. For those seeking dry weather in the Andes, the peak season is June through August, though this coincides with large crowds and much colder nighttime temperatures.
Visas & Border Crossings
Travelers on this route must navigate multiple immigration points. Most Western citizens (US, UK, EU) do not require a visa for Peru or Chile for short stays, but Bolivia requires a 'Tourist Visa' for US citizens, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance (be prepared with USD in pristine condition). When crossing at Hito Cajon (Bolivia/Chile), ensure your private transfer company has pre-cleared your paperwork to avoid delays in the remote high-altitude border post.
Getting Around Americas
This itinerary utilizes the continent's most exclusive transport methods. Domestic flights within Peru and Chile are frequent and reliable via LATAM. The highlight is the rail journey: the Belmond Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer offer world-class luxury that rivals the Orient Express. Between Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama, private 4x4 vehicles are the only viable high-end option. Always opt for private transfers over public buses to ensure safety, comfort, and flexibility at high altitudes.
