Ultimate South America: The PeruRail Expedition Train

• Panoramic Perfection: Discover how the Expedition train’s specialised glass design ensures you never miss a glimpse of the Sacred Valley or the towering Andes mountains.

• Route Highlights: From snow-capped Mount Veronica to the first glimpses of the cloud forest, we guide you through the unmissable sights along the tracks.

• The Perfect Add-On: Find out how to combine a South American cruise docking in Lima with this once-in-a-lifetime rail adventure to the Lost City of the Incas.

A holiday to South America is the ultimate adventure, but to truly experience the magic of this continent, you often need to journey beyond the coast.

Deep within the Andes lies the gateway to the Inca Empire. While the destination is the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, the journey through the Sacred Valley is an adventure in itself.

Enter the PeruRail Expedition: a train service designed not just to transport you from A to B, but to immerse you in the landscape of the Andes.

If you are looking for the holiday of a lifetime, this specific train journey is a star feature of our exclusive Ultimate South America with Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls & Rio De Janeiro package. Here is what makes the journey so special.

1. A Front-Row Seat to the Andes

The defining feature of the PeruRail Expedition is the view. The train is designed specifically for sightseeing, featuring panoramic windows that curve upward into the ceiling.

As the train departs from the stations of Poroy (Cusco) or Ollantaytambo, you aren't just looking out at the scenery; you are enveloped by it.

You will watch the landscape dramatically shift from the high-altitude plains of the Andes, winding along the rushing Urubamba River, before descending into the lush, mist-covered cloud forest that surrounds Machu Picchu.

2. Landmarks Along the Line

The journey is a geography lesson in motion. As you travel from the high Andes down towards the Amazon basin, keep your camera ready for these key sights:

The Urubamba River

For much of the journey, the train hugs the banks of this sacred river. You will see it transform from a wide, calm stream into a roaring torrent of white water as it squeezes through the granite canyons.

Mount Veronica (Nevado Veronica)

Towering at over 5,800 metres, this snow-capped peak dominates the skyline near Ollantaytambo. It provides a stunning white contrast to the deep green valley floor.

Inca Terraces

Look out for the ancient agricultural terraces carved into the hillsides. These stepped green platforms were built by the Incas to farm maize and potatoes on steep slopes, and many are still in use today.

KM 82

If you look closely as you pass "Kilometre 82", you might spot hikers crossing the suspension bridge over the river. This is the official starting point of the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek.

The Cloud Forest

As you approach Aguas Calientes, notice how the vegetation changes. The dry eucalyptus trees vanish, replaced by dense jungle and giant ferns, signalling your arrival at the edge of the Amazon.

3. Onboard Comfort & Inca Style

The PeruRail Expedition isn't your standard commuter train. The interior is heavily influenced by the local culture, with seats upholstered in fabrics featuring Inca-style geometric patterns.

The carriages are spacious, with comfortable four-seat arrangements (two facing two) with tables, making it perfect for families or groups of friends recounting their cruise adventures.

It is designed to be the start of your "expedition," offering plenty of space for day bags while retaining the comfort you expect from a premium tour.

4. Service with a Spirit of Adventure

While you gaze at the snow-capped peaks, the onboard staff ensures the journey is smooth and enjoyable. A food and beverage service is available, allowing you to purchase snacks and drinks - including the famous Peruvian Inka Kola or a calming coca tea - to sip as the mountains roll by.

The atmosphere onboard is one of shared anticipation. The train has a spirited, adventurous vibe, filled with travellers eager to tick off a wonder of the world and share stories of their South American discoveries.

Our Exclusive "Ultimate South America" Package

We know that if you are travelling this far, you want to see everything. That is why Cruise.co.uk has created an exclusive cruise & stay package that combines this unforgettable train journey with the continent's most iconic sights.

Our 'Ultimate South America with Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls & Rio De Janeiro' package is a fully escorted holiday designed to take the stress out of travel. It includes dedicated Cruise.co.uk coach transfers and expert local guides every step of the way.

What is Included?

Alongside a spectacular 14-night cruise, this package is packed with show-stopping land tours:

• Chinchero, Ollantaytambo Fortress & Train To Machu Picchu: This is where you board the PeruRail Expedition! We take you through the Sacred Valley, visiting the fortress of Ollantaytambo before the scenic rail journey begins.

• Machu Picchu Guided Tour: A comprehensive guided experience of the Lost City.

• Christ The Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Mountain Tour: See Rio de Janeiro from its most famous summits.

• Iguazu Falls Tour: Witness the raw power of the world’s largest waterfall system.

• Buenos Aires Dinner & Tango Show: An evening of passion, culture, and cuisine in Argentina.

• Lima and Cusco City Tours: Explore the colonial history and ancient roots of Peru's most important cities.

An Unforgettable Rail Adventure

The PeruRail Expedition proves that you don't need to trek for four days to feel like an explorer. It offers the perfect balance of comfort, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. It is the ideal prelude to the mystery of Machu Picchu.

Ready to see the Lost City of the Incas? If you would like to book this once-in-a-lifetime holiday or discuss how to personalise the itinerary to suit you, please contact our cruise consultants today. They are ready to help you plan your perfect South American escape.