Exploring South America by Rail: A Continent of Underrated Train Adventures

The Forgotten Railways of South America

During the 19th century, railway engineers worked wonders across South America, carving astonishing lines through some of the most challenging terrain on Earth. While many of those historic routes have sadly fallen into disuse, a surprising number of remarkable rail journeys remain -- and they deserve far more attention from international travellers.

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Argentina: The Natural Starting Point

Argentina offers the most developed rail network for the casual traveller. From the capital, Buenos Aires, you can reach the coastal resort of Mar del Plata and the vibrant city of Rosario. Some services extend further to Cordoba and Tucuman, opening up the country's interior to rail exploration.

These are not luxury tourist trains but genuine working routes where you travel alongside locals -- and that is precisely their charm. The conversations, the scenery, and the unhurried pace make Argentine rail travel a deeply rewarding experience.

Brazil and Uruguay: Modest but Meaningful Networks

Uruguay has a microscopic railway network, but what exists carries a certain nostalgic appeal. Brazil, despite its vast size, has a limited passenger rail infrastructure, though the journeys that do exist -- particularly in the southern states -- offer glimpses of the country's extraordinary landscapes.

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Peru: The Crown Jewel

One of the best-known surviving rail lines in South America connects the Andean city of Cusco with the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. This spectacular route climbs through dramatic mountain scenery and remains one of the world's great train journeys. It is a must for any traveller visiting Peru.

Panama: The Transcontinental Gem

If you extend your definition of South America to include Central America, the Panama Canal Railway is an absolute gem. Running from Panama City to Colon, this route takes you from the Pacific to the Atlantic in about an hour, running parallel to the famous canal. It is one of the most efficient and scenic short rail journeys anywhere in the world.

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Cuba: A Rail Network Worth Discovering

While not technically in South America, Cuba has an interesting rail network that is well worth exploring for adventurous travellers. The island's railways carry a distinctly retro charm, and the experience of riding Cuban trains is unlike anything else in the Western Hemisphere.

The Drip Pricing Problem: What Travellers Should Know

For those booking flights to South America or anywhere else, the issue of drip pricing has become a significant concern. The practice involves adding fees after the initial price is presented -- from seat selection to baggage charges.

Governments are beginning to crack down. The UK government has signalled intent to tackle "consumer harms" caused by dripped fees. Airlines classify such add-ons as "ancillaries" and insist they are clearly stated during booking.

In practice, even the most ancillary-aware airlines allow a small backpack under the seat in front. But if you want a specific seat, you will need to pay. For families, Civil Aviation Authority rules specify that under-12s should be seated next to at least one parent -- and UK airlines comply without additional charge.

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When Airlines Cancel Your Flight

Flight cancellations are a reality of modern travel. If your airline cancels a flight and rescheduling you more than a few hours earlier or later, key points to remember:

• If the flight is genuinely cancelled (not merely rescheduled), you are entitled to a full refund
• You can request to be switched to a flight at a more convenient time at no extra fare
• If the cancellation occurs more than two weeks before departure, no cash compensation is required
• Always ask for the fare difference back if you were bumped to a less desirable time

The Etias Question

For those connecting through EU airports en route to South America, the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) will add another layer of travel administration. The system, designed to emulate the US ESTA, will require advance registration and payment from travellers arriving from "third countries."

However, travellers merely transiting through EU hub airports such as Paris CDG, Madrid, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt without passing through immigration will generally not need Etias approval for their transit.

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The Bottom Line

South America by rail remains one of travel's great underexplored frontiers. While the continent's network cannot rival Europe or Asia for density, the journeys that exist offer something far more precious: authenticity, adventure, and a genuine connection with the people and landscapes of this extraordinary part of the world.