Today’s post continues yesterday’s post regarding vacation train travel with suggestions worldwide, including the US, as shown below. We’ve yet to travel by train other than the exquisite Maharajas Express in India in 2020, just before the pandemic hit, and we were in lockdown in Mumbai for ten months. See yesterday’s post here.
South America: Scenic and Off-the-Beaten-Path
South America isn’t as famous for train travel but has a few gems. The Train to the Clouds in Argentina is one of the most dramatic railway journeys, ascending the Andes Mountains and reaching over 13,800 feet. In Peru, the Belmond Andean Explorer takes passengers from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, blending luxury with breathtaking views of the Peruvian highlands.
In Ecuador, the Devil’s Nose Train descends a near-vertical drop in a series of switchbacks, offering thrills and stunning scenery. For a more relaxed journey, Brazil’s Vitoria-Minas Railway passes through forests and mountains, giving you a window into the lush beauty of the Brazilian landscape.
North America: Scenic Routes Across the Continent
North America’s rail travel may not be as well-known for its efficiency, but it makes up for it in scenic routes. In the U.S., the Amtrak system offers cross-country adventures, with trains like the California Zephyr taking passengers from Chicago to San Francisco through the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. The Empire Builder is another classic, stretching from Chicago to Seattle or Portland, offering glimpses of the Northern Plains and Glacier National Park.
Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer is perhaps the most scenic of all. It winds through the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, with luxurious, glass-domed coaches providing unobstructed views of waterfalls, forests, and wildlife.
Australia & New Zealand: The Land of Long, Scenic Journeys
Australia’s vastness makes it ideal for epic train journeys, and the Ghan, which crosses from Adelaide to Darwin, is the ultimate outback adventure. You pass through desolate deserts, mountain ranges, and tropical regions, all while soaking in the unique beauty of the Australian wilderness. Another iconic route is the Indian Pacific, spanning the continent from Sydney to Perth, with long stretches of track running through the hauntingly empty Nullarbor Plain.
In New Zealand, trains like the TranzAlpine offer a shorter but stunning route through the Southern Alps, crossing deep gorges, rainforests, and plains—perfect for travelers looking to see the island’s raw beauty.
No matter where you go, trains worldwide offer a way to get from point A to point B and experience the journey itself. Whether it’s the modern efficiency of Japan’s bullet trains or the leisurely pace of a vintage rail experience in Africa, train travel allows you to slow down and absorb the world outside your window. Each region offers its unique flavor of train travel, reflecting the landscapes, cultures, and histories you’re passing through. If you’ve ever traveled by train somewhere unusual, we’d love to hear your story!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, September 30, 2014:
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| The city of Honolulu has grown into quite a metropolis. For more photos, please click here. |