LATIN AMERICA RAIL DESTINATIONS


excursions to places of interest, and overnights in local guesthouses rather than onboard the train. Yet with its restored carriages and early-20th- century steam locomotive, that’s entirely in keeping with the heritage feel of this 100-year-old railway. Book it: Cox & Kings’ private seven- day Train Crucero trip costs from £1,345, including two nights in Quito and a four-day train journey with hacienda accommodation and guided excursions, including Cotopaxi National Park, en route. Flights are extra. coxandkings.co.uk


5


COPPER CANYON RAILWAY Where: Chihuahua to Los Mochis (or vice versa), Mexico What: Distance 407 miles,


journey time 15 hours. First-class trains run daily, departing both stations at 6am. The economy service departs Chihuahua on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and from Los Mochis on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, at 7am. Why: This is a stunning feat of engineering, crossing a series of 20 canyons in the midst of the Mexican wilderness on its journey to the Pacific coast. The epic scenery is by far the biggest draw, but with plenty of stops en route, there are opportunities to meet the Tarahumara people who live in this central desert region. The journey can be completed in a day, but those who really want to explore can spend up to a week hopping on and off the train to visit historic missions or Tarahumara villages, admire the canyon views or get a closer look with treks along the ridges. Book it: Rainbow Tours’ seven-night


The 1920s Pullman-style carriages are all polished wood, brass fittings and comfy armchairs


Mexico City and the Copper Canyon spends three days in the capital, flies to Los Mochis to board the train, and stays overnight in Posada Barrancas, Creel and Chihuahua. Prices start at £2,395 including all flights, accommodation and touring. rainbowtours.co.uk


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HIRAM BINGHAM Where: Cusco (Poroy) to Machu Picchu, Peru What: Distance 54 miles,


journey time three-and-a-half hours. The train runs daily except Sundays. Why: Unless clients fancy hiking for days along the Inca Trail, the train is


a far more civilised way to reach this pinnacle of pre-colonial history, with Peru Rail options ranging from the low-cost Expedition to mid-range Vistadome and deluxe Hiram Bingham. The most luxurious option is named after the explorer who rediscovered the citadel, and departs later than other trains allowing visitors to explore Machu Picchu in the quieter afternoons. The 1920s Pullman-style carriages are all polished wood, brass fittings and comfy armchairs, and passengers get brunch on the way there followed by dinner with wine or beer on the return leg, plus entertainment from an onboard band and a masterclass in making pisco sours. The journey can be taken there and back in a day, or split with a stay at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Book it: A return trip starts at £456 including table d’hôte meals, entertainment, guide and transport to Machu Picchu, and afternoon tea at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. belmond.com


ASK THE EXPERT


TOP:


Cotopaxi National Park


LEFT:


Copper Canyon Railway


RIGHT: Hiram


Bingham


Vessela Baleva, Latin America product manager, Cox & Kings “Train travel is an experience in itself, making the journey part of the experience, rather than just trying to reach the destination. At times, you can’t go any other way – for example, the Train Crucero descends the Devil’s Nose switchback through the Andes with incredible scenery, which just can’t be done via road. A train journey is much more comfortable when travelling longer distances. Unlike road journeys, where you can’t walk around, the train has everything you need on board already, and offers more flexibility.”


5 November 2015 travelweekly.co.uk 71


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