Recently updated on January 21st, 2020 at 06:20 pm
Whether you’re travelling to see the rugged mountains and cloud forest of Ecuador and Peru or the glacial lakes of New Zealand, these great railway journeys make even the most remote locations accessible as they pass through each country’s extraordinary and ever-changing scenery.
Train in the Sky, Mexico
Stretching across a land mass four times the size of the Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon in northern Mexico is actually a series of forested canyons within the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, taking the name Copper Canyon from the copper-green colour of the terrain. This dramatic landscape is carved through by the 150-mile railway tracks of the Train in the Sky, which passes through tunnels within the mountains and across soaring bridges, reaching an altitude of 2,285 metres where unsurpassed views stretch out before you.
Take this train journey on the Mexico’s Copper Canyon itinerary from Phoenix or Tucson.
Devil’s Nose Train, Ecuador
Traversing Ecuador’s rugged terrain from Quito to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s century-old railway line crosses ravines, passes through cloud forest and cuts a path through the mountain ranges. But what makes this rail route so well known around the world is the section of track called the Devil’s Nose, which edges its way down the precipitous slope between Alausí station and the small town of Sibambe at the base of the slope. Trains follow a steep course down the mountainside by navigating a series of switchbacks.
Travel along this railway by joining the Secrets of Ecuador trip.
Vistadome, Peru
Make the journey to UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu one to remember by travelling by rail through the Andean landscape to the ancient citadel. As the train clatters through the mountains and valleys, which hold historic relics left behind by the Inca civilisation, passengers can appreciate the beauty of their surroundings by taking in the views through each of the carriage’s panoramic windows.
Experience this railway journey by being a part of a Peru itinerary, such as In the Footsteps of Incas.
TranzAlpine, New Zealand
With a landscape of mountains, fjords, glaciers and lakes, New Zealand’s South Island couldn’t fail to impress even the most widely travelled visitor. And passing through it by rail ensures the diverse terrain is appreciated to its fullest. The TranzAlpine cuts across the island, connecting Christchurch on the east coast with Greymouth on the west coast. Cross the snow-capped Southern Alps and patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, and follow the winding course of a section of the great Waimakariri River.
Follow the TranzAlpine route in the Contrasts of New Zealand trip with Trafalgar.
Shinkansen, Japan
With great distances to cover between Japan’s ultra modern metropolises and traditional temple towns, visitors can make use of the country’s famous high-speed bullet trains. But more than just a convenience, travelling by bullet train also enables visitors to pass through the seasonally changing landscape they’d otherwise miss out on. See the country’s diverse terrain, where lush green tea plantations sit alongside paddy fields, with Mount Fuji an imposing sight on the horizon.
Take the Shinkansen across Japan on the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima itinerary or Samurai Discovery.
Image credits: cover image of the TranzAlpine train in New Zealand © iStock / Ocean Adventurer. Train in the Sky, Mexico © iStock / Holger Mette. Devil’s Nose Train, Ecuador © iStock / Kalypso World Photography. Vistadome, Peru © iStock / Nicholas Mammano. TranzAlpine, New Zealand © iStock / Backyard Production. Shinkansen, Japan © iStock / Sean Pavone.