10-Day Southern Americas Cross-Country Rail Journey (Focus on scenic train routes): Argentina & Chile in January
Embark on an unforgettable cross-border adventure through the heart of the Southern Cone. This itinerary focuses on the 'Classic Route' between Argentina and Chile, reimagined for families who love scenic transit. While South America's international rail network is evolving, we have curated a path that utilizes the most iconic train segments, historic funiculars, and the world-renowned 'Cruce Andino' mountain pass to ensure your journey is as spectacular as the destinations themselves.
Traveling in January means you are arriving in the peak of the Southern Hemisphere summer. You can expect warm, sunny days in the cities and crisp, clear air in the Lake District. This guide prioritizes comfort, kid-friendly pacing, and the most reliable transport methods to make navigating international borders seamless for travelers of all ages.
Day 1: Buenos Aires, Argentina - Arrival & Tango Spirit
Arrival at Ezeiza International Airport
Touch down in the 'Paris of the South.' After clearing customs, take a private transfer to your hotel in the family-friendly Palermo district.
Lunch at a Traditional Parrilla
Enjoy a relaxed family lunch at Don Julio or a local neighborhood grill. Argentine steak is world-famous, but they also offer excellent pasta for children.
Palermo Soho Walk
Explore the colorful street art and boutique shops of Palermo Soho. The many plazas offer great playgrounds for kids to burn off post-flight energy.
Evening Tango Show
Experience a family-oriented dinner and tango show at El Viejo Almacén, which offers a slightly earlier start time suitable for younger travelers.
Day 2: Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Tren de la Costa
Retiro Station to Mitre
Board the local train from the historic Retiro Station. It’s an affordable and authentic way to see the city's outskirts as you head toward the Delta.
Tren de la Costa Scenic Ride
Switch to the 'Tren de la Costa' at Maipú Station. This light rail follows the coastline of the Río de la Plata, offering beautiful views and stops at charming antique stations.
Tigre Delta Boat Tour
Explore the unique island life of the Tigre Delta by boat. It's a peaceful escape from the city bustle and fascinating for children to see 'floating' grocery stores.
Puerto de Frutos Market
Browse the artisan crafts and wooden toys at this open-air market before taking the direct train back to the city center.
Day 3: Buenos Aires to Mendoza, Argentina - Into Wine Country
Flight to Mendoza
Take a short domestic flight from Aeroparque (AEP) to Mendoza. This city sits at the foot of the Andes and serves as the gateway to the mountain crossing.
Mendoza City Park
Visit General San Martín Park. This massive green space features a lake, a rose garden, and plenty of space for a family picnic with views of the mountains.
Chocolate Tasting Tour
Mendoza isn't just for wine; it’s famous for artisanal chocolates and alfajores. Visit a local factory for a sweet treat that kids will love.
Aristides Villanueva Street
Walk this lively street for dinner. It’s packed with outdoor cafes and has a vibrant, safe atmosphere perfect for a summer evening.
Day 4: Mendoza, Argentina - The High Andes Crossing
Trans-Andean Scenic Route
Board a comfortable long-distance bus (Coche Cama) for the spectacular drive across the Andes to Santiago. This route follows the path of the old Trans-Andean Railway.
Puente del Inca & Aconcagua Views
Pass by the natural bridge 'Puente del Inca' and catch glimpses of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, from your window.
Los Caracoles Pass
Experience the famous 'Snails Pass,' a series of hair-raising switchbacks on the Chilean side that offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world.
Santiago Arrival
After clearing customs at the Libertadores border, arrive in Santiago, the energetic capital of Chile, and check into your downtown hotel.
Day 5: Santiago, Chile - City Heights & Funiculars
Cerro San Cristóbal
Take the historic funicular (a cable railway) up to the summit of San Cristóbal Hill for sweeping views of the city and the surrounding Andes.
Teleférico Ride
Descend via the modern cable car (Teleférico), which provides a bird's-eye view of the 'Sanhattan' financial district and lush city parks.
Museum of Memory and Human Rights
A moving and educational visit. For families with younger children, the nearby Quinta Normal Park offers several science and toy museums.
Dinner in Barrio Lastarria
Enjoy a meal in this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood known for its European architecture and excellent local cuisine.
Day 6: Santiago to Valparaíso, Chile - Coastal Rail Spirit
Transit to Valparaíso
Take a scenic bus ride to the coast. Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage city built on dozens of hills overlooking the Pacific.
Historic Ascensores (Elevators)
Ride the ancient wooden funiculars that climb the steep hills. This is the city's unique version of a 'vertical' rail system and is a hit with kids.
Seafood Lunch in Viña del Mar
Take the modern Merval train (Metro de Valparaíso) along the coast to the neighboring resort town of Viña del Mar for a fresh seafood lunch.
Flower Clock & Beach Walk
See the famous Reloj de Flores and enjoy a quick dip in the Pacific before returning to Santiago by evening.
Day 7: Santiago to Chillán, Chile - The Modern Express
Estación Central Departure
Board the EFE 'Tren Chillán' at Santiago’s beautiful central station. This is the fastest and most modern train service in South America.
Scenic Central Valley
Enjoy the views of vineyards, orchards, and distant volcanoes as the train speeds south through Chile's agricultural heartland.
Chillán Market
Arrive in Chillán and visit its world-renowned market. It's the best place to buy authentic Chilean crafts and try local 'longaniza' sausages.
Nevados de Chillán
Take a short transfer to the mountain resort area. In January, the area is perfect for hiking and outdoor thermal pools.
Day 8: Chillán to Puerto Varas, Chile - Lake District Entry
Southern Bus Transit
Continue south to Puerto Varas. This region, influenced by German settlers, looks like a slice of the Alps in South America.
Arrival in Puerto Varas
Check into your hotel overlooking Lake Llanquihue. The view of the perfectly conical Osorno Volcano across the water is iconic.
Kuchen Tasting
Visit a local tea room for 'Kuchen' (German cake), a staple of the region that will delight any child after a day of travel.
Lakeside Stroll
Walk the boardwalk as the sun sets. The summer days are long here, with light lasting until nearly 9:30 PM.
Day 9: Puerto Varas, Chile - Volcanoes & Waterfalls
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Visit the Petrohué Waterfalls, where turquoise glacial water rushes over ancient volcanic basalt rock.
Osorno Volcano Ascent
Take a tour up the slopes of the volcano. There is a chairlift that operates in summer, providing incredible views of the Andes without a strenuous hike.
Emerald Lake (Lago Todos los Santos)
Take a short boat ride on the strikingly green water of the lake, surrounded by temperate rainforest.
Farewell Chilean Dinner
Try 'Curanto,' a traditional Southern Chilean feast, or fresh lake trout for your final night in Chile.
Day 10: Puerto Varas to Santiago - Homeward Bound
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the local craft fair for hand-knit woolens and silver jewelry before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC)
Take a 30-minute shuttle to the nearby airport for your connection back to Santiago or your international departure.
Flight to Santiago
Catch a domestic flight back to the capital to connect with your long-haul flight home.
International Departure
Reflect on an epic 10-day journey across two countries as you wait for your boarding call at Santiago Airport (SCL).
Best Time to Visit Americas
For the Southern part of the Americas, January is the height of summer. This is the peak travel season for locals, meaning a vibrant atmosphere but also higher prices and the need for advanced bookings. The weather is generally hot and dry in Buenos Aires and Santiago (reaching 30°C/86°F), while the Southern Lake District is mild and pleasant (18-22°C/64-72°F). If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, the shoulder seasons of October-November or March-April are excellent alternatives.
Visas & Border Crossings
Argentina and Chile have a well-established border system. Most Western travelers (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for short stays but must present a valid passport. When crossing the Andes by bus (Day 4), the process involves exiting one country and entering the other at a single high-altitude facility (Los Libertadores). Expect to spend 1-3 hours here depending on traffic. Note that Chile has very strict agricultural controls; do not carry fresh fruit, honey, or meat products across the border.
Getting Around Americas
International travel in the Southern Americas is best handled through a mix of transport modes. While this itinerary highlights the best rail segments (Tren de la Costa in Argentina and the Chillán Express in Chile), long-distance travel is most efficient via domestic flights or high-quality 'Coche Cama' (sleeper) buses. Within cities, Uber and official radio taxis are safe and affordable for families. For the rail enthusiast, always book 'Preferente' or 'First Class' tickets online in advance, as these routes are popular and often sell out during the summer holidays.
