15-Day Southern Americas Cross-Country Rail Journey: Peru, Bolivia & Chile in July
Embark on a soul-stirring journey across the Southern Americas, where the rugged peaks of the Andes meet the high-altitude deserts of the Altiplano. This route is designed for the hardcore backpacker, focusing on the golden age of rail travel combined with the grit of cross-border bus hopping, all while keeping costs below $23 a day.
July is the peak of the dry season in the Andes, offering crystal-clear blue skies and crisp, cold nights. From the historic rail hubs of Peru to the salt-crusted tracks of Bolivia, you will experience a masterclass in budget logistics, utilizing street markets for fuel and dorm beds for rest.
Day 1: Lima, Peru - The Coastal Arrival
Arrival at Jorge Chávez International
Touch down in Lima and take the official Airport Express bus to Miraflores to avoid high taxi fares.
Lunch at Mercado Central
Skip the tourist cafes and grab a fresh Ceviche for under $4 at the local market stalls.
Free Walking Tour Lima
Explore the Historic Centre (UNESCO) for free, focusing on the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.
Magic Water Circuit
Witness the world's largest fountain complex in a public park for a nominal entry fee.
Day 2: Lima to Cusco (Peru) - Ascent to the Clouds
Bus to Cusco
Board a comfortable, budget-friendly sleeper bus for the long climb into the Andes.
On-Board Scenic Viewing
Watch the landscape transform from coastal desert to lush mountain valleys.
Acclimatization Rest
Check into your hostel and sip free Coca tea to help with the 3,400m altitude.
Street Food Dinner
Grab an 'Anticucho' (grilled heart skewer) from a street vendor for $2.
Day 3: Cusco, Peru - The Rail Hub
San Pedro Station Visit
Visit the historic station and explore the massive San Pedro Market nearby for cheap local textiles.
Sacsayhuamán Hike
Hike up the hill to these massive Inca ruins; the view of Cusco is free from the adjacent Christo Blanco.
ChocoMuseo Workshop
Participate in a free chocolate tasting and learn about Peru's cacao history.
Plaza de Armas People Watching
Enjoy the evening atmosphere of Cusco's main square during the July festival season.
Day 4: Cusco to Puno (Peru) - The Titicaca Route
The Titicaca Scenic Line
Board the scenic train route towards Puno, crossing the high Altiplano plains at La Raya.
Lunch on the Altiplano
Enjoy views of grazing llamas and remote Andean villages from the observation car.
Arrival in Puno
Transfer to a lakeside hostel and prepare for the lake exploration tomorrow.
Lakefront Walk
Walk the malecón of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Day 5: Puno to Copacabana (Peru/Bolivia) - Border Crossing
Lake Titicaca Boat Tour
Take a cheap local boat to the Uros Floating Islands before heading to the border.
Bus to Yunguyo Border
Take a local 'colectivo' to the border; cross on foot into Bolivia.
Arrival in Copacabana
Explore this Bolivian lakeside town known for its white cathedral and trout (trucha).
Cerro El Calvario
Hike up for the best sunset view over Lake Titicaca; it's a steep but free climb.
Day 6: Copacabana to La Paz, Bolivia - Into the Basin
Tiquina Strait Crossing
Your bus will cross the water on a wooden barge while you take a small motorboat across.
Entering La Paz
Experience the dramatic first view of the city nestled in a volcanic crater.
Witches' Market
Wander through the Mercado de las Brujas to see dried llama fetuses and traditional medicines.
Calle Sagarnaga Dinner
Eat a 'Salteña' (Bolivian empanada) for less than $1 at a local bakery.
Day 7: La Paz, Bolivia - The Sky Rail
Mi Teleférico Tour
La Paz's 'subway in the sky'. Spend the morning riding different lines for cents per trip.
El Alto Views
Take the Red Line to El Alto for a panoramic view of the city and Mt. Illimani.
Plaza Murillo
Visit the political heart of Bolivia and see the clock that runs backwards.
Cholita Wrestling
Watch the famous wrestling matches of the indigenous women (usually Thursdays/Sundays).
Day 8: La Paz to Oruro to Uyuni (Bolivia) - The Southern Express
Bus to Oruro
Travel 3 hours south to the rail-head city of Oruro.
Wara Wara del Sur Train
Board the legendary train across the flooded plains towards the salt flats.
Night Arrival in Uyuni
Check into a salt-block hostel in this dusty, frontier railway town.
Stargazing
The sky in Uyuni is incredibly clear; step outside the town lights for a free celestial show.
Day 9: Uyuni, Bolivia - The Salt Flats
Train Cemetery
Visit the rusted remains of 19th-century steam locomotives in the desert.
Salar de Uyuni
Drive onto the world's largest salt flat for the iconic 'perspective' photos.
Incahuasi Island
A coral island covered in giant cacti in the middle of a sea of salt.
Sunset on the Salt
Watch the colors change on the white horizon as the temperature drops rapidly.
Day 10: Uyuni to Atacama (Bolivia/Chile) - Desert Crossing
Laguna Colorada
Head south past blood-red lagoons filled with Andean flamingos.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
Witness bubbling mud pots and steam vents at 4,800m altitude.
Hito Cajón Border
Cross the high-altitude border from Bolivia into the Atacama Desert of Chile.
San Pedro de Atacama Arrival
Drop your bags and wander the dust-swept streets of this adobe village.
Day 11: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - Moonscapes
Rent a Bicycle
The cheapest way to see the surrounding desert. Pedal to Pukará de Quitor.
Picnic Lunch
Buy bread and avocado (palta) at the local market to avoid Chile's high restaurant prices.
Valle de la Luna
Explore the salt caves and watch the sunset from the Great Dune.
Astronomy Tour
Join a budget stargazing session to see the Southern Cross through a telescope.
Day 12: San Pedro to Calama to Santiago (Chile) - Southbound
Bus to Calama
Take a 90-minute bus to the transit hub of Calama.
Flight to Santiago
Since the rail lines in the north are freight-only, take a budget flight to the capital.
Check-in Santiago Hostel
Stay in the Barrio Brasil or Yungay for the best budget vibes and street art.
Completos Dinner
Try the 'Completo Italiano' (giant hot dog with avocado) for a filling $3 meal.
Day 13: Santiago, Chile - Urban Exploration
Plaza de Armas
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the free National History Museum.
Mercado Central
Admire the iron architecture of the old rail-era market and eat fresh fish soup.
Cerro Santa Lucia
Climb this hilltop park for a free view of the city skyline against the Andes.
La Vega Central
Explore the massive produce market where the locals shop for the best prices.
Day 14: Santiago to Chillán (Chile) - The Tren Central
Estación Central
Visit the grand station designed by Gustave Eiffel before boarding your train south.
Terrasur Rail Journey
Ride the most modern scenic train in South America through the wine valleys of Chile.
Chillán Market
Visit the famous artisanal market for traditional pottery and leather goods.
Final Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your journey with a 'Chorrillana' shared plate and a local craft beer.
Day 15: Santiago - Departure
Sky Costanera
Visit the tallest building in South America for one last look at the mountains you've crossed.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some lapis lazuli jewelry at the craft stalls near Santa Lucia.
Last Chilean Empanada
Grab a pino empanada (meat and olives) for the road.
Transfer to Airport
Take the Centropuerto bus back to the airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Americas
For the Southern Americas (Peru, Bolivia, Chile), July is the winter season. While temperatures can drop below freezing at night in the Altiplano, it is the peak dry season, offering the best visibility for scenic trains and trekking. It also coincides with major festivals like Peru's Independence Day (July 28), making it a culturally rich but busy time to visit.
Visas & Border Crossings
Most Western travelers do not require a visa for Peru or Chile for short stays. Bolivia requires a visa for US citizens (available at the border for ~$160), while most European and Commonwealth citizens enter visa-free. Always carry crisp USD bills for border fees and ensure your passport is stamped upon entry and exit at land borders like Yunguyo or Hito Cajón.
Getting Around Americas
This itinerary utilizes a mix of scenic rail (PeruRail, Ferroviaria Andina, EFE Chile) and budget cross-border buses (Cruz del Sur, Bolivia Hop). While rail is the focus, buses fill the gaps where tracks are freight-only. Within cities, use the Teleférico in La Paz and the Metro in Santiago for the most efficient and budget-friendly transit.
