Travel on the world’s second highest train

Reach great heights on a magnificent rail journey between the coastal capital, Lima, and highland Huancayo. The journey presents you with almost the full spectrum of Peru’s dramatic geography, as featureless deserts give way to high plains where the towering Andes cast their shadow over sweeping grasslands.

For many the highlight is arriving at La Galera, which at 4,781m above sea level is the highest train station in the world. The lofty altitude was not all that rail engineers had to overcome, however: the many zigzagging switchbacks, tunnels and dramatic bridges spanning deep ravines offer more than a hint of the challenges of the terrain.

The train usually operates in the drier months April-November.