Tourist trains
Eclectic Patagonia, which combines the austerity of the steppe with the exuberance of its forests and mountains, holds the stories of its people and of those who lived there and saw them grow. Recreating bygone eras aboard tourist trains, some of which still have their steam locomotives, allows you to discover Patagonia through the anecdotes of its former inhabitants and learn about the secrets of the southernmost region in the world. To explore the landscapes from the Andes Mountain Range to the sea, to discover colorful hidden villages, and to experience the landscapes of Patagonia, there is nothing better than boarding a train. Visitors will be amazed by a different perspective from original carriages that preserve the aesthetics of bygone times. At the pace of their locomotives, Patagonian trains invite you to take unforgettable rides.
Old Patagonian Express “La Trochita”
An impeccable museum piece from the 1920s is the Old Patagonian Express “La Trochita,” which connects the steppe with the Andes Mountain Range in the province of Chubut. With its original steam locomotive, its carriages with wooden benches near a wood-burning salamander offer the possibility of taking different routes from El Maitén or from its terminal Esquel. The various stops allow you to delve into the customs that shaped the history of this area of Patagonia. Large railway workshops and a museum attract the unsuspecting gaze of visitors at El Maitén station. The immensity of the steppe, regional music, and handicrafts welcome travelers at the “Nahuel Pan” station.
More information here: latrochita.org.ar
Patagonian Train
In the province of Río Negro, crossing Patagonia from the Atlantic coast to the Andes, the Patagonian Train goes from Viedma to Bariloche, traveling through the rugged steppe past picturesque towns. It is an authentic journey that reveals the wonders of Patagonian climate and geography. With the peaks of the Andes Mountain Range silhouetted on the horizon, it enters the city of San Carlos de Bariloche—one of the region’s most renowned tourist destinations—where its journey ends. The journey is an experience in itself, as the train has Pullman cars, cabins, a dining car, a cinema, satellite internet access, and car racks for transporting vehicles.
More information here: https://trenpatagonicosa.com.
La Trochita
In Río Negro, you can travel back in time aboard “La Trochita,” a legendary Patagonian train with more than a century of history. Its steam locomotive and restored original cars invite you to relive the spirit of another era while traveling through the open landscapes of the steppe. The journey departs from the Ingeniero Jacobacci station and travels 15 km to the station “Empalme Km 648.” There, passengers can enjoy a regional lunch with typical products or simply relax in the natural surroundings. Then, the return journey to Jacobacci begins, a crossing marked by history and the immensity of the landscape.
More information here: trenpatagonicosa.com.ar
Tourist Train
A 30-km journey between the Andes Mountain Range and the steppe aboard the Río Negro Tourist Train invites you to discover unique landscapes and regional flavors. Departing from Bariloche, with day or night services depending on the season, the journey ends at Perito Moreno station at Dina Huapi. There, passengers are welcomed with wine or hot chocolate and canapés in a cozy Tea House. Then, a traditional Patagonian barbecue and live music complete the experience before the return to Bariloche.
More information here: trenpatagonicosa.com.ar
Train of the End of the World
With elegant carriages and large windows, the Train of the End of the World travels through Tierra del Fuego National Park, passing through magnificent forests of ñires, lengas, and coihue trees. It departs just 8 km from the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia; besides, along the banks of the Pipo river, between curves, it winds its way up a steep slope to reach Macarena, the first stop on this journey to the farthest reaches of southern Patagonia. Passengers can descend to enjoy the scenery offered by the waterfall of the same name. A glimpse of Tierra del Fuego’s history and its famous prison can be seen during the second stop, among the remains of an old sawmill. A detour along the way to the riverbank allows you to see a recreation of a Yámana camp. Bordering a large peat bog, the train ends its journey amidst the lush nature surrounding “Parque Nacional” Terminal Station.
More info here: https://trendelfindelmundo.
Patagonia
