Rainforest Ecological Train
![]() The train in 2018 | |||||
Overview | |||||
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Service type | Light | ||||
Status | Active | ||||
Locale | Iguazú National Park, Misiones Province | ||||
First service | 1995 | ||||
Current operator(s) | Iguazú Argentina | ||||
Route | |||||
Start | Central | ||||
Stops | 1 | ||||
End | Garganta del Diablo | ||||
Distance travelled | 7 km | ||||
Average journey time | 20' | ||||
Technical | |||||
Track gauge | 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in) | ||||
Track owner(s) | Iguazú National Park | ||||
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The Rainforest Ecological Train or Waterfalls Train (Tren Ecológico de la Selva or Tren de las Cataratas) is a 600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in) narrow gauge train that runs through the forest inside Iguazú National Park in the north of the province of Misiones of Argentina.
The line has a length of 7 km and was built using rail tracks by French manufacturer Decauville.[1][2]
Characteristics[]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Tren_Ecol%C3%B3gico_de_la_Selva1.jpg/220px-Tren_Ecol%C3%B3gico_de_la_Selva1.jpg)
The train can transport up to 150 passengers over 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) of track from the Visitors’ Centre to Cataratas (Waterfalls) Station and Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Gorge) Station. It carries approximately 900,000 visitors yearly.
The train was built in England by Alan Keef Ltd, in Ross-on-Wye, 200 kilometers to the west of London. It is painted green and it consists of a propane locomotive pulling up to five[3][4] opened roofed carriages with wooden seats at the sides so that the passengers have direct contact with the forest.
The tracks run along the Iguazu River and the train runs at speeds of up to 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph), stopping when animals cross the lines. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Gorge) Station visitors can go to a viewing platform built on the edge of the huge waterfall 90 metres high called Garganta del Diablo.
Stations[]
- Central: Main terminal consisting of a commercial area, restrooms, first-aid room and Park Ranger offices.
- Cataratas (Waterfalls): A square, lounge area, fast food services and restrooms. Pathways to the Lower and Upper Circuits.
- Garganta (Devil's Gorge): It has a square, restrooms and fast food premises. Direct access to the Devil's Gorge walkway, which reaches balconies built over the edge of the waterfall, at 90 metres height.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ "Sistemas ferroviarios Decauville" by Jorge Rendiche on Revista Boicana - July 10, 2021
- ^ El chisporroteo de la chorbita mandó a vía muerta al “Trencito” de Yerba Buena on La Gazeta, 11 Apr 2014 (archived)
- ^ Photo of the train with 5 wagon visible
- ^ Photo of the train with only 3 wagons
External links[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tren Ecológico de la Selva. |
- Official website
- Tren Ecológico on Parque Iguazú
- Ecological Rainforest Train on Patagonia-Argentina
- Tren ecológico history and information (archived, Feb 2009)
Coordinates: 25°41′03″S 54°26′56″W / 25.68417°S 54.44889°W
- Tourist attractions in Misiones Province
- Railway lines in Argentina
- 600 mm gauge railways in Argentina
- Transport in Misiones Province