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Just like in the famous book, “The Little Engine That Could,”Peru’s Central Andes railroad is all set to play a starring role in the area’s efforts to bring more visitors not only to sky-high Huancayo but to its high-in-the-sky neighbor, Huancavelica. The railroad was built in 1870 (137 years ago) to support mining industries in the area and is an extraordinary engineeringachievement. Overseeing the construction was Henry Meiggs, a New York contractor who had been involved in the construction of a railroad in Chile. At times there were more than 10,000 men working on the railroad and hundreds of llamas and mules were used to carry tools and building material. The train starts its journey from the Desamparados station in downtown Lima at 7:00 am and arrives in Huancayo at 6 pm. Following the Rimac River it climbs to a height of 15,686 feet, passing through 60 tunnels, doing 12 or 13 zig-zags, crossing 41 bridges and chugging through the Galera tunnel as it reaches the summit of the Andes, a distance of 206.17 miles.A branch of the train reaches even greater heights, topping 15,863.63 feet. Incas del PeruThe railroad is called, “The Central Railway of Peru” and one of the train’s staunch supporters is Lucho Hurtado of Incas del Peru, a dedicated, regional tour operator who, despite nay-sayers, has been fighting for years to get the tourist train back on track. He finally succeeded.“Many thought it was a useless fight” said Mr. Hurtado, “They said the era of the train is over and these are modern times so don’t waste your energy –it’s not going to run anymore.” Undaunted, he stepped up his campaign. The continuing successful operation of the Peru: One of the World’s Highest Trains Is Back on TrackPeru’s Central Andes Train is all spruced up and once again clacking along rails between Lima and the mountainous area of Huancayo
A spectacular ride on Peru’s Central Andean train from Lima to Huancayo.INCAS DEL PERU Machu Picchu train was the incentive he needed to get one of the highest trains in the world operating again. “When the Central Andes passenger train stopped scheduled runs,” continued Mr. Hurtado, “I promised myself I would do all that was necessary to bring it back. How foolish I was, with no money and not much life experience, but only good intentions and passion. The newly refurbished coaches are very comfortable and the best part is the bar and open coach at the back. Surely, they will be popular!” Mr. Hurtado’s enthusiasm is catching, “Excuse my passion for this historic train,” he says, “It is the ONLY UNIQUE AND
HISTORICAL HIGHEST TRAIN IN THE WORLD!” (The caps are his.) “If you have clients traveling to Peru encourage them to take time to make this special trip,” says Mr. Hurtado, “so they don’t miss out on one of the best Peruvian highlights right here in the heart of the Andes.” He also believes new winds are blowing, the sun will shine and he is happy that new coaches, together with the old ones are, “are crossing the Andes again.” A Little Background Mr. Hurtado grew up in and around Huancayo and from an early age traveled to different regions of Peru. His mother’s family is from the mountains and his father farmed in the jungle.His wife, Beverly, is from New Zealand and assisted in starting the “Incas del Peru” company.In addition to adventure tours, they sponsor “Home Stay Programs,” working with rural families in the Mantaro Valley and urban families in the city of Huancayo. Home-stays include three meals a day (at set hours). On home-stays, if a guest feels uncomfortable in a family’s home they offer them another home or other accommodations.
The active couple’s latest venture is promoting exchanges between craftspeople from other countries and those from their area. And, while providing travelers with hiking and biking trips they also sponsor walks through the countryside and bicycle races for local children to increase their appreciation of the beauty of their surroundings. Upon request, they also offer visitors courses in Spanish, Quechua, gourd carving, weaving, dancing, Peruvian cooking and other Peruvian arts. Classic or Tourist PackagesThere are two classes of service on the train, Classic, the least expensive for $185. and Tourist for $285. Fare includes delivery of tickets to your client’s hotel in Lima, transfers, maps and information about the trip; welcome dinner, two full day tours, an Artesan Circuit and an Archaeological Circuit, 3 night accommodation in La Casa de la Abuela or Las Lomas Hostal on the Classic ticket and on the Tourist ticket, (the most expensive) hotels include the Presidente, the Turismo or El Marquez Hostal.
The difference between a “Classic” and a “Tourist “ticket (the most expensive) is the seating. Tourist class cars have couches similar to Pullman bus style and your clients have access to the Infiernillo Bar located at the end of the train. Round trip “Classic”fare-only ticket is $80 and one-way is $50.Prices for “tickets only,” round trip tourist is $120; one way $80.
Optional HuancavelicaExtensions to Huancavelica, south of Huancayo are also available with accommodations in a basic hotel. A mining town, it is also known for its beautiful churches, colonial art and medicinal springs. The altitude is 11,483 feet. |
