In
Lima, Peru,
there isn't a central, traditional train station like you might find in
other major cities around the world, as the country’s train network
isn’t as extensive in urban areas. However, there are still some notable
train services that operate in and around Lima, especially for tourists
looking to explore Peru’s landscapes and historic sites.
Key Train Services and Stations in
Lima:
-
Estación de Trenes de Lima
(Lima Train Station):
- The
Lima Train Station
(Estación de Trenes de Lima) is a
historic station
located in the Barranco
district, which is one of Lima’s artistic and bohemian
neighborhoods. This station is part of the
Ferrocarril Central
Andino network, which used to connect Lima to the
Andes.
- Today, the station mainly
serves as a hub for
tourist train services rather than commuter or
long-distance travel. It is important in Peru’s history as the
point of departure for train routes heading to the
Andes and other
regions.
-
Tourist Train Routes:
While there isn't an extensive local train network in Lima, there
are a few tourist-oriented train services that operate from Lima or
connect to it. Some of the most popular ones include:
-
Machu Picchu Train
(PeruRail and Inca Rail):
While this train doesn't depart directly from Lima, it connects
Lima to
Cusco and
then onward to Machu
Picchu. Visitors typically fly from Lima to Cusco and
then take the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to the
Machu Picchu site.
-
The Andean Explorer
(Belmond): The
Andean Explorer
is a luxury train operated by
Belmond,
running between Cusco,
Sacred Valley,
and Arequipa,
offering a more scenic and comfortable journey. While this train
service also doesn’t depart directly from Lima, many tourists
use Lima as the arrival or departure point for their journey.
-
Train to Huancayo:
The Ferrocarril Central
Andino runs the famous
train route to Huancayo,
which is one of the highest-altitude rail journeys in the world. The
journey, known as the
"Central Railway", connects
Lima to
Huancayo, a city in the central Andean highlands, passing
through beautiful
landscapes and
mountain passes. This journey is particularly popular for
its scenic views and for adventurous travelers looking for a unique
way to explore the Andean region.
- The train departs from
La Oroya and
heads to Huancayo,
with a scenic route passing through valleys, gorges, and
high-altitude locations.
-
Estación de Desamparados:
- The
Estación de
Desamparados is another important historical train
station in Lima, located in the city center. It is not currently
in operation for commercial passenger services, but it was
historically a central hub for various rail routes across Peru.
- It is still an important
site for historical rail enthusiasts and can be visited for its
architectural significance.
Summary:
While Lima does not have a modern
and comprehensive local train system, it serves as a key starting point
for some of Peru’s most famous tourist train routes, particularly those
going to Machu Picchu and the Andean highlands. The city’s train
stations, like Estación de
Trenes de Lima in Barranco, are more geared towards tourists
looking to explore the country’s scenic landscapes.
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