The High Train (Lima-Huancayo Train)

All aboard one of the most famous trains on Earth.

The journey from Lima to Huancayo has been called "The Highest Train in the World." It serpentines from the capital city at 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level, along the Río Rímac, into the Andes. At San Bartolomé the locomotive is reversed on a turnstile. The train then zigzags higher into the sierra, crossing over the Infiernillo Bridge, the highest in the world at 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) altitude, across barren puna to the 1,176.85-meter (3861–foot)-long Ticlio Tunnel, which in its middle is 4,784 meters (15,696 feet) a.s.l., the highest point of this railroad line. The train then arrives at Galera, the highest passenger train station in the world at 4,781 meters (15,881 feet) a.s.l. Descending, the desolate mining town of La Oroya (3,726 meters / 12,224 feet a.sl.) is reached, from which a branch line runs northward to the Cerro de Pasco mines. Down along the Río Mantaro, across a broad fertile valley to your final destination, Huancayo (3,261 meters / 10,699 feet a.s.l.). By the end of this 336 kilometers (209 miles) journey, you will have traversed 69 tunnels, 58 bridges, six zigzags and six climatic zones.

The Lima-Huancayo line was built from 1870 to 1908 by United Statien Henry Meiggs, based on a design used in the Himalayans of India. In its time, it was an engineering marvel. From 1992 to 1995, passenger service was suspended due to terrorist activity. This journey was featured in the BBC’s Great Rail Journeys of the World series and Paul Theroux’ The Old Patagonian Express.

There are two classes you can chose from. The clásico has 68-passenger cars of 1950s British and 1980s Romanian vintage. Between the straight-back bench seats is a table. You can open the windows to let the train-made breeze whip your hair. In turístico class, the new 48-passenger, mahogany-paneled cars have reclinable seats, air conditioning, heating and panoramic windows affording a captivating view of the skyscraping mountains and plunging valleys. In the bar car, turístico class passengers receive a complimentary pisco sour. However, V!VA recommends you bring snacks and some extra water to make your trip a bit more comfortable. A nurse can provide oxygen and coca tea is available if you begin to develop soroche (high-altitude sickness). Ferrocarril Andino Central also offers round-trip packages with hotel reservations. So, a-a-all abo-o-oard!

In Lima, the train departs from Estación de Desamparados (behind the Palacio de Gobierno) at 7:00 a.m., but be there by 6:30 with ticket in hand.  The train arrives in Huancayo between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. In Huancayo, the train departs at 7:00 p.m. from Estación Central on Av. Ferrocarril between Pichis and Calixto. Prices range from $20-60 for kids and $32-84 for adults depending on age and ticket class.  There are only 1-2 departures most months, except for December.

Location:
(Main Office) Avenida José Gálvez Barrenechea 566, 5th floor, San Isidro, Lima
Huancayo, Peru

Other Activity

Getting There
In Lima, the train departs from Estación de Desamparados (behind the Palacio de Gobierno).

In Huancayo, it departs from the Estación Central, on Avenida Ferrocarril between Pichis and Calixto.

Travel Tips: From Lima, one or two departures per month, usually on a Friday at 7 a.m.

From Huancayo, one to three departures per month, usually on Sunday; the day train leaves at 7 a.m. and the night at 6 p.m.

The journey lasts 11-12 hours.

For complete schedule information, visit Ferrocarril Central Andino’s website.

Price Description: One-way, Tren Clásico: 60 soles / $20 (children 3-6 years old), 90 soles / $30 (children 7-12 years old), 100 soles /$33 (adults); Tren Turístico: 100 soles / $33 (children 3-6 years old), 130 soles / $43 (children 7-12 years old), 160 soles / $53 (adults).

Round-trip, Tren Clásico: 100 soles / $33 (children 3-6 years old), 130 soles /$43 (children 7-12 years old), 165 soles / $55 (adults); Tren Turístico: 160 soles / $53 (children 3-6 years old), 190 soles / $63 (children 7-12 years old), 260 soles / $87 (adults).

Ferrocarril Central Andino also has packages that include hotel reservation.  Check its website for further information.

Relative price: High End

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.

Contact Information:
Phone: 51-1-226-6363
E-mail: ferrocarrilcentral(at)remove-this.fcca.com.pe
URL: www.ferrocarrilcentral.com.pe

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 14 Aug 2007

Updated: 15 Aug 2007