Rainforest Ecological Train

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.

Tren Ecológico de la Selva
The train in 2018
Overview
Service typeLight
StatusActive
LocaleIguazú National Park, Misiones Province
First service1995 (1995)
Current operator(s)Iguazú Argentina
Route
TerminiCentral
Garganta del Diablo
Stops1
Distance travelled7 km
Average journey time20'
Technical
Track gauge600 mm (1 ft 11+5⁄8 in)
Track owner(s)Iguazú National Park
Route map

The line is 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) long and was built using rail track by French manufacturer Decauville.[1][2]

Characteristics
The train at Cataratas station

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. It is painted green and the propane-fired locomotive pulls up to five[3][4] opened-roofed carriages with wooden seats at the sides so that the passengers can view 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 (300 ft) high called Garganta del Diablo.

Stations
  • Central: Main terminal with 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): A square, restrooms and fast food premises. The Garganta del Diablo walkway leads to viewing platforms built over the lip of the waterfall.

See also

References
  1. "Sistemas ferroviarios Decauville" by Jorge Rendiche on Revista Boicana - July 10, 2021
  2. El chisporroteo de la chorbita mandó a vía muerta al “Trencito” de Yerba Buena on La Gazeta, 11 Apr 2014 (archived)
  3. Photo of the train with 5 carriages visible
  4. Photo of the train with only 3 wagons
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