The New Tourist Train Connecting São Paulo to Minas Follows Tracks From 1884, Previously Used by Dom Pedro II, Crosses the Paraíba Valley, and Revives a Historic Journey Through the Mantiqueira Mountains

Written by Maria Heloisa Barbosa Borges

Published on 05/07/2025 at 23:53

Trem turístico entre SP e Minas inicia viagens-teste; veja detalhes da rota

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The Mantiqueira Express Reactivates a Historic Railway Stretch from 1884 and Is the First of the “SP on the Tracks” Program to Connect the Two States, Boosting Tourism in the Region.

According to information released by the Diário do Litoral portal, a milestone for tourism and the preservation of Brazilian railway history is beginning to take shape. This weekend, the first test rides of the tourist train that will connect the interior of São Paulo to Minas Gerais will take place. The project, called Mantiqueira Express, reactivates a historic line and represents the first interstate tourist railway product of the Southern and Southeastern Integration Consortium (COSUD).

The initiative is part of the ambitious “SP on the Tracks” program, launched by the Government of São Paulo to requalify and modernize the state’s railway network. The initial phase of the project encompasses a six-kilometer stretch between the central station of Cruzeiro (SP) and the Rufino de Almeida Station, located at the foot of the Mantiqueira Mountains. This reactivation is a fundamental step towards the plan to extend the tracks back to Passa Quatro (MG).

Mantiqueira Express, a Journey Through History on the Tracks of 1884

The route that is once again receiving passengers is steeped in history. The original line was inaugurated in 1884 and was even traveled by Emperor Dom Pedro II. The reactivation not only rescues this memory but also protects the railway layout from urban encroachment, ensuring the preservation of heritage.

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A Strategic Project of the “SP on the Tracks” Program

The new tourist train that connects SP to Minas travels on tracks from 1884, was used by Dom Pedro II, crosses the Paraíba Valley and rescues a historic journey through the Mantiqueira Mountains — **tourist train** Mantiqueira Express

The tourist train Mantiqueira Express is one of the main bets of the Government of São Paulo to boost the regional economy through tourism. The program “SP on the Tracks” plans investments to develop 23 railway circuits, integrating them with other modes of transport.

The expectation is that the complete route, with 25 kilometers between Cruzeiro and Passa Quatro, will stimulate the economy of the Paraíba Valley and the Mantiqueira Mountains, generating jobs and new business opportunities in the involved cities.

Details of the Route and Expansion Plans for the Tourist Train

In this first phase, the test rides cover the six-kilometer stretch, but the plans are grand. The ultimate goal is to restore the complete connection to Passa Quatro, where the ABPF already operates the Mantiqueira Mountains Train.

In addition to expanding the tracks, the project includes the creation of a railway museum. The space will be installed in the old Primitive Workshop, next to the Cruzeiro station, and will house pieces and documents that tell the rich history of the railway in the region.

How the Inaugural Test Rides Will Work

The inaugural test rides will take place this weekend. The symbolic rides also mark the holding of the 1st Ferromodeling Meeting of Cruzeiro. For visitors participating, there will also be an opportunity to explore the historical yard of the ABPF, a space dedicated to preserving railway memory.

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The New Tourist Train Connecting São Paulo to Minas Follows Tracks From 1884, Previously Used by Dom Pedro II, Crosses the Paraíba Valley, and Revives a Historic Journey Through the Mantiqueira Mountains

The Mantiqueira Express Reactivates a Historic Railway Stretch from 1884 and Is the First of the “SP on the Tracks” Program to Connect the Two States, Boosting Tourism in the Region.

Mantiqueira Express, a Journey Through History on the Tracks of 1884

A Strategic Project of the “SP on the Tracks” Program

Details of the Route and Expansion Plans for the Tourist Train

How the Inaugural Test Rides Will Work

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The New Tourist Train Connecting São Paulo to Minas Follows Tracks From 1884, Previously Used by Dom Pedro II, Crosses the Paraíba Valley, and Revives a Historic Journey Through the Mantiqueira Mountains

The Mantiqueira Express Reactivates a Historic Railway Stretch from 1884 and Is the First of the “SP on the Tracks” Program to Connect the Two States, Boosting Tourism in the Region.

Mantiqueira Express, a Journey Through History on the Tracks of 1884

A Strategic Project of the “SP on the Tracks” Program

Details of the Route and Expansion Plans for the Tourist Train

How the Inaugural Test Rides Will Work

Mother and daughter build a 70 m² house with more than 8,000 discarded glass bottles and impress with their creativity; known as the Casa de Sal, the property is located on Itamaracá Island, in Pernambuco.

Workers were opening a new road connection near the Marginal Tietê when they found, in the underground of the construction site, remnants of locomotives, wagons, and boilers from the 19th century linked to the forgotten history of Lapa.

Instead of burning or burying old tires, an American city is transforming about 2,000 of them into the street itself, paving its first sections with a quieter and more durable rubber asphalt.

He transformed an abandoned plastic water tank into an underground house in the “hobbit hole” style, using only repurposed pallet wood, without heavy machinery or expensive labor.

China transforms desert-devastated area into the world’s largest artificial forest, planting trees for 60 years, blocking sand that reached Beijing, and creating a “green lung” of 92,000 hectares in a region once considered lost.

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