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Train Journey Through Mountains And History, With A Century-Old Locomotive, Crosses The Scenario Of The 1932 Revolution And Gains New Dates, Attracting Tourists In Search Of Culture, Nature, And National Memory.
The Expresso da Mantiqueira, a tourist train operated by the Brazilian Association for Railway Preservation (ABPF), establishes itself as one of the most remarkable experiences of Brazilian railway tourism, attracting visitors to a journey filled with history, culture, and natural landscapes.
With new dates scheduled for August and September 2025, the ride sparks interest not only due to the beauty of the route but also for its direct connection to emblematic episodes of Brazil, such as the 1932 Constitutional Revolution and the inauguration of the railway line by Emperor Dom Pedro II in the 19th century.
Since the start of operations on July 3 of this year, the Expresso da Mantiqueira has recorded the presence of over 1,000 passengers, according to information from ABPF.
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The public’s success has led to an expansion of dates: in addition to trips on August 16 and 17, new departures have been confirmed for September 20 and 21.
The route, extending 6.5 km, departs from the city of Cruzeiro, in the interior of São Paulo, and goes to the Rufino de Almeida Station, located in the Paraíba Valley, near the foot of the Serra da Mantiqueira, at the border between São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
Train Ride in The Serra da Mantiqueira Remembers Historical Episodes
During the journey, passengers traverse a stretch marked by mountainous terrain and preserved scenes from the Atlantic Forest, crossing historical points and passing through a tunnel that was the scene of battles during the 1932 Constitutional Revolution.
The so-called “Tunnel of Heroes” was the site of clashes between Paulista troops and the forces of the provisional government of Getúlio Vargas, becoming a symbol of resistance and national memory.
The locomotive used by ABPF was acquired in 2017 and completely restored in the workshops of the old Cruzeiro station, recovering the railway heritage of the region.
The highlight of the Expresso da Mantiqueira is the garden car, manufactured between the 1950s and 1960s, with a capacity for 50 people per trip.
The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with tickets at R$ 50 and regular departures on weekends.
History And Memory In The Tourist Route Of The Expresso Da Mantiqueira
The train ride in the Serra da Mantiqueira is considered a journey through time, providing visitors with immersion in historical episodes and the nature of the region.
During the journey, uniformed guides present detailed accounts of the 1932 Revolution and the strategic importance of the tunnel for military logistics during that period.
Tourists can also walk through the interior of the tunnel, where plaques and images pay tribute to the combatants involved in the clashes.
According to ABPF, the proposal to keep Brazilian railway and historical memories alive is reflected not only in the Expresso da Mantiqueira, but in nine other tourist routes maintained by the entity in different states.
Among the highlights are the Trem das Águas, which operates in São Lourenço (MG), the Trem da Serra Mantiqueira in Passa Quatro (MG), and the Trem de Guararema (SP), in addition to routes in Campinas (SP), São Paulo (SP), Antonina (PR), Rio Negrinho (SC), and Apiúna (SC).
Dom Pedro II And The Beginning Of Railway Tourism In Brazil
The original route of the Expresso da Mantiqueira was inaugurated in 1884, with Emperor Dom Pedro II as one of the passengers on the inaugural trip.
Decades later, the same railway would serve as the stage for one of the most emblematic conflicts of the 20th century in Brazil.
According to the Brazilian Association for Railway Preservation, there is a project underway to reactivate about 12 km of currently deactivated tracks, reconnecting the city of Passa Quatro (MG) to Cruzeiro (SP), which would expand the tourist and historical circuit of the region.
In the city of Passa Quatro, the Trem da Serra da Mantiqueira operates regularly on a stretch of 10 km, between the city center and the historic Serra da Mantiqueira Tunnel, on the border with São Paulo.
This tunnel, in addition to its architectural value, was transformed into a battlefield during the Constitutional Revolution.
Reports indicate that locomotives were even used as barricades to prevent the advance of federal troops, solidifying the fame of the site as one of the most symbolic points of the conflict.
Cultural Tourism, Infrastructure, And Economy In Passa Quatro
In addition to the railway experience, Passa Quatro offers visitors cultural activities, such as historical reenactments, exhibitions on the 1932 Revolution, regional product fairs, and the Memorial of the Revolution, which contains documents, uniforms, and objects from the period.
The municipality is also part of the “Caminhos da Mantiqueira” circuit, known for its offer of trails, natural viewpoints, waterfalls, and historic farms open to the public.
The importance of the Expresso da Mantiqueira for local tourism goes beyond historical recovery, as it boosts the regional economy and contributes to the appreciation of the culture and traditions of Minas Gerais and São Paulo.
The union of memory, nature, and leisure transforms the ride into an authentic experience, bringing together families, students, and enthusiasts of history and railways.
For those wishing to board the Expresso da Mantiqueira or other tourist routes from the Brazilian Association for Railway Preservation, it is recommended to secure tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during commemorative events, such as the celebrations of July 9, a date that marks the beginning of the Constitutional Revolution.
Heritage Preservation And New Possibilities For Railway Tourism
The restoration of tracks, locomotives, and stations, combined with the work of volunteers and professionals dedicated to the preservation of railway heritage, makes the Expresso da Mantiqueira a national reference.
With each trip, the train not only connects destinations but also rescues fundamental chapters of Brazil’s history, promoting education, sustainable tourism, and cultural integration.
In light of the revitalization of this and other railway routes, the question arises as to which other historical sections of Brazilian railways may be reactivated in the coming years.
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