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Legendary Train Ride That Marked an Era Set to Return After a Decade: Tourist Route Crossed Mountains, Tunnels, Charming Towns, and the Imposing Atlantic Forest

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 22/07/2025 at 14:26
Descubra detalhes sobre a volta do Trem das Montanhas Capixabas, rota turística que liga cidades e paisagens únicas no Espírito Santo.
Descubra detalhes sobre a volta do Trem das Montanhas Capixabas, rota turística que liga cidades e paisagens únicas no Espírito Santo.
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Historical And Tourist Route In Espírito Santo Could Be Reactivated After Ten Years, Involving Cities, Landscapes And Unique Experience Amidst The Atlantic Forest.

The traditional Train Of The Capixabas Mountains, one of the most emblematic tourist experiences in Espírito Santo, may resume operations starting in the first half of 2026.

The reactivation of the tour is in the process of being articulated, with plans to send the authorization letter to the railway infrastructure concessionaire, VLI Multimodal S.A., in the coming days.

The mobilization involves the City Hall of Viana, neighboring municipalities, and the State Government, which see the return of the train as an opportunity to rescue regional memory and boost sustainable tourism.

The decision to send the request was consolidated last Thursday (17), during a meeting held in Viana.

The meeting brought together authorities from four cities directly impacted by the project: Wanderson Bueno (Mayor of Viana), Eduardo Ramos (Mayor of Domingos Martins), Lidiney Gobbi (Mayor of Marechal Floriano), and Jane Casteglione, Secretary of Development and Planning, representing Alfredo Chaves.

Representatives from Serra Verde Express, a company specialized in the operation of tourist trains, and VLI itself also participated.

Discover details about the return of the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains, tourist route that connects cities and unique landscapes in Espírito Santo.
Discover details about the return of the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains, tourist route that connects cities and unique landscapes in Espírito Santo.

Train Of The Capixabas Mountains May Return In 2026

The planning foresees the resumption of the tourist route of approximately 50 kilometers, connecting Viana to Marechal Floriano, with strategic stops in Domingos Martins and Alfredo Chaves.

Between 2009 and 2013, this same route received thousands of visitors and presented, according to records from the operator Serra Verde Express, average occupancy above 80%, indicating strong potential attraction for tourism in Espírito Santo.

In addition to the railway transport itself, the journey has always been marked by the lush landscapes of the Atlantic Forest, passages through historic tunnels, century-old viaducts, and the charm of the interior towns of Espírito Santo.

During its operational period, the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains established itself as a differentiated tourist product, integrating culture, history, and nature.

According to businessman Adonai Aires de Arruda, president of the Serra Verde Express group, the tour unites different audiences, promotes regional commerce, and contributes to the appreciation of the railway heritage.

Regional Mobilization And Intermunicipal Consortium

One of the main proposals discussed to ensure the viability and governance of the new project is the creation of an intermunicipal consortium.

This administrative structure would involve Viana, Domingos Martins, Marechal Floriano, and Alfredo Chaves, aiming to strengthen the collective management of railway tourism and enable joint promotion and investment actions.

As explained by Mayor Wanderson Bueno, collaboration among municipalities is essential to ensure the integration of initiatives and expand the reach of the tour, benefiting the entire region.

Serra Verde Express, which operated the train in the past, has been identified as a possible operator of the tourist service.

The company already has experience in similar routes in the country and works in partnership with VLI, the railway concessionaire.

Discover details about the return of the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains, tourist route that connects cities and unique landscapes in Espírito Santo.

This model of public-private management has been highlighted as one of the most efficient paths to ensure operational safety, quality of service, and travel regularity.

Economic Impacts And Sustainable Development

The expectation is that the return of the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains generates positive impacts in various sectors.

Railway tourism drives the local economy, encourages the emergence of new enterprises, values artisanal production, and increases the flow of visitors to hotels, inns, and restaurants along the route.

According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), regional itineraries linked to nature and culture have been growing above the national average, boosting sustainable development in small and medium-sized municipalities.

The tour also plays a fundamental role in the preservation of railway heritage.

The restoration of stations, tracks, and old carriages allows the revitalization of urban and rural areas, in addition to contributing to heritage education and strengthening local identity.

Experts emphasize that tourist experiences in Atlantic Forest areas, such as those offered by the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains, are also strategic for environmental awareness, by valuing biodiversity and promoting responsible tourism practices.

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Unique Experience For Residents And Tourists

Traversing the Atlantic Forest, passing through tunnels dug over a century ago, and seeing small towns with colonial architecture, the train tour provides a unique experience, combining leisure, learning, and direct contact with nature.

The route, which rescues the railway tradition of Espírito Santo, attracts both families and groups of students, researchers, and tourists interested in historical and cultural itineraries.

In addition to the natural beauty, the tour contributes to the strengthening of the sense of belonging among local communities.

Cultural events, gastronomic fairs, and regional festivals are often organized at the boarding and disembarking stations, increasing business opportunities for residents and offering extra attractions for visitors.

Clear Path For The Resumption Of The Train Of The Capixabas Mountains

The return of the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains represents a milestone for tourism in Espírito Santo and for the preservation of Brazilian railway history.

The regional mobilization, combined with the expertise of companies in the sector and public engagement, expands the prospects for the implementation of the project starting in 2026.

With the appreciation of the Atlantic Forest, the stimulus to creative economy, and the integration of historic cities, the train tour presents itself as a sustainable and innovative alternative for the development of the interior of Espírito Santo.

In light of this scenario, what more could be done to broaden access and participation of the population in the recovery of this symbol of regional tourism?

What new experiences and services would you like to see integrated into the route of the Train Of The Capixabas Mountains?

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Alisson Ficher

A journalist who graduated in 2017 and has been active in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints at free-to-air TV channels, and over 12,000 online publications. A specialist in politics, employment, economics, courses, and other topics, he is also the editor of the CPG portal. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, wish to report an error, or suggest a story idea related to the topics covered on the website, please contact via email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept résumés!

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