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Experience History on the Rails! This Train in the Serra da Mantiqueira, São Paulo, Revives a Historic Railway for Tourism Lovers
Imagine traversing the lush, misty peaks of the Serra da Mantiqueira, with the rhythmic sound of an old train taking you back to Brazil’s imperial past. The city of Cruzeiro, in the Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo, will bring this dream to life with the Expresso da Mantiqueira. This tourist gem revives a historic railway route once traveled by Emperor Dom Pedro II, combining breathtaking landscapes. Ready to board? See why this train adventure is unmissable!
A Journey Back in Time
The Expresso da Mantiqueira inaugurated on July 5 and 6, 2025, breathing new life into a stretch of the Estrada de Ferro Minas e Rio, a railway inactive since 1991. Originally inaugurated in 1884 with none other than Dom Pedro II on board, this São Paulo railway was a pillar of Brazilian modernization, connecting the economic poles of the Southeast. Now, thanks to the Brazilian Association of Railway Preservation (ABPF), this round trip of 13 kilometers from the Central Station of Cruzeiro to the Rufino de Almeida Station is back as a tourist attraction.
“This project is a labor of love,” says Bruno Crivelari Sanches, president of ABPF. “We are not just restoring tracks; we are bringing history to life for new generations to experience.”
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The Train That Time Forgot
At the heart of this adventure is a meticulously restored 1958 Alco RSD-8 diesel-electric locomotive, returned to its former glory by the ABPF team in the Cruzeiro workshops between 2017 and 2024. This locomotive, originally built in the USA and operated until 1999, pulls a single passenger car with a capacity for 52 passengers. The train moves at a leisurely pace, allowing you to appreciate the vegetation of the Serra da Mantiqueira and the charm of a bygone era. The car itself, a restored gem from the Trem das Águas de São Lourenço, promises comfort with a touch of history.
A Route Full of History
The journey begins at the Central Station of Cruzeiro, a historic hub inaugurated in 1878, and winds along a stretch of 6.5 kilometers to Rufino de Almeida, a picturesque station from 1902 at the foot of the Serra da Mantiqueira. Along the way, you’ll pass through a short 10.8-meter tunnel, a teaser for the grand Túnel da Mantiqueira, which is 998 meters long. It played a key role during the Constitutional Revolution of 1932, with battles occurring near the tunnel. ABPF’s long-term dream? Extend the line to connect with Passa Quatro in Minas Gerais, creating a continuous tourist corridor between São Paulo and Minas.
“The Túnel da Mantiqueira is iconic,” notes railway historian Marcelo Toledo. “It’s not just a passage through the mountains – it’s a gateway to Brazil’s past, marked by the struggles of 1932.”
More Than Just a Train Ride
The inaugural rides coincide with the 1st Ferromodeling Meeting of Cruzeiro, a free event at the Central Station from 9 AM to 5 PM on July 5 and 6. Imagine miniature train replicas, railway artists, and enthusiasts thrilled by the history of the railroads. Tickets cost only R$ 50 during the inaugural weekend, sold at the station’s ticket office. After July, ABPF plans monthly trips, with more frequent journeys during holidays.
For those eager to plan ahead, check the official ABPF website for updates on schedules and reservations. The station’s address? Rua Engenheiro Antônio Penido, next to number 884 of Cruzeiro.
Preserving Brazil’s Railway Soul
ABPF, a non-profit organization founded in 1977 by French railway enthusiast Patrick Dollinger, is the mastermind behind this revitalization. With nine train routes across Brazil, from Campinas to Rio Negrinho, the organization’s mission is to keep the country’s railway heritage alive. The Cruzeiro project, part of the Regional South of Minas, is the largest to date. The organization has already restored 6 kilometers of the 24-kilometer stretch to the Túnel da Mantiqueira, unearthing manually buried tracks to preserve their integrity. Future plans include a complete Railway Museum in Cruzeiro and extending the line into Minas Gerais.
“Every track we restore is a piece of Brazil’s history,” says ABPF volunteer Carlos Alberto Romito de Carvalho. “It’s hard work, but seeing families enjoying these rides makes it all worthwhile.”
Unforgettable Journey of History and Beauty on the Rails of Mantiqueira
This train ride is a chance to dive into Brazil’s past while you delight in the stunning views of the Serra da Mantiqueira. Whether you’re a history buff, a tourism enthusiast, or just someone looking for a unique day in São Paulo, the Expresso da Mantiqueira is the perfect choice. ABPF’s passion for preserving railways, combined with the charm of the small town of Cruzeiro, makes this a trip you’ll remember for years.
Have a train story or simply love a good adventure? Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share this story with your friends to plan a group trip. Let’s keep Brazil’s railway history alive!
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