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Brazil Has a Journey Aboard a Steam Train Over 100 Years Old That Still Travels the Tracks Inaugurated in 1872 Through Amazing Places
Imagine boarding a steam locomotive, with the smell of firewood in the air, landscapes of the interior of São Paulo passing by the window, and the nostalgic whistle cutting through the rural silence. This is not an old movie — it is a real experience that you can live on the Maria Fumaça, between Campinas and Jaguariúna. A train ride that retrieves the history of Brazilian railways, ideal for those who enjoy cultural tourism, bucolic scenery, and great stories about the tracks.
From Campinas to Jaguariúna: The Charm of the Interior on Tracks
The route is about 25 kilometers long and is operated by the Brazilian Association for Railway Preservation (ABPF). The line, originally inaugurated in 1872, was part of the old Mogiana Railway Company, responsible for transporting coffee from the interior of São Paulo to the port of Santos. Today, what was once vital for the Brazilian economy has turned into a tourist ride that attracts thousands of people every year.
The complete journey lasts about 3 and a half hours (round trip) and is done with restored cars, century-old locomotives, and stops at historic stations. All this surrounded by landscapes that mix crops, pastures, gentle mountains, and colonial houses. And yes, the famous whistle of the Maria Fumaça echoes at every curve, like a romantic reminder of a Brazil that seems forgotten.
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Stops, Tracks and History
The trip starts at the Anhumas Station in Campinas, a restored building that houses a small railway museum with old pieces, uniforms, and panels that tell the history of the railways. From there, the train continues passing through small stations like Pedro Américo, Tanquinho, and Carlos Gomes, until it reaches Jaguariúna, where visitors have time to explore the surroundings, take photos, and even visit the Jaguariúna Railway Museum.
One of the highlights of the trip is the theatrical performance by actors dressed as old west bandits. At one point during the journey, they “rob” the train and interact with the passengers, creating a fun and unexpected moment, especially for those traveling with children.
Food On Board? There Is Too!
For those who enjoy combining a ride and gastronomy, the Maria Fumaça offers the option of packages with breakfast or lunch on board, depending on the schedule. The breakfast is simple yet carefully prepared, with breads, fruits, and hot drinks, served picnic-style on makeshift tables in the train seats. The lunch includes a stop in Jaguariúna with time to eat at local restaurants, many of which specialize in traditional country food.
It is worth noting that these packages need to be purchased in advance on the official ABPF website, especially on holidays and weekends when demand tends to be high. Prices vary depending on the time of year, but usually range from R$ 150 to R$ 200 per person for the complete trip with a meal included.
According to the ABPF itself, “the preservation of the railway is not just a historical rescue but a way to keep a part of national identity alive, uniting culture, tourism, and education.”
An Experience That Charms All Ages
The Maria Fumaça ride is ideal for couples, families with children, school groups, or even solo travelers seeking a different experience. Most passengers leave enchanted by the details, the care with the restored cars, and the peaceful landscape that contrasts with the frenetic pace of the cities.
Furthermore, the ride has great educational value. Many schools in the region take students to experience railway history in a playful and interactive way, getting to know up close how transportation worked before the era of cars and airplanes.
How to Get There and How to Buy Tickets
The Anhumas Station, the starting point of the ride, is about 15 km from downtown Campinas. You can go by car, taxi, or ride-sharing app. There is parking on site.
Tickets must be purchased online, through the official ABPF website:
www.abpf.com.br
https://www.mariafumacacampinas.com.br
On the site, it is possible to choose between complete routes (Campinas-Jaguariúna round trip) or partial (Campinas to Tanquinho or vice versa), depending on availability. It is advisable to book in advance, especially on long weekends and during school vacations.
Practical Tips to Make the Most of the Ride
- Bring a Hat or Cap: Many stations do not have coverage, and the sun can be strong.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes and, if possible, in a retro style — some people dress up to enter the spirit!
- Don’t Forget the Camera or Cell Phone with Battery: The scenery is postcard-worthy.
- Avoid Bringing Large Bags or Backpacks, as space inside the car is limited.
A Journey Through Time That Continues on Tracks
While many destinations bet on modernity, the Maria Fumaça from Campinas to Jaguariúna proves that the old can — and must — be preserved. It is not just a tourist ride: it is a dive into the past, a living lesson on transportation, history, and Brazilian culture. And the best part: all this to the unmistakable sound of a steam locomotive crossing the heart of inland São Paulo.
If you are looking for a different ride, with a nostalgic air and many stories to tell, this is the right destination. After all, as the saying goes: those who have never traveled on a Maria Fumaça do not know Brazil entirely.
Deve ser inesquecivel fazer esta viagem de onde sai para onde vai kkk. Bem legal mesmo gratidao
Maravilhoso este passeio de trem,um luxo ao passado, histórico…agradeço
Sem dúvida estarei em breve, curtindo esse passeio nostálgico.
Vai uma viagem bem longa, pois sairei de SAQUAREMA Rio de Janeiro até São Paulo e depois até Campinas.
Ufa! Mas tenho certeza que vai valer.