10 Best Railroad Journeys in South America – #5 La Trochita
February 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
La Trochita - The Patagonia Express
The train immortalized in Paul Theroux Novel the Old Patagonia Express is a narrow gauge railway that operates much as it first did when originally built. A Heritage Railway the train runs on 750 mm 2 ft 5 ½ inch narrow gauge tracks, pulled by legendary 1922 stream engines it is one of the most unique and historic train rides in the world
The journey travels though the barren Patagonia plains, passing herds of sheep, guanacos, and flocks of ñandúes (large Rheas similar in appearance to the Ostrich) with mammoth snow covered mountains in the background. Along the way there are frequent water stops so the steam engine can complete the journey. With little our few roads in the area, the La Trochita offers passengers a glimpse of Patagonia you might not normally see and a train ride that seems to travel back in time.
