| Steam Train
Excursions to Roll Again in Guatemala |
| by Jim
Hearne |
| The much-anticipated
arrangement to provide narrow gauge Train Excursions on a weekly basis
to Guatemala's growing tourism sector has become a reality. It's
a feat that not many could have accomplish. The 52 year old "Guatemala
Choochoo" is not being deterred from running "El Tren Alegria" and
even plans to do so daily. Steam engine 205, a Baldwin 282 steamer built
in 1948, was returned to service on 24 January 2001 for weekly and planned
daily excursions with passengers in tow.
The old iron
horse released a whistle that reverberated for blocks around the Central
Station of Zone-1, Guatemala City, announcing the return of narrow
gauge steam-train excursions to Guatemala. |
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| "This is the
must do experience' for Guatemalteco's and Tourists alike. A ride back
in time that will be a true 'experiencia inolvidable (unforgetable experience),"
expressed Victor Ruiz of Aventuras de Ferrocarril, the operator of
The Guatemala Choochoo over the FERROVIAS rails.
The Guatemala
Choochoo departs every Wednesday from the Estacion Central in Guatemala
City. Guatemala's newest tourist attraction has the romance of steam
rail, great scenery viewed from vintage passenger coaches and a fascinating
history. During the approximately 4 1/2 hour round trip journey the train
meanders from Guatemala City across the continental divide of the Sierra
Madres, through numerous barrancas (canyons), across breathtaking
trestles and providing photo-op switchbacks to Agua Caliente and its famous
hot springs.
Along the way,
The Choochoo's bi-lingual staff of guides share with passengers the history
of the narrow gauge line that began operations in 1907 and was resurrected
by Ferrovias in 1998. |
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| "In-flight"
entertainment
are onboard, along with Guatemala's only on-rail espresso-cappuccino coffee
service bar serving gourmet Cafe Capeuleu, the Choochoo's official purveyor.
For kids
of all ages, the official ice cream is world famous Blue Bell.
Talk about
a train excursion with a difference! Is there anything more fun than riding
on a train? If there is, we don't know what it could be.
Aventuras de
Ferrocarril can be contacted by Individuals, Tour operators and Agencies
for schedules and reservations by E-mail at choochoo5@go2guatemala.com
or by calling:1-800-733-3350 (N.Am.), ++502-832-5853 (Guatemala). |
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