Steam
Train Excursions to Roll Again in Guatemala
by Jim
Hearne
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comes to Escape from America Magazine from GUATEMALA
LIFESTYLES Newsletter (ISSN-1562-8329). The Newsletter is a must read
must reading for up-to-date information on the day-to-day, nuts-and-bolts
realities of living in the "Land of Eternal Spring."
It is written and published by Expats living in Guatemala who have "been
there, done that" and who want to provide their readers with the tools
they need to make a sound choice and a smooth transition to Guatemala. |
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| 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. |
The Baldwin 282
stands ready after being recommisioned this year for passenger service.
The 52 year-old steam-train will run the famous Guatemalan "El Tren Alegria"
on a daily basis. |
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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.
During the approximately
4 1/2 hour round trip journey, the train traverses the continental
divide of the Sierra Madres, meanders through numerous canyons, and
crosses over breathtaking trestles and switchbacks. |
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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.
"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)
To subscribe
to the Guatemala Lifestyles Newsletter - Click
Here -
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