Brazil by Train

If you want to be transported back in time to the days of steam locomotives on a trip to Brazil, and if you want to get to know the cultural diversity of the country while sitting instead of walking during your vacation, a trip through Brazil by train is just the thing for you.

Numerous regions offer train travel through Brazil, attracting more and more tourists who, in addition to the many highlights the country has to offer, want to relax and enjoy the breath taking scenery of the diverse landscapes from the window of an old-fashioned steam locomotive during their vacation in Brazil. Vacationers will find cultural and tourist train offerings spread throughout Brazil. The "Train of Forro" travels through Pernambuco, or tourists can be enchanted by the magnificent mountain scenery of Capixaba in Espírito Santo.
The city of São Paulo also boasts a historic steam locomotive. On the "Moita Bonita" you can discover the different corners of the city and enjoy the contrast of modern metropolis with a traditional railroad ride.

Another trip which is available to tourists in Brazil is the train ride on "Maria Fumaça", which runs on the rails between Ouro Preto and Mariana in the state of Minas Gerais. The train, pulled by a steam locomotive, travels along the Serra Gaúcha mountains in the south of Brazil delighting vacationers who take this trip by train, not only with its historic ride, but with several other attractions that the trip has to offer on this 14 mile (23-kilometer) route. Brazilian tourists who are interested in wine will get their money's worth on the trip through the Rio Grande do Sul wine region. The stretch between the towns of Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi, and Carlos Barbosa is short, but it still delights vacationers with breath taking scenery. The surroundings, which are characterized by wine cultivation, offer a unique experience in addition to the cultural components of the trip. At the Garibaldi station, for example, travelers are introduced to typical Gaúcha music. There will also be Italian musical interludes, reminiscent of the time when Italian immigrants, who had a strong influence on the south of Brazil, made their way to the country. Visitors will also get to see a live performance of an Italian choir which is made up mainly of descendants of these immigrants. In addition to musical interludes, there will also be performances of songs and short plays accompanied by sparkling wine and grape juice.

The project behind the train ride through the southern wine region is called "Train and Tourism". 20 different routes have been integrated into this project, but only part of them serve tourists, but the train ride on the steam locomotive is only one part of the tourist attractions. The aim of this project is to offer vacationers to Brazil a comprehensive view of the country and a look into the life of the population along the routes. For this reason, appropriate training is given to the Brazilians who work along the route such as cab drivers, tour guides, or artisans, so that they are able to offer comprehensive services to visitors.

If you can't get enough of riding on historic trains, you can also pay a visit to Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro by cogwheel train during your vacation in Brazil. Another way to get to know Brazil while sitting down is to take a ride on the Serra Verde Express from Curitiba to Paranaguá. Visitors who choose to spend their vacations in Brazil can look forward to unique memories and unforgettable experiences during these historic train rides.

Sources: www.brasilienreise.ch; www.brasilportal.net