The Ferrocarril Central Andino S. A. (FCCA) operates passenger trains between Lima and Huancayo. This line passes through the highest altitude standard-gauge railway station in South America, at an altitude of 4781 m (15,681 ft) above sea level in Galera.
The train takes about 6-7 hours to climb from Lima at only 150 m above sea level up to Galera at 4781 m above sea level. The entire trip to Huancayo takes about 14 hours, during which the train passes through several spirals and completes six separate zigzags.
The train makes two official tourist stops on the way to Huancayo. The first stop is in San Bartolome, where travelers can observe how the locomotive is turned around to change direction. Drinks and simple fare are available for purchase during this stop. The second stop takes place at the Galera Station, the highest railway station on the journey. No food is available there. On the return trip from Huancayo to Lima, the train stops in Galera only.
The train to Huancayo departs about 8 - 9 times per year between April and November. From January - March (rainy season), are no passenger trains running. The train fare includes airline-style breakfast and lunch. The food quality on the Train is so-so. The service of a nurse and oxygen is available on the Train.
The Train has two travel classes: In "Clase Turistico," you have comfortable Pullman seats, panoramic windows, and air conditioning. Only in "Clase Turistico," you have access to the observation carriage with a bar and lounge.
In "Clase Clasico," the seat arrangements are 2x2 benches facing each other with a small table separating the facing benches. Classico passengers don't have access to the Observation car. The food in "Clase Turistico" and "Clase Clasico" is the same.
🚂 Travel Tip: I strongly recommend paying the supplement for the "Clase Turistico." The journey is much more comfortable, and the views you get from the observation car are the best you can experience on a train if the weather is beautiful enough.
🧨 A Word of Caution: Acclimatize well to the altitude before you undertake this train journey. The Train overcomes a huge altitude difference in a relatively short period, ask your doctor if you have heart or lung problems or suffer from high blood pressure.
The ticket prices for 2023 are not known yet. We will publish on www.railsouthamerica.com the Train Departure Dates and train Ticket Prices for 2023 as soon as they are confirmed.
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