Diesel locomotive (EFE heritage fleet, type varies by rotation)
Track Gauge
1,435 mm standard gauge (originally FCALP 1,000 mm metre gauge, converted for tourist operation)
Braking Technology
Air brakes on locomotive and passenger cars
Route Engineering Challenges
Route follows historic Arica–La Paz railway corridor originally built 1902–1913, requiring re-gauging from 1,000 mm metre gauge to 1,435 mm standard gauge for tourist operation
Crosses Lluta River valley with pre-Inca agricultural terracing — alignment carefully preserved to avoid damaging the archaeological landscape
Desert environment with extreme temperature variations (5°C winter nights to 35°C+ summer afternoons)
Single-track rural section with limited passing loops — requires careful timetable coordination for monthly weekend departures
Formation
Diesel locomotive + 2 EFE Schindler Triebwagen coaches (1955) with reclining seats, footrests, heating and air conditioning
Route distance
36 km Arica (Maestranza Chinchorro)–Poconchile
Maximum speed
60 km/h (heritage tourist operation)
Operator
EFE Trenes de Chile / FCCA
Original gauge
1,000 mm metre gauge (FCALP, 1902–1913); re-gauged to 1,435 mm standard gauge for tourist operation
Rolling stock age
1955 EFE Schindler Triebwagen coaches — among the oldest active heritage rolling stock in Chile
Departure frequency
Approximately monthly on weekends (confirmed 2026: May 9, Jun 6, Jul 4, Jul 11)
Languages
Spanish primary; English commentary available on private charter request
Currency
Chilean Peso (CLP); ~1 USD = ~950 CLP (2026 rates); cards accepted at EFE booking, cash recommended for village lunch
Status
Active heritage tourist railway operated by EFE Trenes de Chile / FCCA