Argentina launches first Solar-powered train in Latin America
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In June 2024, Argentina reintroduced train service to the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the northwest of the country, with the Tren Solar de la Quebrada, the first solar-powered tourist train in Latin America.
After roughly thirty years without rail service, the province of Jujuy presented electric cars with panoramic windows, lithium batteries, and solar-powered charging. The train currently travels 42 kilometers between Volcán and Tilcara, passing through the scenic Andean landscape.
The train utilizes batteries charged at stations in Volcán and Purmamarca, with plans to add Tilcara as a charging point. While the train itself produces no exhaust emissions during travel, the article notes that battery production and electricity generation do have environmental impacts. The Tren Solar de la Quebrada is not intended as a commuter line, but rather a recreational and tourism experience.
Passengers can choose between two experiences: the Experiencia 360°, a ten-hour tour with stops at six locations, and the Experiencia 180°, a shorter trip between Purmamarca, Maimará, and Volcán. As of mid-June 2024, the train had transported 20,741 paying passengers. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and whether the passenger is a resident of Argentina or a foreign visitor.
