Of all the railways that circulate in Argentina, one of the most striking is the Ecological Train of the Jungle. This service, which has been operating since July 2001, is located in Misiones, more precisely within the Iguazú National Park.

The layout of its roads was designed to offer an alternative to the thousands of tourists who enter the protected area every day to see the famous Iguazú Falls.

And, despite the fact that it moves very slowly and has a reduced capacity, compared to other trains in the country, the Tren Ecológico de la Selva is famous for operating without polluting the environment.

What is the history of the Ecological Train of the Jungle?
The project to design a railway layout within the Iguazú National Park arose at the end of 1999, when two locomotives and a series of wagons, manufactured by the British company Alan Keef, arrived in Argentina.

Following its incorporation, the rolling stock began operating in July 2001 and has since been modernized to offer a unique experience to visitors while reducing its environmental impact.

On the other hand, its incorporation was very important, since it allowed tourists to visit the Iguazú National Park in a more efficient way, by which they avoid walking for hours along the walkways, on very hot days.

So, although the alternative of exploring the property on foot is still available, the vast majority of visitors opt for the ecological train, which does not require additional expense. That is, the cost of the ticket is included in the price of general admission to the property.

In conclusion, those who wish to live the experience of getting on the famous Misiones ecological train must enter the park, arrive at the Central Station and travel to the Cataratas Station, located halfway, or visit the other head station called Devil's throat.

Why is the Iguazú National Park railway service completely ecological?
Since the nature of the Iguazú National Park has always been a priority, from the outset it was determined that the railway service to be installed should be completely ecological.

That is why, at the beginning of the 21st century, the route was launched thanks to the impulse generated by the first two gas-powered locomotives in Argentina.

In any case, to improve the experience, this rolling stock was replaced in 2017 by new electric locomotives, powered by 66 rechargeable batteries that have a range of 12 hours.

And, as if this were not enough, from the layout to the components of the ecological train, they were also modified to reduce pollution to zero. That is why this railway has:

Locomotives made in China, which work thanks to two direct current electric motors.
A mechanical system with direct transmission that replaces normal lubricants with a system of biodegradable greases and lubrications.
A team of pass-faunas that delimit the layout with the intention that no animal gets in the way.
Non-polluting brakes.
Low noise levels, less than 70 decibels.

What characteristics represent the Ecological Train of the Jungle?
However. Those who have understood why the Ecological Train of the Jungle is unique in Argentina thanks to its operation that prioritizes caring for the environment, have everything they need to learn about other curiosities of the service and rolling stock.

Therefore, before visiting the Iguazú National Park and entering the passenger cars, it is important to know that this train:

It has a maximum capacity of 250 people.
It can travel at a maximum speed of 18 km/h.
It moves along a road that has a gauge of 600 mm.
It is completely green.
It works by means of an electric locomotive, which pulls four covered wagons that are open to the outside, to improve the passenger experience.
An interior with wooden seats.
It makes a journey of 3.7 kilometers in length.
It allows you to quickly reach the Devil's Throat, recognized as one of the main tourist attractions of the park thanks to its enormous 80-meter jump.