Museo Ferroviario Arica-La Paz
A poignant reminder of the historic Arica-La Paz railway, this former station now houses a cultural center and a vintage locomotive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Museo Ferroviario Arica-La Paz
Best Time
To explore the cultural center
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant reminder of the historic Arica-La Paz railway, this former station now houses a cultural center and a vintage locomotive.
"Beautiful and cultural history of northern Chile... not to be missed if you pass by Cerca del Morro."
🚂 Admire the Locomotive
Don't miss the impressive vintage locomotive located near the former station.
🏛️ Visit the Cultural Center
Explore the former station building, now the Arica Cultural Center, for local history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Locomotive
Near the former station
A powerful symbol of the past, this vintage locomotive stands as a testament to the historic Arica-La Paz railway.
Arica Cultural Center
Former Arica-La Paz Railway Station building
Explore the building that once buzzed with activity, now a center for local culture and history.
Historical Significance
The site itself
Understand the crucial role this railway played in connecting Chile and Bolivia, a vital link for trade and travel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into a Bygone Era
Accessibility and Current Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Admire the Locomotive
Don't miss the impressive vintage locomotive located near the former station.
🏛️ Visit the Cultural Center
Explore the former station building, now the Arica Cultural Center, for local history.
💭 Imagine the Past
Reflect on the railway's history and its importance in connecting Chile and Bolivia.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Admire the Locomotive
Don't miss the impressive vintage locomotive located near the former station.
🏛️ Visit the Cultural Center
Explore the former station building, now the Arica Cultural Center, for local history.
💭 Imagine the Past
Reflect on the railway's history and its importance in connecting Chile and Bolivia.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the former Arica-La Paz Railway Station, now the Arica Cultural Center, to be a place of significant historical and cultural interest. The preserved vintage locomotive is a highlight, evoking nostalgia for a time when the railway connected Chile and Bolivia. Many express a wish for its restoration, appreciating the beauty and cultural value of the site.
"It would be very interesting if the Chilean and Bolivian authorities decide to repair and to reopen this beautiful place."
Luis Anchorena
"Beautiful and cultural history of northern Chile... beautiful from... not to be missed if you pass by Cerca del Morro
There are things in life that one wishes would happen again, and this is one of them.
If this route and a locomotive could make the journey again, that would be great...
If we don't have that... but we can dream of opening our eyes and admiring the beauty of these structures and imagining ourselves on that train, traveling alongside it.
Impressive and beautiful.
Culture and life come together to continue revitalizing what we love so much: tourism."
Felipe Herman Apablaza Marquez
"This building currently houses the Arica Cultural Center. It formerly served as the Arica-La Paz Railway Station. When was it inaugurated? On May 13, 1913. It was a railway line that connected Arica, a city on the Chilean coast, with La Paz, Bolivia. It is 440 km long, with 233 km on the Bolivian side. Unfortunately, the railway operated until 2001, when a storm destroyed the rails. However, it was repaired and service was restored in 2002, but it made very few trips because the Arica-La Paz Railway Administrator (AFALP) was experiencing financial difficulties. This was a violation by Chile of the 1905 Convention that guaranteed free railway traffic in perpetuity, which would have meant access to the sea for Bolivia."
CECILIA MONSALVE MERCADAL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museo Ferroviario Arica-La Paz is located in the center of Arica, Chile, near the Morro. You can easily reach it by walking from most central locations in the city.
As the station is now the Arica Cultural Center, it is accessible by local buses that serve the city center.
Unfortunately, the Arica-La Paz railway is no longer operational for passenger service. While there are flights between La Paz and Arica, and bus routes,
train travel on this historic line is not possible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The former railway station now houses the Arica Cultural Center. Entry to the cultural center may have specific hours and potential fees, while viewing the vintage locomotive nearby is generally accessible.
Opening hours for the Arica Cultural Center can vary. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire upon arrival for the most current information.
No, the Arica-La Paz railway ceased regular operations in 2001 and has not been fully restored for passenger service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the historic building of the former Arica-La Paz Railway Station, now the Arica Cultural Center, and a vintage locomotive that serves as a reminder of the railway's past.
Yes, the vintage locomotive is a popular spot for photos and is generally accessible for viewing from the exterior.
This railway was a crucial 440 km line connecting Arica, Chile, to La Paz, Bolivia, playing a significant role in trade and transportation between the two countries.
The Arica Cultural Center may offer exhibits or information related to the railway's history. The presence of the locomotive also serves as a historical marker.
📸 📸 Photography
The vintage locomotive offers a striking subject for photos. The architecture of the former station building itself is also photogenic.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, especially around the exterior of the building and the locomotive. Check with the Cultural Center for any specific internal photography rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the full operational railway experience is no longer available, the site provides a chance to discuss the importance of historical infrastructure and how it connected people and places. The Arica Cultural Center may also offer family-friendly exhibits or activities, making it a worthwhile stop for a brief cultural immersion.
🏛️ History Buffs
Exploring the Arica Cultural Center within the former station building provides a direct connection to the past. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and imagine the daily operations of this once-vital transportation hub. The presence of the vintage locomotive further enhances the historical narrative, serving as a powerful artifact of a bygone era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Arica-La Paz Railway
The railway's operation was not without its challenges. It officially ceased regular service in 2001 due to a storm that damaged the tracks, and subsequent repair attempts in 2002 were hampered by financial difficulties. The Arica-La Paz Railway Administrator (AFALP) faced significant hurdles, and the line's closure was seen by some as a violation of historical agreements guaranteeing free railway traffic.
Today, while the tracks are silent, the memory of this connection endures. The former station building now serves as the Arica Cultural Center, preserving the site's heritage. A prominent vintage locomotive stands as a tangible reminder of the trains that once traversed this historic route, inviting visitors to imagine the bustling activity of a bygone era.
Experiencing the Site Today
The former station building itself has been repurposed as the Arica Cultural Center. This transformation allows visitors to step inside the historic structure and experience its continued relevance to the community. While the days of ticket counters and bustling platforms are over, the center likely hosts exhibitions and events that celebrate local culture and history, potentially including aspects of the railway's legacy.
Travelers often express a sense of nostalgia and a wish for the railway's return, highlighting its importance in their collective memory. The site encourages visitors to dream of the journeys that once took place, making it a place for contemplation as much as for historical appreciation.
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