Chile
The first railway in Chile opened in 1851 between between Caldera
and Copiapó, a distance of about 80 km. It was not, as claimed by some,
the first railway in Latin America (that was in Cuba), nor the first
railway on the South American continent (that was in Guyana).
The first Chilean line was built to standard (1435mm) gauge.
Subsequent railway development in the country used a variety of gauges,
including metre and Iberian (1524mm) gauge.
Several different companies operate the railways in Chile today.
There is an international connection with Bolivia via FCAB. There
were connections with Argentina at Soconpa (now used only by freight)
and Los Andes (out of use).
Santiago has a metro system, first opened in 1975.
- EFE the national
carrier, offering passenger and freight services (Site
in Spanish)
- FCAB operator
of the line from Antofagasta to Uyuni in Bolivia, where it connects
with the Bolivian railway network. Passenger and freight services
operate (Site under construction when last checked)
- Fepasa freight
carrier in the central region (Site in Spanish)
- Ferronor
freight carrier in the northern region (Site in Spanish)
- Transap freight carrier in the southern region
(No website located at present)
- Tren del
Vino tourist service from San Fernando to Paniahue in the
Colchagua Valley. Steam Hauled. Operates in conjunction with coach
trips from Santiago and visits to local vineyards.
- Santiago
Metro (Site in Spanish)
- Valparaíso
Metro (Site in Spanish)
- Iquique replica historic trams (No website located
at present)
