Chile’s Train Tourism Set to Expand in Summer 2026
Chile is preparing for a significant expansion of its train tourism offerings during the summer of 2026, with a renewed schedule incorporating new routes, increased frequency of travel, and experiences designed for a diverse range of travelers. The initiative aims to solidify the railway as a sustainable and attractive transportation alternative during the peak season.
EFE Trenes de Chile has unveiled a special program combining wine-themed tours, the strengthening of heritage routes, and increased regular services across various regions of the country, connecting destinations from north to south, according to reports.
Eric Martin, president of EFE, emphasized the company’s commitment to making train travel accessible to more people. “This summer schedule reflects EFE’s commitment to bringing the train closer to people,” Martin said. “These routes that allow us to reconnect Santiago with Temuco or expand the offer on Saturdays in Puerto Montt are great milestones and not only connect cities, but also boost tourism, local development and a more sustainable way to travel, from north to south of Chile.”
Available Train Services in Summer 2026
The summer program includes a variety of services and destinations:
- Arica–Poconchile Train: A heritage tour highlighting the cultural, historical, and scenic beauty of the Lluta Valley in the Arica and Parinacota Region. The first departure is scheduled for January 10th. More information is available here.
- Tren del Recuerdo Limache (Limache Memory Train): Three routes with included lunch: the Ruta del Tren del Viento–Viento (Wind Train Route), Ruta Huellas del Tren (Train Tracks Route), and Ruta Tren y Viñedos del Viento (Train and Vineyards of the Wind Route). Further details can be found here.
- Tren del Recuerdo San Antonio (San Antonio Memory Train): This traditional coastal service will increase its frequency from two to four departures per month during the summer season. More information is available here.
Enotourism Options
The program also features several wine-focused experiences:
- Tren “Sabores” Alto de Colchagua (Flavors Train, Alto de Colchagua): This experience combines onboard entertainment, a welcome snack, visits to wineries, wine tastings, and lunch. More information is available here.
- Tren “Sabores” del Maule (Flavors Train, Maule): A service focused on wine tourism, with visits to Viña Balduzzi and Viña Casa Donoso in Talca and San Javier. Further details can be found here.
Regional Connectivity Enhancements
Several services will be reinforced to improve regional connectivity:
- Buscarril Talca–Constitución: Daily operation with morning departures from Talca and Constitución, and afternoon returns. More information is available here.
- Tren Santiago–Chillán (Santiago-Chillán Train): An increase to 10 daily frequencies, five in each direction, using next-generation trains capable of speeds up to 160 km/h. More information is available here.
Long-Distance Routes Returning This Summer
Two long-distance routes will also return for the summer season:
- Tren Santiago–Temuco (Santiago-Temuco Train): The summer service will return with weekend trips, departing from Santiago on Fridays and returning from Temuco on Sundays, starting on January 9th. More information is available here.
- Tren Llanquihue–Puerto Montt (Llanquihue-Puerto Montt Train): A 25% increase in daily frequencies between Monday and Friday, with the addition of Saturday services, totaling 14 frequencies geared towards tourism in the Llanquihue Lake basin. More information is available here.
