If you’re looking for something different to do this weekend, head to Ypacaraí where you can take a journey back in time on a steam locomotive.
Locomotive No. 60 is back up and running to help promote tourism and culture, and educate people about Paraguay’s historical train network. The activity is for this Sunday, the 28th. July, from 12:00 p.m. with several tourist attractions planned.
Sahori Ayala, coordinator of the event “La movida del tren“, pointed out that this project is an initiative for the cultural reactivation of the historic center of Ypacaraí, which is to put the locomotive into operation every month to promote tourism in the city.
Sahori said that the train journeys on this occasion start from 12:00pm, aiming to be a convenient time for families to bring together the youngest and oldest in the extended family.
“This is done to promote tourism and to sensitise new generations to how the steam locomotive used to be in the country. Our idea is to use the city with artistic moments, to stimulate trade fairs and vehicle exhibitions. The focus will be on the legendary locomotive“, he emphasized.
“For us, the sight of the movement of the train is a journey back in time because our city Ypacaraí has grown and strengthened through the commissioning of the locomotive. For us, the celebration of this historic center means a return to our roots“, he added.
Departures of the steam locomotive are planned at 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00.
During the day, tourists can take a tour of an expo in the city center. There are also traditional dances, live concerts and an exhibition of classic cars.
According to data, the city of Ypacaraí was formerly part of Itauguá and was founded as a municipality when the train arrived in 1864. Since then, this fact has shaped the inhabitants, identified them to this day and is part of their history.
The locomotive was transported by Marshal López from Encarnación to Ypacaraí in March 1864.
