Ferrocarril Turistico Minero
RIO TINTO MINING PARK - MINING RAILWAY RIDE
The Rio Tinto railway was built in 1875 and consited of 300km of narrow gauge track (1067mm) to various points in the mining complex. The 84km line down to and ending in Huelva. It had eight bridges, five tunnels and 12 stations, providing transport to miners and the general public, as well as an efficient method of exporting the minerals. Over 3.000 trucks and 40 passenger coaches were used on line, which was in full service from 1903-1968. From this date road transport began to be used. The Muelle de Rio Tinto was last used in 1975 and the last train ran to Huelva in 1984.
The present train ride covers a restored 12km section of track. It is an excelllent way to view the lunar-type landscape or the mine working. The trip descents the River Tinto river valley and lasts about two hours, including a 20-minute turn round stop to stretch your legs, cross the bridge and get close to the river itself (though not too close, the water is highly acidic and corrosive). It's a real treat for younger train enthusiasts, and a fun experience for all ages.
The train ride leaves from a station next to some old warehouses, about 3km from Rio Tinto itself. The train follows the circuitous route of the river, passing through some former stations. There's plenty to see - old locomotives and trucks, washing factories, storage tanks, pulleys and lifts, and various other equipment and machinery. The lunar landscape itself is extraordinary - mostly bare of vegetation, with reddish, golden, brown rounded mounds and peaks, craters, escarpments and ledges, set against an azure-blue sky, with green sulphurous pools. Don't worry if you can't understand the commentary, just enjoy the colours, shapes and textures.
Read MoreThe Rio Tinto railway was built in 1875 and consited of 300km of narrow gauge track (1067mm) to various points in the mining complex. The 84km line down to and ending in Huelva. It had eight bridges, five tunnels and 12 stations, providing transport to miners and the general public, as well as an efficient method of exporting the minerals. Over 3.000 trucks and 40 passenger coaches were used on line, which was in full service from 1903-1968. From this date road transport began to be used. The Muelle de Rio Tinto was last used in 1975 and the last train ran to Huelva in 1984.
The present train ride covers a restored 12km section of track. It is an excelllent way to view the lunar-type landscape or the mine working. The trip descents the River Tinto river valley and lasts about two hours, including a 20-minute turn round stop to stretch your legs, cross the bridge and get close to the river itself (though not too close, the water is highly acidic and corrosive). It's a real treat for younger train enthusiasts, and a fun experience for all ages.
The train ride leaves from a station next to some old warehouses, about 3km from Rio Tinto itself. The train follows the circuitous route of the river, passing through some former stations. There's plenty to see - old locomotives and trucks, washing factories, storage tanks, pulleys and lifts, and various other equipment and machinery. The lunar landscape itself is extraordinary - mostly bare of vegetation, with reddish, golden, brown rounded mounds and peaks, craters, escarpments and ledges, set against an azure-blue sky, with green sulphurous pools. Don't worry if you can't understand the commentary, just enjoy the colours, shapes and textures.
