Does taking a train ride in São Paulo that takes you on a trip to the past seem impossible? Then discover the Guararema Train, a tourist attraction that is a true escape from the chaotic routine. With food and drink options included, enjoy the scenery that only a tourist resort can offer.
Also called the Pearl of the Valley, locomotive 7202 is the only C30-7A remaining of the seven engines manufactured in Brazil in 1990 and one of the last of this model in the world. To preserve its English wooden structure, the train operates for tourist purposes only. All of this is only possible thanks to the Brazilian Railway Preservation Association (ABPF), which restored the vehicles and is responsible for their maintenance. So yes, you will be traveling around in a train straight from the past.
The starting point: The city of Guararema
A few kilometers from São Paulo, in the tourist region of Nascentes do Tietê, Guararema became a Municipality of Tourist Interest in 2015, gaining recognition for its sustainable and well-organized tourism. In addition to the famous preserved railway station with original pieces open to visitors, Guararema is also famous for its charming Christmas decorations.
The city was even successful with the “Cidade Natal” (Christmas City ) festival, receiving around 580,000 tourists from various parts of Brazil in 2019. The attraction begins on December 6 with the lighting of the lights marking the beginning of the festivities that last until the beginning of January. After 2025, the festival became more intimate and underwent changes in format.
About the parade in Vila Luís Carlos
Photo: Guararema City Hall
The last stop on the train ride is at Vila Luís Carlos, which was built around a small train station inspired by English architecture. The site has also undergone renovations to preserve its colorful facades and currently serves as a tourist attraction for those who want to experience a city from a bygone era. Despite its old appearance, the village is home to a modern and contemporary brewery, as well as cafes and restaurants, exhibitions, and craft shops.
The setting, worthy of a period story, has been used several times in Brazilian productions known to the public. The filming of the Globo TV soap operas “Sol Nascente” (2016) and “Éramos Seis” (2019) took place there, taking advantage of the settings that seem to have stopped in time. The feature film “O Coreto” (2024) and the biographical film “Divaldo — O Mensageiro da Paz” (2019) also have scenes shot in the village.
The train ride through Guararema
The short 6.8-kilometer trip leaves Guararema and goes to Vila Luís Carlos, lasts about 2 hours, and has a 1-hour stop in the village. The train runs every weekend and holiday at two times, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are available on the Guararema Train website and are divided into three classes:
- Tourist Class: Train ride only, in a standard carriage (R$ 180)
- Bar: With snacks, desserts, and unlimited drinks (R$ 207)
- Dining Car: Full lunch with appetizer, dessert, and unlimited drinks (R$ 237)
Children up to 12 years old pay half price and children up to 5 years old travel free as long as they sit on the lap of their guardian. Most tours have a tour guide on board, telling the history of the city and the old railroad — which makes the trip even more interesting.