Plizio Visual Lab

Old Railway of La Palma

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The old railway of La Palma was a crucial segment of the national rail network connecting Costa Rica's Central Valley to the Pacific coast. Construction began in the late 19th century under the administration of Tomás Guardia and represented a major engineering feat for its time. The section near La Palma was particularly challenging due to its steep gradients and the rugged volcanic terrain it had to traverse. Until full electrification in 1930, steam locomotives operated on this route, transporting tons of coffee intended for international export. The railway revolutionized trade and mobility for the rural population, reducing travel time from days to mere hours. Today, remnants of bridges, tracks, and old stations remain as silent witnesses to the industrial era. The line is not only a technical landmark but also a symbol of Costa Rica's economic opening to global markets at the dawn of the 20th century.

Location: Costa Rica
Nearby: Boquete area / San Vito (23 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	27	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	169	89	89	123	308	343	365	298	310	422	395	226

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The remains of the old 'Jungle Train' line are largely freely accessible, but not developed as a coherent tourist attraction. Sections of the track can be explored on foot near La Palma.

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Typical hours

As it is an open historical site, there are no fixed visiting hours. Viewing is best and safest during daylight hours.

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Photography

Photography of the track remains and surrounding landscape is generally allowed. Be careful not to enter private property for close-up shots.

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Time needed

For a brief visit to the accessible track sections, 30 to 45 minutes are enough. Those wanting to explore further should allow more time and seek local knowledge.

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Combine with

Combine the sightseeing with a trip to Braulio Carrillo National Park or the chocolate plantations in the region. Poás Volcano is also not far.

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Getting there

The old tracks are scattered in Limón province, best reached by car on Route 32. Some sections are walkable from the town of La Palma.

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Insider tip

Wear long pants and sturdy footwear as the terrain can be jungle-like and there may be ticks. Bring insect repellent, especially in the rainy season.