Reviving the Qhapaq Ñan: Historic Train Reconnects Arica and Poconchile

After 20 years of silence, the rhythmic hum of a train once again echoed through Chile’s Lluta Valley—this time carrying not cargo or commuters, but cruise passengers embarking on a rare journey through time. Operated by QN Chile, this historic train ride between Arica and the Andean village of Poconchile marked a bold return for a route long dormant—and a powerful reconnection with the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, the Great Inca Road.

The Qhapaq Ñan was no ordinary road. This vast, sacred network of trails once united the Inca Empire, weaving together highland cities and coastal outposts across six modern countries. One of its key arteries began in the heights of Lake Titicaca, descending steep escarpments, winding through the altiplano, and finally reaching the Pacific near present-day Arica. It was a conduit for commerce, ritual, and maritime ambition—totora reeds from the lake, used to build ocean-going boats, were once carried across this dramatic landscape by llama caravans, their paths carved into history.

The recently revived Arica–Poconchile rail line loosely follows one of these ancient paths. Departing from the Chinchorro station in Arica, the restored Swiss-built Schindler coaches—dating back to 1955—transport guests 36 kilometers through the Lluta Valley, passing geoglyphs etched into desert hillsides and Inca-era colcas (storehouses) at Huaylacán. Onboard guides enrich the experience with insight into the region's deep Indigenous heritage, from Chinchorro mummification to Inca infrastructure.

This isn’t just a ride—it’s a reclamation. In retracing this route, QN Chile demonstrates its commitment to offering more than standard excursions. The initiative also signals a renewed effort to integrate tourism with cultural preservation and regional development. As part of Chile’s broader recognition of the Qhapaq Ñan as a UNESCO World Heritage site, excursions like this help shine a light on Indigenous knowledge systems, highland-coastal connectivity, and the resilience of Andean engineering.

And for a company named Qhapac Ñan, there could be no more fitting journey.

To book your perfect trip to Arica, please get in touch with us.