train ride · Bento Gonçalves, RS
Trem Maria Fumaça
A steam locomotive that covers about 23 km between Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi and Carlos Barbosa, with live music and wine and sparkling wine tastings on board. The stations preserve an early 20th-century feel.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Trem Maria Fumaça
The Maria Fumaça Train is a steam locomotive ride through Serra Gaúcha, between Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi and Carlos Barbosa. The route uses an old railroad line in the Italian settlement region, now operated for tourism by Giordani Turismo.
The train ride takes about an hour and a half. Leaving from Bento Gonçalves, it stops in Garibaldi, the first station, and continues to Carlos Barbosa, the end of the line. There's also the opposite direction. You can't go both ways by train: the other leg is by bus.
The ride is more party than scenery. In the cars there's gaúcho and Italian music, tarantella, theater and a choir, and wine, sparkling wine and grape juice are served at the stations. In Garibaldi the stop is longer, with a tasting and time for photos in front of the locomotive. Along the way, the train passes green stretches, a viaduct over RS-453 and a bridge over the Garibaldi dam lake.
It's a cheerful, crowded outing, good for families and groups. Seats are assigned, on benches for two. It takes no physical effort, but there's boarding and getting off at platforms and a bus transfer.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside half a day: about an hour and a half on the train, plus arriving early at the station and the bus ride.
Best time
The ride runs all year. In summer, choose the morning departure: the cars have no air conditioning and get quite hot in the afternoon.
How to get there
Boarding in Bento Gonçalves is at the railroad station, in the city's urban area; the ride ends in Carlos Barbosa, passing through Garibaldi. The return trip, or the trip in the opposite direction, is by bus run by the company that operates the ride.
Tip
Buy in advance, because departures sell out, and get to the station early for the first tasting. Heading from Carlos Barbosa to Bento Gonçalves, the view is usually better on the right side.
A look at the place
Trem Maria Fumaça in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Trem Maria Fumaça
How long is the Maria Fumaça ride?
The train portion takes about an hour and a half. Add the time to arrive early at the station and the bus for the other leg.
Can I go both ways by train?
No. The train runs one way only between Bento Gonçalves and Carlos Barbosa, stopping in Garibaldi. The other leg is on the company's bus.
What's on board?
Gaúcho and Italian music, tarantella, theater and a choir in the cars, and wine, sparkling wine and grape juice tastings at the stations.
Do I need to buy in advance?
Yes, it's recommended: departures often sell out. The ride is paid and seats are assigned; check times and rates with the operator.
Can children go?
Yes. There's grape juice for those who don't drink wine, and the party atmosphere appeals to families.