The locomotive was transported to Peru in pieces via ship and assembled in Arica before being commissioned for the Tacna-Arica line.
The steam engine remained in active service for over a century, providing essential transport for both passengers and cargo.
It is one of the few surviving examples of mid-19th-century British railway engineering still residing in South America.
The park was established to protect the locomotive after it was retired from the rail network, ensuring its preservation as a piece of local industrial heritage.
Parque de la Locomotora is a historical site in Tacna, Peru, dedicated to the preservation of the British-built steam locomotive, the 'Locomotora 3'. The train was originally manufactured in 1859 by the Beyer-Peacock company and played a significant role in the development of the Tacna-Arica railway. The locomotive was officially declared a National Historical Monument in 1978. The park grounds feature a landscaped urban green space surrounding the preserved rail tracks and engine. It serves as a commemorative site honoring Tacna's involvement in the War of the Pacific. Visitors can view the external structure of the locomotive, which retains much of its Victorian-era industrial design.
From the front-facing angle of the locomotive to capture the full length of the engine and the brass details.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sunlight, as there is limited shade near the locomotive.
Look for the informational plaques located around the base of the locomotive to read about the specific mechanical history of the engine.
Combine this visit with a walk to the nearby Alameda Bolognesi for a complete afternoon itinerary.
Do not expect to see the train in motion; it is a static display that has been permanently decommissioned.
Do not climb on the locomotive or bypass the protective barriers; maintain respect for the historical monument.
