[1][2][3] In the late 19th century, Ushuaia on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego developed as a penal colony, with the first prisoners arriving in 1884.

In 1902, work began on a proper set of buildings for the prison by inmates, and a railway on wooden rails was constructed to assist the transport of materials, mainly local rock, sand and lumber.

[2][3] The trains running on the line were known as the 'Train of the Prisoners' (Tren de los Presos) and brought wood for heating and cooking as well as building.

[2][4] The route takes passengers along the Pico Valley in the Toro gorge and to Cascada de la Macarena station[3] where visitors are able to learn about the Yámana people and climb to a viewpoint at a 15-minute stop.

[citation needed] The train then criss-crosses the river before entering the national park and the forest, travelling through the valley below the mountains until it reaches El Parque station.