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Ticlio facts for kids

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Ticlio (also called Anticona) is a high mountain pass in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It's the highest point on the Central Highway of Peru, reaching an amazing 4,818 meters (about 15,807 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest roads in the world!

Ticlio is located in the Chicla District, within the Huarochirí Province of the Department of Lima. It was once famous for having the highest railway junction in the world. Today, the railway goes through the nearby Galera Summit Tunnel, which is a bit lower at 4,783 meters (15,692 feet).

About Ticlio

The Ticlio railway station is part of the Ferrocarril Central Andino (FCCA) line. This railway uses a standard gauge track, which is a common width for train tracks around the world. The station is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the highest point of the highway.

From 1893 to 1921, Ticlio Station was an important connection point for a railway branch that went to a place called Morococha. Even though that branch is now closed, the FCCA is still an active railway. It carries both goods (freight) and people (passengers). The FCCA even offers special tourist trips from Lima to Huancayo several times a month.

When trains travel towards Ticlio from Lima, they have to go through many tunnels. There are eight tunnels in a short stretch of less than 3.2 kilometers (2 miles)! This shows how challenging the mountain terrain is for building railways.

Weather and Altitude Sickness

The weather at Ticlio can be very cold. Temperatures can range from 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) down to -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).

Because Ticlio is so high up, the air pressure is much lower than at sea level. It's about 50% lower! This means there's less oxygen in the air. Many people who pass through Ticlio might feel sick because of the high altitude. This feeling is called altitude sickness or soroche. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It's important to take it easy and let your body get used to the height if you visit.

See also

  • Antikuna
  • Qinghai–Tibet Railway
  • Waqraqucha
  • List of highest railway stations in the world

Images for kids

  • View from the Summit Yuraccochas I - Ticlio, Huarochiri, Lima, Peru

    View from the summit of Yuraqqucha near the Antikuna pass

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