The railway that connects the Amazon with the coast: a historic opportunity for Peru.

The possibility of a railway connecting the Peruvian Amazon with the coast could be the key to unlocking the productive potential of this vast region. Under the concept that the true El Dorado is not a mythical city, but rather the natural and cultural wealth contained within the Peruvian jungle, a range of opportunities emerges to transform the national economy. With increased investment in infrastructure, a future is envisioned where the Amazon is not only an area rich in biodiversity but also in agricultural production and resources. Analyzing the Brazilian model, especially in the states of Acre, Rondônia, and Mato Grosso, we see a GDP exceeding $80 billion, which stands in stark contrast to the $7 billion of our Amazonian regions. This success has not been a coincidence but the result of planning and investment in infrastructure that has allowed Brazil to transform from a food importer in the 1980s to one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters today. The key has been the continuity of strategic plans that have included research, development, and a legal framework that favors investment. In light of these precedents, it is urgent for Peru to develop a similar plan. A railway connecting the jungle with the coast could be the first step in activating the great productive potential of the Amazon. Although it may currently seem that there is not enough production to justify investment in infrastructure, it is precisely this lack of investment that perpetuates stagnation. Without a train to transport production, it cannot develop. This cycle of lack of infrastructure and production must be broken with vision and leadership. Historically, examples such as the construction of the Expresa road in Lima, the Panama Canal, and the development of Las Vegas teach us that large projects often require foresight that does not always align with immediate reality. These infrastructures not only transform the landscape but also change the economic dynamics of the regions they connect. Thus, a railway that crosses from the coast to Pucallpa could not only facilitate transportation but also attract investments and foster local development. Moreover, in light of the growing demand for food products in markets like China, the construction of a railway would not only benefit Peru but could also align the commercial interests of several countries in the region. The possibility of exporting raw materials to a market of 1.5 billion people could be a strong enough incentive to carry out this ambitious project. International negotiations could facilitate the integration of not only Peru but all of South America into the global trade map. The railway is not just a matter of transportation; its implementation could be the engine for a radical change in the region's economy. Throughout history, the Central Railway, which began construction in 1870, was vital for the development of the central highlands of the country, allowing the creation of industries that were previously unthinkable. Without a doubt, a new railway could trigger a similar effect in the Amazon, fostering the creation of new industries and improving the quality of life for its inhabitants. With the recent inauguration of the Chancay port and the presence of President Xi Jinping, Peru has a historic opportunity to advance this project. The construction of a bi-oceanic train connecting Brazil with the Pacific Ocean could be a decisive step. This effort should not only focus on a transportation connection but also on a continental integration that benefits all the countries involved, from Colombia to Argentina. The proposal for a train linking the coast of Peru with other South American countries is not just a dream; it is a strategic necessity for the future of the continent. Building this infrastructure, along with a joint commitment from South American nations, can generate a virtuous cycle of development that integrates the region into global trade. The demand for minerals, timber, and energy during the construction of the train could significantly boost the economy. The time to act is now. Uniting efforts to develop large-scale projects can lead to a new chapter in the history of South America. What seems like a distant dream could materialize with proper planning and a shared vision, transforming the continent into a solid and cohesive economic block. The true El Dorado is within reach, and it is the responsibility of current generations to chart the path toward its achievement. Planning and investment are the keys to changing the face of the continent, and building a railway that connects the jungle with the coast could be the first step in this extraordinary transformation.