Desamparados Station
A historic railway terminus on the Rímac River, home to Peru’s national literary museum and a repository of the nation’s railway heritage.
At a glance
Desamparados station stands on the southern bank of the Rímac River in central Lima, adjacent to the Government Palace. Named after a 17th-century church that once occupied the site, the station has evolved from a working terminus into a cultural institution. Today it serves dual purposes: administrative railway functions and a vibrant cultural venue.
History
Construction began in 1890 under the Peruvian Corporation. Three years later, in 1893, the Lima–La Oroya railway route was inaugurated—a landmark engineering achievement connecting the capital to the Andes. The line became known as the Ferrocarril Central Andino. The station’s name commemorates the Church of Our Lady of the Forsaken, which stood adjacent to the building until its demolition in 1937. In 2009, the Casa de la Literatura Peruana (House of Peruvian Literature) was inaugurated within the station building, transforming much of the structure into a museum dedicated to Peruvian literary culture.
What you see
The station occupies a prominent position at the intersection of Áncash and Carabaya streets, directly facing the Government Palace across the river. Its architectural presence reflects late 19th-century railway grandeur adapted to Peru’s institutional landscape. The interior now functions as exhibition and museum space.
Cultural significance
Desamparados represents a crucial moment in Peru’s modernization, when railway infrastructure connected Lima to the mineral-rich highlands. The Casa de la Literatura Peruana has established the station as a center for celebrating Peru’s literary heritage and national identity. The station also preserves railway artifacts, including the presidential wagon “Paquita,” named after the wife of President Oscar R. Benavides.
Key facts
- Country: Peru
- City: Lima
- Coordinates: -12.0444, -77.0286
- Construction began: 1890
- Lima–La Oroya route inaugurated: 1893
- Casa de la Literatura Peruana opened: 2009
Practical information & getting there
The station remains in administrative use and continues to offer regular passenger rail services between Lima and Huancayo. It functions as both a cultural museum and exhibition venue. For current opening hours and visitor information, consult the Casa de la Literatura Peruana or the station directly, as services and access may vary.
Sources & resources
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