Tunel Ferroviario del Tinoco
San José de Maipo, Chile
A defunct railway tunnel turned shrine.
The tunnel at one end.
This disused railway tunnel located near the town of San Jose de Mapio is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Santiago. Locals believe if you whisper a wish down the tunnel the spirit of Guillermo (Willy) Antonio Rojas Reyes will grant your request. Reyes was working on the tunnel during its construction when he was killed inside. The tunnel has become a shrine to Reyes, where everything from football scarves to various tokens are left in his remembrance. It’s possible to walk through the tunnel from either end which is located right beside the main road.
Know Before You Go
Catch a community taxi from the local township of San Jose de Mapio. It's about a 10 minute drive. Your cellphone torch will suffice for the tunnel walk.
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