Amazing journey in “The Train to the Clouds”

Train to the Clouds, runs along one of the highest railway in the world.

Taking an amazing journey in The Train to the Clouds is one of the best ways to see the incredible landscapes of Salta in northern Argentina from a great height. Many travelers have this ride as a priority on their bucket list. It’s an incredible feat of engineering, and after years of unreliable service, the whole journey has been given an upgrade.

Train to the Clouds got its name from the numerous clouds that are often seen under bridges and around slopes.

Origin:

The service runs along the eastern part of the Salta–Antofagasta railway line of the Belgrano Railway that connects the Argentine Northwest with the Chilean border in the Andes mountain range, over 4,220 meters (13,850 ft) above sea level.

American engineer Richard Fontaine Maury, who was in charge of the project, laid down the route in the 1920s. He designed a singular system supported by bridges, tunnels, viaducts, spirals and zigzags. 

The train was originally constructed to serve the borax mines of the area, transporting goods from the coast of Chile through the Andes Mountains to north-western Argentina. It started taking tourists from 1970s.

The railway line has 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags. The zigzags allow the train to climb up driving back and forth parallel to the slope of the mountain.

There are 2 options you can choose from. You can take the bus + train or take only the train. It also depends on the agency you hire or if you are going by yourself.

Bus + train:

Until not so long ago, the Train to the Clouds began in the city of Salta. It was a tour that lasted about 16 hours because the train moved slowly and there were very few stops. Currently, the tour can be reached through the route that involves a bus that departs from Salta and a train from San Antonio de los Cobres.

To reach the train station of San Antonio de los Cobres, you will make a few stops. First to visit the old steam locomotive, where you will see some attractions such as Campo Quijano and Gobernador Solá. When you arrive in Alfarcito, you can have breakfast at about mid-morning.

Then you get back on track to go to San Antonio de los Cobres. A very picturesque village from where the famous train departs to the Viaduct of Polvorilla, one of the greatest engineering works of the last century in Argentina. During the journey we can enjoy its stunning landscapes, the bar car, and a good drink.

Train only:

This is a perfect option if you want to make your own road trip, so you won’t miss out on the train experience, or pay a surcharge for a bus trip you won’t be using.

You can find the San Antonio de los Cobres Train Station where you will take the Train to the Clouds. In case you prefer this option, remember to arrive at least 15 minutes before the train departs.

San Antonio de los Cobres train station.

How to get to Salta?

Airplane is one of the most common ways to get to Salta. Interconnected with Buenos Aires, having flights on daily basis (during high season, even more than one), and also with other destinations of the country: Cordoba, Jujuy and Tucumán. 

There are also Bus companies arriving to Salta from Buenos Aires. It takes approximately 20 hours to get to Salta.

If you opt for staying in San Antonio de los Cobres, you can find accommodation in advance at a cheaper price.

What is included on the bus+train service tour?

• Reception of the passenger.
• Delivery of the travel program.
• Guided by hosts on the road.
• Transfer to San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC) by bus.
• Country breakfast consisting of infusions and regional snacks (Alfarcito Foundation).
• Guided aboard the Train to the Clouds by hosts.
• Ceremony to the flag in the La Polvorilla Viaduct.
• Transfer from SAC Station to the meeting points in the center of town.
• Transfer from SAC to the City of Salta.
• Snack
• Cleaning service on board the train.
• Safety on board the Train.
• Backup bus.

Inside the tren.

• To avoid altitude sickness or at least take it a little better, it will be necessary to acclimate, not agitate or make physical efforts. In addition, the day before arrival to the place is recommended to sleep well, eat light and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Thematic Departures:

• Celebrate Lover’s day.
• Beer Fest on the Clouds (enjoy craft beer, food and music).
• Reception of the 1st tourist of the year.
• Torrontés train (taste Torrontes wine).
• Tradition in the Clouds ( Memorial of the birthday of José Hernández, Argentinian poet).
• Oktoberfest in the Clouds (Kulturzentrum center show wearing traditional german clothing).
• Thematic weddings.

Beautiful landscapes along the way plus moving intercultural experience.

One of the most beautiful experiences in Salta is that of the Train to the Clouds. It is one of the most famous excursions and without a doubt a must in the area. The train to the clouds is one of the highest tourist trains in the world. Don’t miss it. If you want more information about tourist destinations in Peru, visit our website INKAYNI PERU TOURS.

“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn