Travelling to San Antonio de los Cobres from Salta

If you’re planning to travel to Argentina, a popular destination around this time of year is the Northern Province of Salta; A part of Argentina which couldn’t be more different from the very European Buenos Aires. Salta lies about a thousand miles to the North, close to the Bolivian border where the impressive high altitude Puna and Andes Mountain Range begin - drastically defining the very distinct Salteña way of life. The Province of Salta is home to many natural, social and historical attractions. There’s the dreamlike, colourful landscape of the Quebrada de Humahuaca; where cacti and llamas fill the desert-like expanses with the Andes Mountains towering above and below indigenous handicrafts brighten up village markets, where locals sit over pots of delicious, stewing Locro, chewing coca leaves. The city of Salta, aptly nicknamed Salta "La Linda" ("The beautiful") is both an important tourist destination in itself, and the centre point for visiting the rest of the province, and now is the perfect time of year to travel to the North of Argentina, as the mild spring climate makes for the ideal conditions to explore this incredibly distinct, un-missable part of Argentina! [caption id="attachment_610" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Salta "La Linda" - Travelling to San Antonio de los Cobres from Salta[/caption]

Travelling to San Antonio de los Cobres from Salta

One of the highlights of Salta and most popular destinations is the stunning village of San Antonio de Los Cobres. Up in the Andean highlands, lies this sleepy little mining town in the middle of the deserted landscapes of the Puna, about a 100 miles west of Salta and at an incredible 4080 metres above sea level, it is the highest village in Argentina. It’s a beautiful, typical Andes highland settlement, with picturesque adobe houses and one of the few places, where Argentina’s indigenous beliefs and traditions are still clearly evident. San Antonio de las Cobres takes its name from the nearby Sierra de Cobre, or Copper Mountain, which explains the towns mining history. The town’s main economic activity is based on mining and weaving of beautiful textiles using local llama fibers. [caption id="attachment_624" align="aligncenter" width="540"] San Antonio de Los Cobres - Travelling to San Antonio de los Cobres from Salta/ Source[/caption]

How to get to San Antonio de los Cobres?

One of the best ways to visit San Antonio de los Cobres is with a day tour from Salta. This popular Salta tour takes you by bus alongside the tracks of the famous Tren de las Nubes. This day tour is very comfortable and one of the best ways to explore the Province of Salta, as you will stop off along the way at some of the provinces highlights and main natural landmarks - giving you the chance to take incredible pictures! If you are travelling to San Antonio de los Cobres from Salta, you can explore Andean village life at your own pace. With a day tour to San Antonio de los Cobres, you will also visit the most impressive infrastructures of the Train to the Clouds, such as the Viaducto del Toro. The tour schedule also includes places such as El Candado, El Gólgota, Alfarcito, and a visit to the nearby city of Santa Rosa de Tastil, that dates back to the pre-Inca period. [caption id="attachment_625" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Viaducto del toro - Travelling to San Antonio de los Cobres from Salta / Source[/caption]  

Train to the Clouds or Tren de las Nubes

Another option is to take a ride on the Train to the Clouds. This is a great way to explore the distinctive and breath-taking natural landscapes the North of Argentina has to offer and the train literally takes you to the clouds! Not only when reaching the village of San Antonio de los Cobres, but taking you even higher to the spectacular nearby Polvorilla Aqueduct; A must-see if you’re travelling to Salta and which at 4220 metres is the highest point of the railway and towers a spectacular 70 metres above a riverbed. The Train to the Clouds (or Tren de la Nubes) departs on a roundtrip from the beautiful town of Salta and takes off early in the morning each Saturday, April to November, returning around midnight, after a 16-hour journey. It truly is a spectacular day out and the breath-taking views along its itinerary is something you will never forget! However, it does only provide you with a stop-over visit to Antonio de los Cobres. [caption id="attachment_626" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Tren de las nubes / Source[/caption]  

Salinas Grandes Tour

Another option – perfect for those travellers who have little time on their trip through Salta - is to take the Salinas Grandes day tour, as this tour service will offer a more comprehensive view of the area. Departing from Salta, it includes a visit to the picturesque town of Purmamarca, the breath-taking Cerro de los 7 Colores, the impressive Salinas Grandes, and extensive Salt desert. This tour then continues the circuit until San Antonio de los Cobres where the tour also visits the Viaducto La Polvorilla. [caption id="attachment_627" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Salinas Grandes Tour / Source[/caption]   Whichever itinerary you decide on,  your trip to the North of Argentina is sure to be unforgettable! You will not believe your eyes as you travel through some of the country’s most distinct, spectacular landscapes!

Visit Argentina4u for more info on things to do in Salta and enjoy the advantages of booking all your tours in Argentina online!