The excursion to the Tren de las Nubes is one of the main and most popular tourist attractions in the province of Salta. Although the province has countless places to visit, the sensation of being so close to the sky and traveling on the highest train in the country, makes it a wonderful experience, worthy of a once in a lifetime experience. Through this guide you will learn everything you need to know to take the Tren de las Nubes excursion, reach dizzying heights while discovering the magic of northern Argentina!  

Where does the Tren de las Nubes depart from?

The train departs from the train station of San Antonio de los Cobres, a small mining town, located 165 km from the city of Salta.  It is one of the highest altitude towns in Argentina at 3,775 meters above sea level.  
Photo: Michael Osterrieder
 

At what altitude is the Tren de las Nubes?

The Tour aboard the Tren de las Nubes gives you the unique opportunity to experience Salta from the heights. The train stops at the Viaducto La Polvorilla which reaches 4220 meters above sea level, being the highest train in Argentina and the third highest in the world.   
Photo: Gilda
 

What is the route of the Tren de las Nubes?

The tour starts at 7:00 am with the departure by bus from Salta Train Station to San Antonio de los Cobres. The bus travels along National Route No. 51, passes through Campo Quijano and travels along a road full of beautiful natural landscapes that change as it goes along. From the yungas full of vegetation, it passes to a series of stony mountains of multiple colors and crosses arid landscapes full of cacti.  On a road of curves and counter-curves you cross viaducts, zig zags, and tunnels and make photographic stops at various attractions such as the El Toro Viaduct and the Yacoraite Geological Formation at Km 66 and the bus stops at Paraje El Alfarcito so that passengers can recharge their batteries with a country breakfast among adobe huts. On the way, the guide on board the bus informs about the geography, history and customs of the local people of the area.  
Photo: Gilda
  The second part of the tour corresponds to the exciting train ride that starts at noon from San Antonio de los Cobres and ends at the Viaducto La Polvorilla, the most impressive engineering work of the last century. This work built between 1930 and 1932 is 224 meters long and 64 meters high.   
Photo: Gilda
  When you reach the top, the train built in 1921 by the American engineer Richard Maury, stops at over 4220 meters above sea level and passengers can descend. There the Argentine flag is raised and the traditional song Aurora is sung. There is about 30 minutes of time to enjoy the scenery, buy handicrafts and take pictures in this incredible place.  
Photo: Gilda
  Then you will return to San Antonio de los Cobres for a free lunch and from there you will take the bus back to Salta. This is the third stage of the tour and has a stop in Santa Rosa de Tastil, where you will visit the local museum and have time for a snack. You can also do this tour only by train leaving from San Antonio de los Cobres and going to this town on your own. In case you wish to do this tour, please contact our Customer Service team to know the possibilities of a round trip transfer from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres.  
Photo: troyrowe18
  Travel tip: The first official tourist trip took place on July 16, 1972. This means that in July 2022, during the winter season, the Tren a las Nubes will have been in service for 50 years.  

The Tour on board the Tren de las Nubes includes:

  • Round trip bus tickets from/to Salta.
  • Round trip tickets on board the Train of the Clouds.
  • Bilingual guide English / Spanish.
  • Breakfast (regional infusions and snacks from Fundación Alfarcito).
  • Permanent medical assistance (nurses and oxygen on board).
  • Snack.
  • Road follow up by 4×4 vans and back-up bus.
 

Recommendations to take into account

  • The night before traveling, it is recommended to eat lightly, sleep well and avoid alcoholic beverages to avoid altitude sickness.
  • It is very important to stay hydrated during the course of the day and chew coca, which helps altitude sickness.
  • To travel on the Tren de las Nubes you must present the printed ticket and have your ID card or passport at hand.
  • It is advisable to book tickets in advance due to high demand.
  • During the summer in Argentina, which includes the months of December, January and February, there is a rainy season and the train generally suspends its circuit for those dates.
  • What to bring: sunglasses and sunscreen (it can be misleading when the air feels cold and you don't notice you are getting sunburned), warm clothes (depending on how cold tolerant you are and the season you are visiting, thermal clothing may be an option as the Puna is very cold due to the altitude) and a portable charger for your cell phone. If you are using a camera, it will be good to bring a spare battery, because we assure you that you will not stop taking pictures.  
 

Take a ride on this impressive railway tour with the Tren a las Nubes excursion.

By: Gilda Selis, travel journalist. Author of the blog Mi Bitácora de Viajes and the book En Movimiento, geografía interna de una chica que viaja de acá para allá.