Train to the Clouds
Salta
The Train to the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes) is a renowned tourist train service operating in Salta Province, Argentina, running along the eastern part of the Salta–Antofagasta railway line. It is one of the highest railways in the world, reaching an altitude of 4,220 meters (13,850 feet) above sea level. The route features remarkable engineering feats, including 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, two spirals, and two zigzags, designed to navigate the steep Andean terrain without rack-and-pinion traction. The journey begins at San Antonio de los Cobres and culminates at the iconic La Polvorilla viaduct, a curved structure 224 meters long and 64 meters high. Along the route, passengers pass through diverse landscapes such as the Valle de Lerma, Quebrada del Toro, and the high puna plateau. The train includes amenities like dining and bar carriages, medical facilities with oxygen, and bilingual guides, enhancing the visitor experience. Local markets and artisans offer regional crafts and cuisine during stops, enriching the cultural immersion. This heritage railway attracts tourists seeking both natural beauty and historic engineering achievements in the Andes.
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Tip: Visitors should consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure seats on the limited weekly departures. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) for clearer skies and safer travel conditions. Travelers typically take a bus from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres to board the train. Discounted fares may be available for local residents. Due to high altitude, passengers are advised to acclimatize properly and take precautions against altitude sickness. Guided tours often include bilingual explanations and medical support onboard for safety.
Interesting facts
- •The Train to the Clouds is the fifth highest railway in the world, reaching 4,220 meters above sea level.
- •The route includes 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals, and 2 zigzags to manage steep mountain terrain.
- •The La Polvorilla viaduct is 224 meters long and 64 meters high, a major engineering landmark.
- •The name 'Train to the Clouds' originated from a 1960s student film showing steam locomotive vapors blending with mountain clouds.
- •The railway was designed without rack-and-pinion traction, relying on spirals and zigzags instead.
History
The railway project began in 1889, with construction starting in 1921 to connect northern Argentina with Chile across the Andes.
The line was designed by American engineer Richard Maury, who innovated the use of zigzags and spirals to ascend steep gradients without rack rails.
The highest viaduct, La Polvorilla, was completed in 1932, and the full railway inaugurated in 1948 after delays.
The name "Train to the Clouds" originated in the early 1960s from a student film showing steam locomotive vapors blending with mountain clouds.
In 1972, it officially became a tourist heritage railway.
The line was privatized in the 1990s but later re-nationalized after safety incidents, with the provincial government assuming operation in 2014 to ensure service quality and passenger safety.
Place Guide
La Polvorilla Viaduct1932
A curved viaduct 224 meters long and 64 meters high, representing a pinnacle of 20th-century engineering and the highest point of the railway route at 4,220 meters above sea level. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes mountains and is the train's final destination.
San Antonio de los Cobres Station1948 (railway inauguration)
The current starting point for the tourist train journey, where passengers board after arriving by bus from Salta. The station serves as a gateway to the high puna plateau and provides access to local markets selling artisan crafts and regional cuisine.
Quebrada del Toro
A dramatic mountain gorge the train passes through, featuring steep cliffs, tunnels, and viaducts. This segment showcases the railway's engineering adaptations to the challenging Andean topography and offers passengers spectacular natural scenery.
