Train of the Clouds, the highest in the world

The Train of the Clouds represents one of the most popular and magical excursions in Salta. This railway system is the highest in the world, crossing the Andes Mountains through tunnels, bridges and viaducts. The trip aboard this means of transport is surprising, as well as the natural landscapes that it gives us.

ORIGIN OF THE TRAIN OF THE CLOUDS

The Train of the Clouds was devised by the engineer Richard Fontaine Maury, as part of a ferrotourism project that was born in 1972. It is located in the town of San Antonio de los Cobres, from where it can be carried out a journey to the famous La Polvorilla viaduct.

The entire trip takes place at a significant height, starting in San Antonio de los Cobres at about 3800 meters above sea level and reaching 4220 meters at the La Polvorilla viaduct.

In addition to enjoying a walk through one of the most impressive railway structures of the last century, the journey aboard this mythical train presents us with the most rustic and picturesque regions of the province. In the same way, you will know local crafts, museums and you can even taste the native gastronomy of these parts.

The train has a capacity for 468 passengers and a potential maximum speed of 35 kilometers per hour. The tracks are not made with the zipper system that used to be utilized so that the railway formations can climb the heights. That is, it does not use toothed wheels, but a system of zigzags and spirals that allow the train to gain height.

Regarding the structure, the Train of the Clouds has services such as a dining car, medical office, audio, video, bilingual guides, private security and an ambulance that constantly goes next to the train for any emergency that may happen.

THE TRAIN EXCURSION OFFERS TWO TYPES OF ROUTES

Originally, the train left with its passengers from the city of Salta, but currently there are 2 alternatives available for the Tren de las Nubes excursion:

1.   Train only

The tour begins at the San Antonio de los Cobres Train Station, where passengers must arrive by their own means. The walk ends at the popular Polvorilla Viaduct, one of the most important engineering works of the 20th century.

The trip lasts 1 hour, reaching 4200 meters above sea level at the end of the tour. The return can be with the excursion or by your own means depending on your choice.

2.   Bus and train

This option, unlike the previous one, adds the bus trip from the city of Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres. During this tour different places are visited that enrich the trip.

The adventure begins on National Route 51 and has the first stop at El Alfarcito, where passengers have the opportunity to try a country breakfast prepared by members of the community.

Continuing the journey to San Antonio de los Cobres, you will pass through film landscapes such as the Quebrada de las Cuevas and the Muñano plain. Once in San Antonio, passengers board the train that leaves for the historic Polvorilla Viaduct.

Then, we return to the station, to continue by bus to the city ​​of Salta, but not before making a last stop in Santa Rosa de Tastil, where you can visit the Site Museum and buy different local products at the Artisan Center.

This option, in addition to being super complete and recommended, is a full day. The trip starts between 6 and 6.30 in the morning, returning to Salta around 8 pm. Check out the best travel itineraries to Salta, there are several options for this tour.

In both excursions the departures and places are limited, so we recommend you contact our travel specialists for reservation and any other advice you require. I lived a magical adventure aboard the Train of the Clouds.