Tren de las Nubes

Salta, Argentina

The most amazing train in the world, the one that takes you to the clouds, reaches a height of 4,200 meters in its 217 km trip.

It is one of the highest railways in the world, taking its way across the high picks of the Cordillera de los Andes, surrounded by striking sceneries. The train departs from the city of Salta, passes through the Valle de Lerma, enters the Quebrada del Toro and finally reaches La Puna.

It takes its name Tren a las Nubes, from the clouds that are often seen under bridges and around slopes.

The train's capacity is of about 520 passengers and has a restaurant coach, a bar coach, a sick bay coach, a central transmission room and 7 first-class coaches.

Days of operation
Beginning March 2011

Tue - Thu -Sat
March to November

Departs Salta 7:00 AM
Arrives Salta 11:45 PM

ROUTE

It leaves from the train station at the city of Salta and ends its route at La Polvorilla Viaduct.

The railways reach a height of 4,200 meters above sea level, turning this train into one of the highest in the world.

The train offers meals onboard, translator services, and medical assistant for any passenger that may be affected by the lack of oxygen caused by the height. The trip lasts approximately sixteen hours, from seven am until midnight or later.

The train runs 217 km. and passes through 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals, and 2 zigzags.

There are two stops throughout the trip: one at San Antonio de los Cobres station, and the other one at La Polvorilla viaduct.

It leaves from the city of Salta, the lowest point, and from there it begins the upward route until it reaches the final point at La Polvorilla Viaduct, the highest in the trip. As you reach the different stations, local villagers at picturesque stands sell craftwork, clothes, and regional products as interesting souvenirs of the trip.

The train services include dining car, medical practice, audio, video, and bilingual guides.