The Train of the Clouds crossing the La Polvorilla Viaduct
Image (C) Visit Argentina
The Train of the Clouds (Tren a las Nubes) is one of the most exciting experiences in Argentina because it combines engineering audacity, Andean drama, and pure altitude spectacle in a single journey 😮💨🏔️. Running through the remote high Andes of Salta Province, the train climbs to over 4,200 metres, placing it among the highest railways on Earth. As the landscape shifts from green valleys to vast, lunar plateaus, passengers experience Argentina not as a postcard nation of tango and beef, but as a country of raw scale and extremes 🌍✨.
🌄 Why It’s an Essential Excursion from Salta
Salta is the natural gateway because the railway was historically designed to connect the city with the Andes and onward toward Chile 🚉. From Salta, the excursion reveals why this region is culturally and geographically distinct from the rest of the country: indigenous heritage, high-altitude villages, and a sense of isolation that feels closer to Bolivia or Peru than Buenos Aires. The journey’s emotional peak is the crossing of the Viaducto La Polvorilla, where the train glides across a vast steel bridge suspended above the clouds themselves ☁️🚂—a moment that feels equal parts travel, theatre, and triumph.
In short, the Train of the Clouds isn’t just a scenic ride; it’s Argentina turning the volume all the way up 🔊🇦🇷. It distils altitude, ambition, and awe into a single day, making it not only the standout excursion from Salta, but one of South America’s great railway journeys.
🕒 Practical Info — Duration, Schedule & Cost 💸
When planning your Tren a las Nubes (Train of the Clouds) adventure, it helps to know the logistical basics 😊. The full experience is typically a full-day excursion, often lasting around 14–16 hours in total when you include the bus transfers and scenic stops along the way 🚍⏱️. The core train ride portion itself usually runs for a couple of hours, with the rest of the time spent getting to and from San Antonio de los Cobres and enjoying local landscapes and stops before boarding.
In terms of frequency, the service doesn’t run every day; many operators schedule departures only a few times a week (e.g., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays), and it’s essential to book in advance because spaces fill up early, especially in peak season 📅🎟️.
As for costs, prices can vary depending on whether you choose a basic train-only ticket or a full bus–train–bus day tour. Roughly speaking, a standalone train ticket starts at around ~US$120–$130, while a full day tour from Salta that includes transfers and extras is often around ~US$170–$190 per adult 💵🚆.
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