Tren A Las Nubes: Train To The Clouds In The Andes Desert Of Argentina

Train journeys are back in fashion these days, with travelers trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Whether catching a high-speed train in Europe or relaxing on a sleeper train, it does seem to be the way to go. However, some railway journeys are more than just a case of getting from A to B. In this case, the Tren a las Nubes, or Train to the Clouds is a unique experience and one of the highest railway routes in the world.

Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) in Argentina

Running along the high Andes desert of Argentina, the Tren a las Nubes is a historic train taking passengers 13,850 feet above sea level, while zigzagging its way up steep mountain terrain. The journey passes over 29 bridges and through 21 tunnels along a rugged and mountainous route.

This lesser-visited northwestern corner of Argentina boasts stunning scenery making it an adventure of a lifetime.  Meanwhile, it took 27 years to complete the rail line and it is a true feat of engineering. However, while it is now a tourist adventure, the original purpose of the train was to connect Argentina and Chile via the Andes Mountains. These days, it is one of the few remaining passenger trains in Argentina.

Where does the Train to the Clouds go?

The Train to the Clouds is a three-hour, roundtrip journey from the small town of San Antonio de los Cobres. Meanwhile, the tricky part of the journey is that the town is very remote and hard to access. Sitting at 12,385 feet above sea level, the train requires a three-hour drive from the neighboring city of Salta.

There are three options to choose from to get to the San Antonio de los Cobres railway station. You can rent a car, catch a taxi, or catch a bus that leaves Salta at 7 am, which makes stops at numerous spots along the way. Among these is Camp Quijano, a town dubbed “the portal of the Andes” and the colorful Yacoraite Geological Formation.

Whichever way travelers choose, everyone meets up at the San Antonio de los Cobres train station to enjoy the thrice-weekly noon departure of the Tren a las Nubes. Once at the station, travelers board the train and start the amazing ascent into the clouds. Meanwhile, through the train’s large windows, passengers can gaze at the otherworldly reddish-orange landscape passing by. The high desert is covered with quinoa plats and native cacti.

Crossing the Viaducto la Polvorilla

A highlight of the journey is the crossing of the Viaducto la Polvorilla, a viaduct stretching 735 feet over a valley, with a drop of more than 200 feet. This spot, also marks the highest point of the journey, standing at an elevation of 13,850 feet above sea level.

Shortly after crossing the viaduct, it is time for the Tren a las Nubes to turn around, ready to return to San Antonio de los Cobres. A bus meets the train, taking passengers back to Salta, but bear in mind the high elevation change can affect travelers and medical assistance and oxygen canisters are available on the bus and the train.

How much does the Train to the Clouds cost to ride?

Passengers wishing to have the full experience can book the bus ride to and from Salta and the full train ride totals around 13 hours. While ticket prices vary by date, they typically cost around $130 to $170 for the full bus and rail journey. For those booking just the train ride, tickets cost between $80 and $110.

Find out more about the Tren a las Nubes and book a ticket on the official website here. In the meantime, readers can watch a video about the train here: