The Train to the Clouds Turns 50! 5 Fun Facts to Celebrate It
It revs up the engines very close to the sky and, thanks to its uniqueness, it has become a must-visit attraction in Salta, and an icon of Argentina. Five decades crossing unique landscapes and offering the best panoramic views of northern Argentina!
An experience in the heights that gives people goosebumps and allows them to get into the heart of the province with the most accurate nickname: Salta, la Linda, ‘the beautiful province’. The famous Tren a las nubes (Train to the Clouds in English) made its first trip on July 16th in 1972, after many years of hard work. The efforts paid off because it has allowed the amazing landscapes of Salta to shine along curves, elevations, viaducts, tunnels, and bridges, offering an itinerary that covers 434 kilometres in total.
The light blue of the formations contrasts with the red shades of the mountains, honouring the typical northern colours, and combining perfectly with the sky. The wagon interior is prepared to welcome tourists who are eager to take loads of pictures and put all their senses to practice —mind you! The temptation to stand up and look out the windows is irresistible. Actually, this means of transport stands out for the panoramic views it offers. Now, what are the fun facts behind this must of the north of Argentina?
It is the Third-highest Train in the World
4,220 metres above sea level are enough to get Salta’s favourite into the world’s top 3. The perspective people get at these heights is incredible: copper-coloured mountains, native vegetation, Andean condors flying over the area, and prevailing silence typical of nature. A piece of advice to admire these wonders: drink a lot of water to avoid mountain sickness.
Its Name Derives from an Anecdote in a Camera Crew
Yes, you’re reading right. The story goes that, back in the 60s, two camera professionals from Tucumán covered the section running through Salta and Socompa. At that time, it was a steam train that created steam nebulas that would get lost in the sky. These fictional clouds gave rise to the legendary nickname of Train to the Clouds.
The Greatest Icon of its Route is the La Polvorilla Viaduct
A marvel of 19th century engineering, an architectural work of global and local impact, the star of countless photographs… This section is one of people’s favourites. The steel bridge is located 4,220 metres above sea level, weighs 1,600 tons, is 224 metres long and 63 metres high, and it crosses one of the most iconic routes in the country: Route 40. Its structure stands out among the landscape of the Puna, creating a contrast worthy of photographs. The spectacle gives people the feeling of vertigo, leaving them speechless and amazed. The tour brings out endless mountain sides full of shades of red and yellow.
San Antonio de los Cobres is the Region’s Main Urban Centre
Located 196 kilometres from the capital, this town is a whole tourist attraction. The train journey begins here but, apart from being a point of departure, it hides mysteries closely linked to the local culture. You can’t leave without visiting San Antonio de los Cobres’ Artisan Market to buy authentic handmade crafts, the Paseo Anatolio and its llama farm, the San Antonio de Padua Church, built in adobe and volcanic rock, and the Andean Regional Museum. Get lost among its dirt streets and experience a trip to the heart of north-western Argentina.
It Can Carry 468 Passengers
The eight wagons of the formation are prepared to welcome tourists from all over the world. 468 people can get on to enjoy the rail trip and the dining wagon. It has bilingual guides, audio, and videos. It reaches up to 35 k/h, so it is the perfect balance of adrenaline and speed for getting immersed into the natural environment surrounding it. People can get tickets via the Train to the Clouds’ official website, and it also offers the possibility of hiring the bus shuttle from Salta capital to San Antonio de los Cobres, with amazing technical stops in between.