Ready for a ride to the clouds?...By train!

Starting everyday, between April and November, from the city of Salta,
the famous Train to the Clouds takes you up to 13,800ft a.s.l., through
an amazing journey along the most spectacular scenery.

After an initial ride through the beautiful Quebrada de los Toros, it makes a short stop at the Ruins of Santa Rosa de Tastil to finally arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres [ ] , a once prosperous mining town that now owes most of its limited income to the tourists brought by the train.
The ultimate and most unforgettable experience is, however, reaching the Viaducto La Polvorilla -a 735ft long and 207ft high construction almost at the end of the journey. Time seems to stop for a few minutes while the train crosses the viaduct, and you can't help by feeling that the whole machine is being suspended in the air.

The train has capacity for 500 passengers and provides bilingual guides and information services. A great variety of typical as well as international food and regional music make sure there is no time for boredom during the 15 hours trip. Medical assistance is also available due to the potentially uncomfortable symptoms of the "high-altitude illness".

Plan B - Almost as good!

When the train is not functioning due to repairs or railroad improvements, many tourism agencies offer an alternative journey along the road followed by the train. That is, while the train drives along the mountainside, the road excursion goes along the mountains' feet but the areas visited are exactly the same.
It is highly recommendable to take advantage of this option if the train is not functioning while you are in the region. Of course you won't be able to experience the "suspended on the air" feeling when crossing the Viaducto La Polvorilla [ ] , but there are still plenty of breathtaking landscapes worth seeing!

Additionally, most agencies combine the "road to the clouds" excursions with a wonderful trip to Great Salt Flats (Salinas Grandes) and the Quebrada of Humahuaca, two of the places you just can't afford to miss if you visit Northwestern Argentina.

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