Train to the Clouds: One of the World's Great Railway Journeys
The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) — one of the highest railway lines in the world — ascends from Salta (1,187m) to the La Polvorilla viaduct (4,220m) in 16 hours; the engineering achievement, the dramatic puna landscape, and the altitude experience make it Argentina's most celebrated train journey
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Engineering Achievement
The Tren a las Nubes railway was built by American engineer Richard Fontaine Maury between 1921 and 1948; the line crosses 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 loops and 2 zigzags to climb from 1,187 m to 4,220 m without rack; the technical solutions used on this line were unprecedented and influenced the design of mountain railways all over the world
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La Polvorilla Viaduct
The La Polvorilla Viaduct — a steel bridge 224m long and 63m high, spanning a puna gorge at 4,220m — is the highlight of the trip; the train stops on the viaduct for photographs; the view from the bridge over the gorge and the surrounding desert landscape is outstanding; the structure is considered one of the finest industrial heritage structures in South America
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Height experience
The train rises from 1,187m in Salta to 4,220m at La Polvorilla in 16 hours; passengers who have not acclimatized to the altitude often experience soroche (altitude sickness) at the top; the train carries extra oxygen and medical personnel; the altitude experience — with its thin air, intense UV and cold — is an integral part of the journey's challenge
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Puna landscape
The Puna (high-altitude Andean plateau) through which the train travels is an extraordinary landscape - the dry volcanic mountains, salt flats, high-altitude wetlands (vegas), vicuña herds and flamingo lagoons create a series of dramatic desert scenes at altitudes of 3,000-4,2000 m; the landscape is only accessible by train or by 4WD vehicle
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San Antonio de los Cobres
The train stops at San Antonio de los Cobres - the highest town in Salta province, at 3,776m - where a local market of Andean crafts, textiles and food provides a brief cultural break in the desert journey; the town's mining history (cobres = copper mines) and its indigenous Kolla community make it a genuine Andean town rather than a tourist stop
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Alternative road on road
Route 40 and the Quebrada del Toro road follow a similar route to the train through the Andean foothills; travelers who prefer flexibility can drive or rent a remis (rental car) to access the same landscape independently; the combination of the train journey (single journey) and the way back is the best way to experience the whole route