Located at an altitude of 4,000 meters in the Andes Mountains, Tren a las Nubes, or “Train to the Clouds,” is one of the highest railway lines in the world.
The journey begins in Salta, Argentina, at an altitude of 1,187 meters, passing through the Valle de Lerma, into the Quebrada del Toro, and culminating at the La Polvorilla Viaduct, which stands at 4,200 meters. During this 16-hour journey, the train takes passengers over a distance of 217 kilometers, climbing to over 3,000 meters, crossing 29 bridges, 12 viaducts, and 21 tunnels. The train is aptly named “Train to the Clouds” because it is often enveloped by clouds surrounding the train and the mountain peaks.
The train takes passengers over a distance of 217 kilometers, climbing to over 3,000 meters, crossing 29 bridges.
The railway was constructed in the 1920s by Richard Fontaine Maury, an American engineer responsible for the project. He designed a single-track railway system featuring bridges, tunnels, viaducts, spirals, and zigzags. These zigzag routes allow the train to ascend the mountain by winding back and forth along the slope. Instead of using a cog railway or special wheels typically found on steep mountain slopes, he opted for a standard railway to achieve the necessary elevation.
The “Train to the Clouds” was initially built to serve the borate mines in the area, transporting goods from the Chilean coast across the Andes Mountains to northwest Argentina. The railway began operating for tourists in the 1970s.
The journey only stops at two points, nearly at the end of the route.
The train departs early from Salta, traveling through the Lerma Valley, then onto the Toro Ravine, and finally arriving at the vast Puna region. The journey only stops at two points, almost at the end of the trip. The first stop is at San Antonio de los Cobres, an old town with low houses and a small market, where visitors can find paintings, handicrafts, clothing, and various souvenirs. The second and final stop is the La Polvorilla Viaduct, a 224-meter long arch bridge that rises 70 meters above the valley.
The train crosses the viaduct and turns back, preparing for the return journey to the starting point. At the final stop, visitors can disembark and enjoy the fresh, cool air at an altitude of 4,000 meters, capturing memorable photos of their trip. The return journey to Salta concludes just before midnight.
