Discover the nature and culture of the Andes on board of a train
atracciones tren a las nubes
ruinas de tastil
salta
san antonio cobres tren
el toro viaduct
Discover the nature and culture of the Andes on board of a train
Discover the nature and culture of the Andes on board of a train
Discover the nature and culture of the Andes on board of a train
Discover the nature and culture of the Andes on board of a train
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Train to the Clouds

Discover the nature and culture of the Andes on board of a train

(4 reviews)
Salta
1 day
English and Spanish
Starts: From Salta train station at 6:15 a.m.
Ends: To Salta train station at 8:15 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The train to the clouds was an ambitious engineering project that wanted to unite Chile and Argentina. Today, it is an international icon that joins visitors from all over the world with native communities in Salta.

This tour combines road and railway journeys, where you can enjoy the Andean landscapes and culture. At the same time, you'll be contributing to the local development of the Quebrada and Puna regions.

Give us five minutes, and we will tell you why the Train to the Clouds is a must do on your trip to Salta.

Tour details

Included

  • Country breakfast
  • Snack
  • Transport by bus and train
  • Specialized bilingual tour guides
  • On-board medical assistance service
  • Wi-Fi internet service in Alfarcito; San Antonio de los Cobres Station and in Viaducto de la Polvorilla.

Not included

  • Transfers from and to accommodation
  • Lunch

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation! You can cancel this tour and receive a 100% refund of the amount paid if you cancel at least 60 days before the tour start date. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Campo Quijano - Yacoraite - El Alfarcito - San Antonio de los Cobres - Santa Rosa de Tastil

6 : 15 AM

Check in | Salta Train Station

The tour will start at 6:15 a.m. at Salta's city train station. It is located by the city center and is very easy to get to. The Train to the Clouds team will be waiting for you there to help you board the bus that you get assigned.

salta train station
7 : 00 AM

Bus departure

At 7:00 a.m., the bus will departure to take you to San Antonio de los Cobres. When you arrive to this town, you will board one of the highest trains in the world. But before you arrive at the train station, you will have a lot to discover on your way by bus. Are you ready? Let's get started!

bus train bus salta
7 : 35 AM

Campo Quijano

The first stop will be at Campo Quijano: the town known as Portal of the Andes. This is where the history of this ancient train is to be found.

campo quijano
You will find on display the old steam locomotive of the Train to the Clouds, and also a tribute to the constructor of the branch, Richard Maury. The remains of this talented engineer rest in this same town. Did you know that he also participated in the construction of the Panama Canal?
train to the clouds engine locomotive
8 : 05 AM

Viaducto El Toro

At El Toro Viaduct we will make the second stop. Here you will be able to appreciate one of the longest viaducts of the C-14 branch, the one that joins Campo Quijano with Aguas Blancas.

el toro viaduct
8 : 55 AM

Yacoraite geological formation

The third stop will be at Yacoraite. This hill is also known as "La Pollera de la Coya" (The coya’s skirt), because it resembles a native woman with her traditional clothing. You will see how the colors of the landscape and the people of northern Argentina are perfectly mixed. You will be welcomed by a community, as colorful and diverse as the landscape that surrounds you.

yacoraite
9 : 25 AM

El Alfarcito

This is a small, picturesque village where travelers are invited to an outdoor breakfast, in an immersive experience with the local inhabitants.

el alfarcito
Here you will enjoy a delicious country breakfast. All products are fresh-made by the community in a traditional way. You will eat homemade scones, cayote sweet pie, cornstarch alfajores with dulce de leche and a hot infusion. You can even try the argentine mate and coca leaves tea.
breakfast alfarcito
11 : 40 AM

San Antonio de Los Cobres

Travellers to the train! We'll arrive at San Antonio de Los Cobres, and here begins the journey by train.

san antonio de los cobres
1 : 00 PM

Arrival at La Polvorilla viaduct

Hey there! This is the highest point of the railway branch: now you will be able to say that you travelled at 4,200 metres above sea level.

la polvorilla viaduct
1 : 30 PM

Return manoeuvre

The time has come for the most emblematic stop on the route. The train will make the return manoeuvre, slowly enough for you to take a picture from the window.

return manoeuvre train to the clouds
2 : 45 PM

San Antonio de los Cobres Train Station

After an intense morning, nothing sounds better than stopping to eat and rest. You have two free hours to eat at one of the restaurants of your choice in the area.

llamas train to the clouds
But that's not all! In the village you can do one experience in direct contact with the native communities. The most popular ones? Visit the handicraft market, create a clay pot with your own hands, or go walking with llamas. After that, you will return to Salta by bus, making one more stop along the way.
ceramics train to the clouds
5 : 20 PM

Santa Rosa de Tastil

This stop will last 20 minutes, and it will be the last one before returning to Salta. Santa Rosa de Tastil holds ancient secrets. Here you can visit the archaeological museum that will help you to understand better the cultural richness of the native communities.

santa rosa de tastil
Why shouldn't you miss it? It is one of the largest native settlements in Argentina, and is part of the ancient Inca road. It has even been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ruins santa rosa de tastil
8 : 15 PM

Arrival at Salta Station

You'll get a "merienda" on board of the bus -that amazing meal between lunch and dinner-. This consists of a ham and cheese sandwich, pastafrola pie, cornstarch and dulce de leche alfajor. You can also get coffee, mate or tea. You'll arrive at Salta station at around 8:15 p.m., ready to rest after an unforgettable day.

wagon train to the clouds

What to bring to Train to the Clouds

  • Passport
  • Warm clothing (between May and August)
  • Raincoat and umbrella (between December and March)
  • Comfortable footwear (hiking shoes or snickers if possible)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Cash (Argentinean pesos) for possible additional expenses such as lunch; crafts or soft drinks
  • Camera
  • Medication against altitude sickness (if deemed necessary)

Questions & Answers

Train to the Clouds tour reviews with Howlanders

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