Train to the Clouds in Salta

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Salta - La Puna - Salta
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £489 per person (excluding flights)

Tucked away in the north-western corner of Argentina, where the high desert meets the Andes mountains, is a historic train that travels 13,850 feet above sea level. Zigzagging up steep mountains this route passes over 29 bridges and through 21 tunnels, showcasing the rugged terrain and desert surroundings. You will be based in Salta during your stay and have the evenings to explore this lesser known lively Bohemian city.

Argentina Salta self drive tour mountains

Day 1 – Arrival in Salta

Salta lies in the green hills of the Lerma valley at 1280m altitude and the flight into the tiny airport is incredibly scenic. When you arrive, you’ll be collected at the airport and transferred to your colonial hotel in the heart of Salta. The hotel is a small intimate property making it very cosy and welcoming for your stay in Salta. The rest of the day is totally free, so wander through the cobbled streets, snack on steaming empanadas and soak up the atmosphere. The central plaza is wonderfully romantic, especially in the evening.

Day 2 – Train to the Clouds

Today you will travel on the famous cloud train up to a height of 4200 metres. The route is one of the highest railway routes in the world. Early in the morning you take a taxi from your hotel to the Tren a las Nubes train station. The train runs from Salta through the Valle de Lerma and the Quebrada del Toro to La Puna. The excursion lasts the whole day, so you won’t reach Salta until late in the evening. At a relatively slow speed (approx. 35 km/h) you cover a distance of 217 km, travelling over 29 bridges, through 21 tunnels and past 13 viaducts. It’s an impressive and memorable journey. You will stop in two places, first in San Antonio de los Cobres and then at La Polvorilla Viaduct. On the train you will find a dining car, medical care (if necessary due to the altitude), bilingual audio and video guides. After disembarking the train you return to Salta by bus. This excursion includes breakfast and an afternoon snack.