Outings and excursions · Salta
The Train to the Clouds: up to the La Polvorilla viaduct
Photos: rodoluca88 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
From Salta into the Puna, one of the world's highest trains crosses a viaduct at 4,220 metres.
The Train to the Clouds is one of the most famous trips in northern Argentina. The line climbs from Salta through the Quebrada del Toro to the Puna, on a 217 km route with dozens of bridges, tunnels, viaducts, spirals and zigzags.
La Polvorilla viaduct
The highlight is the La Polvorilla viaduct, at 4,220 metres above sea level, near San Antonio de los Cobres. Crossing it, with the drop below and the Puna mountains all around, is the high point of the trip.
How it works today
Since 2015 the train section has left from San Antonio de los Cobres, reached from Salta by road as part of the trip. It takes a full day.
Getting there from Chile
From San Pedro de Atacama, cross into Argentina via the Jama Pass towards Jujuy and Salta.
Tips
- You will feel the altitude: drink water and avoid exertion.
- Dress warmly: the Puna is cold even in the sun.
- Check departure days and book ahead.
