The Tren a las Nubes (The Train to the Clouds)

Photo by flickr user jrubinic

Built for trade and travel, this railway line’s main purpose is now tourism and it is kept in service as a heritage route. Trailing through the Andes around the Argentine/ Chilean border some of the track is at altitudes of over 4,000 metres so travellers can expect expansive views of the Andes valleys, canyons and rocky peaks. The train leaves once a week from Salta on the 15 hour round trip across many bridges, through tunnels and zig-zagging up the mountains to the iconic La Polvorilla viaduct, tall, flimsy looking and remote in the heart of the Andes. Other highlights of the trip are the views of colourful Lerma Valley, the dramatic peaks of the Quebrada del Toro and the pal empty plateau of La Puña. The route gets its name from the clouds which can sometimes be seem hovering around the highest points in the route, hiding bridges and slopes, making it seem like the track leads off into nothingness. The line is only open between April and November due to weather conditions.

The Tren a las Nubes Website.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

Comments, reviews and questions by other travellers

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?