Imagine yourself in South America—riding the legendary “Train to the Clouds” all the way across Argentina’s highest peaks! Now, look out the window and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes mountains as you immerse yourself into the past!

If this pulse-pounding scene sounds like your kind of adventure, keep on reading to discover everything you need to know about one of the highest railways in the world.

We will talk about its original purpose and history, interesting facts, and important information about the logistics in order for you to enjoy the whole Argentinian train experience to the fullest!

What Is the Argentinian Train to the Clouds?

There is something about legendary trains that captivates the imagination of travelers around the world. The Trans-Siberian, the Orient Express, and yes, the Train to the Clouds! Just the name of it foreshadows an amazing experience—now imagine yourself on the actual route, crossing high bridges, and going through dark tunnels across the mountains…

As its name suggests, the Argentinian Tren a las Nubes, or “Train to the Clouds,” is one of the world’s highest railways. It ascends up to 4,220 meters or 13,842 feet!

The train takes passengers from the city of Salta in northern Argentina, all the way to La Puna—a prolongation of the Bolivian highlands. On its route, the train takes you across the Andes mountains, and through a series of valleys and mining towns.

The Train to the Clouds covers 434 kilometers or 269 miles in a scenic trip like few in the world. It goes over  29 bridges, and passes through 21 tunnels. It also takes you through 13 viaducts, one of which is the famous Polvorilla viaduct—located at the highest point on the route, and considered “one of the greatest engineering works of the last century in Argentina.”

Purpose and Origin

The railway planning process for the train in the region started back in the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until 1921 that they began construction. The original purpose of the train was to connect the northern regions of Chile and Argentina across the Andes serving the borax mines of the region, and transporting goods from the coast of Chile to Argentina.

American engineer Richard Maury was responsible for the design of the route—which was completed in 1948. The commercial impact of the route never reached the expected heights and by 1972 Ferrocarriles Argentinos (Argentinian Railways) opened the route for tourists converting it into a heritage railway.

Historical Facts

Among the most interesting historical facts about the Train to the Clouds, we find how it got its name. The catchy Tren a las Nubes or “Train to the Clouds” was an original idea of a group of students who filmed the steam coming out of a locomotive as it mixed with the clouds nearby(route Salta-Antofagasta). The footage made its way to a documentary project whose title was precisely Tren a las Nubes, produced by the Clarín newspaper. Years later, Ferrocarriles Argentinos would adopt the name for its new tourist line.

The Train to the Clouds has gone through a series of bumps along its history. In 1991, by order of Carlos Menem’s presidency, a private operator became the representative of the train—until 2005, when the train stopped at 3,500 m and passengers had to be evacuated by helicopters.

A new concession was given to a different operator, but in 2014 the train derailed at 4,000 m with 400 passengers having to be evacuated once again. Soon after this incident, the government of Salta decided to renationalise the route and operate the service itself.

Experience the Argentinian Train to the Clouds

If you want to experience the Argentinian Train to the Clouds, explore the northern region of Argentina, experience its share of Andes mountains, and witness its  spectacular landscapes, you only need two things: to practice your Spanish and book a flight to Argentina!

Here, we can help out with both of them. Let’s get to it!

First, let us focus on how to get there.

Things to Know Before You Go

There are a few things you need to know before hopping on the Train to the Clouds. First, the train only works on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so make your plans accordingly.

Secondly, this is one of the highest railways in the world, which means you’re going to experience high altitude conditions and should be appropriately prepared. The air feels thinner and oxygen is limited, so bringing pills for altitude sickness or drinking the local coca leaves tea is a good idea.

Third, don’t forget your camera, as the landscapes you’re going to see there are hard to find anywhere else in the world. Also, make sure to bring a warm sweater or jacket, as you can experience both hot and cold weather depending on the season of the year, time of day, and altitude on the railway.

Finally, getting travel insurance before embarking on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences is always a great idea.