Salta | Train to the Clouds
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The “Tren a las Nubes" (Train to the Clouds), one of the biggest tourist attractions of the province of Salta in northern Argentina, crosses 33 bridges, 13 viaducts, 21 tunnels, 2 routes, and two zigzags and has a history of its own, long and zigzagging as its layout. The first studies were carried out in 1889 and in 1910 the feasibility of the work was demonstrated. The construction overcame many natural difficulties (long distances, high summits, deep gulches) and the economic setbacks (construction, maintenance). A first section was finished in 1931 and later paralysed for more than a decade. Once renewed, in 1943 the track was inaugurated up to Salar de Pocitos. It is here, where the viaduct La Polvorilla, with a height of 63m and a curved longitude of 224m, sets a spectacular highlight of the Train to the Clouds. The line was finally inaugurated on February 20th 1948, when it was linked with the Chilean train, coming from the port of Antofagasta at the Pacific Ocean. The train leaves Salta early in the morning. After crossing the green region around Salta, the train enters the Quebrada del Toro, where the spectacular landscape starts changing. The lush green vegetation slowly disappears while the track of the train climbs towards the clouds. The surrounding Andean peaks seem to grow, the train is winding along the hillsides, crossing over deep cut canyons. After a unique zigzag trace, constructed to override steep slopes, you pass by the cemetery, where the victims of the construction are buried. From here onwards, the landscape loses its last green patches. Iron, magnesium and silver mines dominate the arid region. Over several loops, crossing breathtaking viaducts and bridges, the train gains height. The viaduct La Bomba at 4,000m over sea level, is the highest located viaduct in the world. From here you can already see the Nevada de Cachi, a snowy mountain chain at 6,200m height. Later you arrive at the Puna of Salta, the dry and arid Andean plateau. The train crosses the famous viaduct La Polvorilla, 10km after San Antonio de los Cobres, being the highlight and point of return of the Train to the Clouds. The journey takes the entire day. You adventure a difference of altitude of nearly 3,500m and cross a broad range of zones. Some people recommend to chew coca leaves during this journey, in order to avoid headaches. The leaves are publicly sold at the train station in Salta. Tired, but absolutely satisfied, you will return to Salta train station. |
