‘Train to the Clouds’: Argentina’s railway is one of the highest on the planet

Imagine there is a train traveling so high that it is even above the clouds. Because this scenario exists and is in Argentina.

The “Train of the Clouds” (“Tren a las Nubes”) reaches 4,220 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest tourist railways in the world.

The name comes from a 1960s documentary, which showed the steam train disappearing into the clouds.

The journey is impressive and passes through breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

Another eye-catching point of the route is Puna Salteña, with particular attention to the crossing of the La Polvorilla Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece.

The railway is part of the C-14 branch, a project conceived in the 1920s to connect Argentina to Chile.

It was designed by the German-Argentine engineer Josep Rauch and built by the American Richard Fontaine Maury between 1921 and 1948.

Over the course of these 27 years, the project required approximately 1,300 workers and faced extreme conditions, such as the altitude itself.

The journey begins in Salta, by bus, and passes through historic places such as Quebrada del Toro and Campo Quijano.

At the El Alfarcito stop, 2,800 meters above sea level, tourists can experience local cultural customs, such as having a rustic breakfast.

Boarding the train takes place at 3,775 meters above sea level, in San Antonio de los Cobres.

From there, the journey continues to the La Polvorilla viaduct (4,220 meters), including a photo stop and an Argentine flag ceremony.

As for tickets, there is the possibility of making complete excursions (bus and train) or just the railway section. It is important to book in advance.

The best time to take the “Train to the Clouds” trip is from April to November, when the skies are clearest.

Care must be taken to avoid so-called soroche or “altitude sickness”. A tip is to acclimatise in Salta a couple of days before the trip.

It is also advisable to drink plenty of water, avoid drinking alcohol and consume coca tea to aid adaptation.

Since the temperature can vary greatly, it is advisable to wear layers of clothing. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat due to strong solar radiation are also valuable tips.

Despite its impressive height, the Argentine railway is not the highest in the world. This title belongs to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in China, which reaches 5,072 meters at its highest point.