Tren a las Nubes
Journey through the dramatic Andes on a historic train, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and engineering marvels at high altitudes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Tren a las Nubes
Best Time
Clear skies, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey through the dramatic Andes on a historic train, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and engineering marvels at high altitudes.
"Stunning scenery on longer bus journey and the short train ride."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
While on-the-spot payment is possible, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
High altitudes can be dehydrating. Bring extra water and some candies for energy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Viaducto La Polvorilla
End of the train route
The iconic, towering railway bridge offering breathtaking Andean vistas. A must-see photo opportunity.
Andean Landscapes
Throughout the journey
Witness dramatic desert mountains, vast skies, and unique geological formations. Pure visual splendor.
Local Artisan Markets
Stops along the bus route
Support local economies by browsing and purchasing unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance & Be Prepared for Altitude
Understand the 'Bus & Train' Itinerary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hi guys. I’d like to do ‘el tren a las nubes’ in salta, but I can’t find where to make a reservation. And is it possible to make a reservation and pay on the spot? Thanks in advance ✌🏻
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
While on-the-spot payment is possible, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
High altitudes can be dehydrating. Bring extra water and some candies for energy.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at stops and potentially around the bridge.
🛂 Bring Your Passport
Original documents are required for boarding; photos are not accepted.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
While on-the-spot payment is possible, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
High altitudes can be dehydrating. Bring extra water and some candies for energy.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at stops and potentially around the bridge.
🛂 Bring Your Passport
Original documents are required for boarding; photos are not accepted.
💰 Consider Alternatives
Some find renting a car offers similar views at a lower cost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The 'Tren a las Nubes' offers breathtaking Andean scenery and a unique engineering marvel, but many visitors find it to be an expensive experience with a significant portion of the journey by bus rather than train. While the views are consistently praised, some travelers report limited guide information and question the overall value for money.
"Stunning scenery on longer bus journey and the short train ride. Very poor guide-little information given and was unable to answer questions even though Tren a las Nubes assured us at booking it was bilingual. 3 stars are for the scenery."
Patricia Doyle
"Absurd. 150 dollars for a train ride that's mostly by bus (only 20 km by train) and it takes you to a bridge in the middle of nowhere. You can skip the bus part (Salta-San Antonio) and pay "only" 120.000 pesos for the short train ride.
What a sick rip-off, I can't believe how many people fall for it and throw their money in the bin like this. And of course, if you're a foreigner, you get the privilege to get squeezed extra.
Here are just a few examples of cheaper and better value alternatives around the world:
Tren de las nubes by car: it's much cheaper to rent a car for the day, travel at your own pace and have almost the same experience. You can easily reach the Polvorilla bridge and explore it without the masses and souvenir sellers.
Brazil, Serra Verde Express from Curitiba to Moretes (68 km)
50 USD/200 BRL return, historical train from the city through forested mountains and tunnels to a cute village in the Atlantic hills.
Corsica, Ajaccio-Bastia (4 hours one-way)
20 EUR, regular public transport that runs several times a day and you get to watch amazing mountainous scenery as the train does clickity-clack on twisting and winding tracks.
Germany, Brockenbahn: 53 EUR return, an actual steam-train takes you to the top of a mountain with amazing views.
Inlandsbanan, Sweden: historical train that runs almost through the whole country. In 2010 I paid 100 euro for a 9-hour ride to the north, including commentary and photo stops at the Arctic Circle and other interesting points.
New Zealand, Taieri Gorge Railway (this has gone up a lot since I rode it in 2012 and it also discriminates foreigners, so I don't recommend it, but it's still worth mentioning).
150 NZD return or 110 one-way, 2 hours each way, ride a historical train from Dunedin through a scenic gorge up to the Otago plateau.
Please, don't support tourist traps and rip-offs."
Jiri Nehyba
"Mixed feelings here. I would say that if you are not on a right budget and you won’t be doing a lot of other mountain excursions, then this is great to do! But if you’re on a budget and/or lmk be setting a lot of other mountains on your trip, I would skip this.
We did the Bus/Train/Bus route. We had to be at the station at 6am and returned at 7pm. The drive is full of gorgeous views, and you have multiple stops to stretch your legs, take photos, and buy things from local artisans which is an important way tourists can support local economies. The train ride itself is more of the same type of views, with a final opportunity to take the iconic picture on a long bridge.
It’s a bit expensive for what you get, in my opinion, but I do like that the money goes to the state train company, so you’re supporting public transportation for locals worth your tourist dollars."
riley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The 'Tren a las Nubes' typically departs from Salta city. Most tours include a bus transfer from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres, where the train portion begins. Check your specific tour operator's meeting point.
Yes, many travelers opt to rent a car and drive to key points like the Viaducto La Polvorilla. This offers more flexibility and can be a more budget-friendly option.
The full 'Tren a las Nubes' experience, including the bus and train segments, is usually a full-day excursion, often from early morning to late evening.
While the primary experience is a guided tour, some adventurous travelers might explore local bus routes, though this requires significant research and may not cover the full scenic route.
The train reaches significant altitudes, with the Viaducto La Polvorilla being over 4,200 meters (13,800 feet) above sea level. Be prepared for the effects of high altitude.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Tren a las Nubes website or authorized tour operators. Some availability for on-the-spot payment might exist, but booking in advance is highly recommended.
Ticket prices can vary, but they are generally considered expensive, especially for international visitors. Expect prices around $120,000 pesos for the train-only portion or higher for the full bus-train-bus package.
Yes, it is strongly advised to book your 'Tren a las Nubes' tickets in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
Yes, there are typically options for the full bus-train-bus tour or a shorter train-only experience from San Antonio de los Cobres.
The full tour usually includes bus transportation, the train ride, and stops for photos and local markets. Some packages may offer light refreshments, but it's wise to bring your own snacks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The actual train ride is relatively short, often around 20 km, as the majority of the journey is covered by bus.
Expect dramatic Andean landscapes, including vast desert mountains, deep canyons, and expansive skies. The views are a major highlight.
Reviews suggest that guide information can be limited and sometimes not truly bilingual, despite assurances. It's advisable to do some independent research beforehand.
Dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the stops and exploring.
Absolutely! The scenery is incredibly photogenic. The Viaducto La Polvorilla is a prime spot for iconic photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some tours may offer light refreshments like a hot drink and biscuits, but it's not a full meal. It's best to pack your own substantial snacks and water.
Yes, at the stops along the bus route, you can often find local vendors selling snacks, drinks, and handicrafts.
Yes, bringing your own water bottles and snacks is highly recommended, especially given the altitude and the length of the tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The Viaducto La Polvorilla is the most iconic spot. The expansive Andean landscapes throughout the bus and train routes also offer incredible photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Ensure your camera is protected from dust and the elements.
Yes, modern smartphones are capable of capturing stunning photos of the scenery. Focus on composition and lighting.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive flash photography, especially inside the train.
Mornings during the dry season often provide clear skies and good light. Golden hour light can be spectacular if your tour timing allows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the bus portion of the tour, which offers more opportunities for children to stretch their legs and explore at stops. The visual spectacle of the mountains and the engineering of the train are often captivating for kids. Booking a tour that includes more frequent stops might be beneficial for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
As an alternative, consider renting a car and driving the route independently. This allows you to see similar landscapes and reach the Viaducto La Polvorilla at your own pace and cost. Researching local bus schedules might also offer a more economical way to experience parts of the region, though it won't replicate the full 'Tren a las Nubes' tour.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for changing light conditions and high altitudes. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto can be useful for details. Ensure your gear is protected from dust and the elements. The early morning light during the dry season is often the most favorable for photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Tren a las Nubes' Experience
The train itself covers a relatively short distance, culminating at the impressive Viaducto La Polvorilla, a high-altitude railway bridge. While the train ride is a unique experience, some travelers feel the 'train' aspect is less prominent than the 'bus' aspect of the tour. It's important to manage expectations regarding the amount of time spent on the train versus the bus.
Despite some criticisms regarding its price and the bus-to-train ratio, the 'Tren a las Nubes' offers unparalleled views of the Puna region's stark beauty. The engineering feat of the railway, winding through the mountains, is a testament to early 20th-century ingenuity. For many, the sheer scale of the landscape and the unique experience of traveling at such high altitudes make it a worthwhile, albeit expensive, adventure.
Navigating Altitude and Comfort
To mitigate the effects of altitude, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before and during the journey. Many travelers find that chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, readily available in the region, can help alleviate symptoms. Bringing personal snacks, like candies or energy bars, can also provide a quick boost.
Dress in layers is essential. The weather in the Andes can change rapidly, with cold temperatures at high altitudes even during the day. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is also recommended, as you'll be disembarking at various stops for photos and to explore.
Value and Alternatives
For those on a tighter budget or seeking a similar scenic experience without the high price tag, several alternatives are suggested. Renting a car and driving the same routes offers flexibility and allows you to stop at your leisure, often at a fraction of the cost. Other scenic train journeys around the world, like the Serra Verde Express in Brazil or the Brockenbahn in Germany, are mentioned as offering better value for money.
Ultimately, the decision to take the 'Tren a las Nubes' depends on your budget and priorities. If you're looking for a unique, albeit costly, adventure with iconic high-altitude views and don't mind the bus component, it can be a memorable experience. However, if value for money is a primary concern, exploring alternative transport or other regional attractions might be more suitable.
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