4.3(23 reviews)
Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket
FromARS 187
14 hours
Cafayate, Argentina
About this activity
Experience a breathtaking train journey from Salta to the Polvorilla Viaduct, traversing the Andes with panoramic views and expert guidance.
Highlights
- Scenic journey through the Andes Mountains
- Crossing the iconic Polvorilla Viaduct
- Panoramic views from the train's windows
- Guided insights into the region's history
- Comfortable onboard amenities
Full description
Set off on an unforgettable adventure aboard the 'Train to the Clouds,' a historic route that winds through the majestic Andes Mountains. Departing from Salta, this full-day excursion offers travelers the chance to witness stunning landscapes, including the iconic Polvorilla Viaduct. With comfortable seating and panoramic windows, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of the rugged terrain. Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the region's rich history and culture, enhancing your journey. This experience is perfect for those seeking a unique and scenic exploration of Argentina's natural beauty.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip train ride from Salta to the Polvorilla Viaduct
- Guided commentary in English and Spanish
- Access to onboard amenities and panoramic windows
- Meals and beverages during the journey
Itinerary
1
Bus+Train option from Salta: We will meet at Plaza Antofagasta at 6.15 am, in front of the Salta Train Station. Here, all the passengers will do the check-in with the tickets and passports. Once we are all registered and sited inside the bus, we will begin our journey.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Bus+Train option from Salta: At 7.35 am we will have our first photographic stop in Campo Quijano, located 30 km from the capital. There we will begin to see the most emblematic engineering work of Salta: the railroad branch C-14.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Bus+Train option from Salta: We will return to the bus and, at 08.05 a.m, we will make the second stop at Viaducto del Toro, located on the Quebrada which bears the same name.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Bus+Train option from Salta: We will continue our journey and at 09.25 am we will stop at El Alfarcito, a place at 2,800 masl, where the tradition of local handicrafts is kept alive. Here, we will enjoy a country breakfast and we will visit the craft fair. Also we will be visiting the Father Chifri Fundation, an organization that helps to obtain resources and provides education and training to local people.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Arriving at 11.40 in San Antonio de los Cobres, we will go to the train station and embark on the emblematic Train to the Clouds, a journey that promises captivating views as it ascends through the magnificent Andean landscapes. We will meet there the passengers who bought the ticket only.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
At 12 pm we will start the journey that we were all waiting for: the train traveling at 35km per hour allows you to contemplate, photograph and experience the beauty of nature, stillness and immensity. On board is offered bar service, postal service and merchandising to make this trip an enjoyment and an unforgettable memory.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
7
Around 1 pm, we will arrive to the Viaduct of Polvorilla, the most recognized image of this trip. With steel structures of 223.5 meters in length, 1600 tonnes in weight, a height of 63 meters above ground level, it is the highest structure of the railway branch C-14, located more than 4200 m.s.n.m. Here we will descend from the train and we will have 30 minutes to tour the place and take incredible photos.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
8
We will get back on the train and start the return to San Antonio de los Cobres, arriving at the station around 2:45 pm. Here we say goodbye to the passengers that bought the ticket only. We will have 2 hours where we can tour the town, experience different activities with the native communities, among them, you can visit the Craft Market, create a clay pot with your own hands, or make a trekking with llamas (optional, not included). Also, it is the ideal time to enjoy lunch (not included).
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
9
Around 4.30 pm we will go back on board the bus and start our return. After an hour's drive we will make our last stop in the village of Santa Rosa de Tastil, where one of the largest archeological sites in our country is located, it is estimated that it hosted 3,000 people approximately.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
10
We will be back to Salta around 8pm.
Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates on specific days; check the schedule before booking.
- Seats are limited; early booking is recommended to secure your spot.
- The train journey is approximately 14 hours; plan accordingly.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for a full-day excursion.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes along the route.
- Ensure you have a valid ID for ticket verification.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Good to know
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- A maximum of 10 people per booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- ONLY TRAIN TICKET OPTION: In case you want to make the journey on your own, we also have the option of "Only Train Ticket", where you will only pay for the train ride. The tour starts at the San Antonio de los Cobres train station.
Traveler reviews
4.323 reviews
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Be sure to get coca...
Be sure to get coca leaves and flavored baking soda or coca candy to help with altitude sickness. It’s real! Personnel on train are marvelous, especially English guide Amelia. She was absolutely wonderful!
Diana_PApr 5, 2026VIATOR
Waste of time
7 hours round trip, it was wasted time to see a desolate view from the train. The train in poor condition, the shabby panorama that the trip offers do not justify the 140€ cost per person + the cost to get to San Antonio de Los Cobres, of terrible squalor. A day and money wasted!!!
giuseppe_sFeb 17, 2026VIATOR
Enchanted world... nothing is as it seems....
Unforgettable!!!! An expanse of SALT so compact as to look like snow... but... attention we are about 4000 meters ago cold pulls wind and the head "turns......"
ChiccadedeFeb 12, 2026TRIPADVISOR
A disappointment
The price of the excursion is excessive. I have made other excursions with other agencies and they have been better and much more suitable in price. Vitor care was terrible, I had trouble going to the meeting point and was offered a taxi for 30 dollars, which I abused. I went for 8000 Argentine pesos!
MariaTeresa_BJan 11, 2026VIATOR
Tren a las nubes
The organization of the bus ride to San Antonio de los Cobres as well as the train ride was excellent. We were able to experience an unforgettable adventure by train in the clouds.
V4914ZRsusannehNov 24, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
A maximum of 10 people per booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
ONLY TRAIN TICKET OPTION: In case you want to make the journey on your own, we also have the option of "Only Train Ticket", where you will only pay for the train ride. The tour starts at the San Antonio de los Cobres train station.