Train to the Clouds - Bus/Train/Bus Tren a las Nubes, Train to the Clouds, is one of the world’s great train rides, ascending to 13,842 feet (4,220 meters), ending in the puna. The highlight of the trip comes as the train crosses La Polvorilla viaduct, which spans a massive desert canyon.

NOTE: Tren a las Nubes is not currently running their normal tours, with the train departing direct from Salta, due to restoration efforts. We travel by bus most of the route until San Antonio de los Cobres. From here, the train travels over the La Polvorilla viaduct, the highlight of the trip. However, many of the same vistas you may have aboard the train are seen from the road. There is also the opportunity for more frequent stops along the way. High Altitude Alert: This trip ascends to high altitude, traveling above 3,048m/10,000’. The highest altitude reached is 4,220 metres (13,850 ft). It is important you understand the symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and the more severe forms of altitude illness, HAPE (High-altitude pulmonary edema) and HACE (High-altitude cerebral edema) so that you can self-monitor your reaction to high altitude. Take the necessary precautions to prevent or alleviate symptoms of high altitude such as staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and eating well. Be sure to share any symptoms with your guide. For more information: Altitude Illness at CDC (Center for Disease Control); Altitude sickness at altitude.org

Departing early (7:00am) from the city of Salta, we travel by bus through the Cordillera de los Andes, passing through the Lerma Valley and Quebrada del Toro. The Alfarcito is our first stop where we enjoy a country breakfast utilizing products made by local communities in the area. The Alfarcito Foundation is headquartered here. Their work reaches 25 communities and the school here educates children from the surrounding area. After breakfast, we continue to the small town of San Antonio de los Cobres, a desolate former mining town at the edge of the puna, to board the train for the final leg of the journey to cross the Polvorilla viaduct. Our guides offer insight into the surrounding topography and history along the way. Still on the train, we return to San Antonio de los Cobres where we can stretch our legs and shop for handicrafts. En route back to Salta by bus, we make a final stop in at the archaeological site of Santa Rosa de Tastil, along the Andean pre-Hispanic road, Qhapaq Ñan. Here we can visit the museum and buy various handicrafts and local products at the Artisans Center. Be prepared for a late return to Salta (~8:00pm).

Meeting Point:

The bus service departs at 7:05 am from the Salta Train Station. Arrive at 6:15am to check-in and board your bus. Drop off at the end of the day is also at the Salta Train Station. Map of train station in Salta

What to bring:

• Day Pack (15-20L)

• Light rain/windproof jacket

• Fleece /insulating jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Water bottles

• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Camera

• Personal items/medications

Itinerary rating: (1) Relaxed/Social (i.e., cultural touring, easy walks, light activity)

Included Services: ✓ Transportation bus/train to and from

Salta Train Station ✓ Breakfast at the town of Alfarcito ✓ Lunch ✓ Water along the trip ✓ Bilingual guide

Not included: ✓ Tips ✓ Beverages ✓ Souvenirs