Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds)

Gobierno de Salta

Argentina

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Navigate from Salta (bus to San Antonio de los Cobres) to La Polvorilla Viaduct across a span of 44km.

Meals: Snack and breakfast included

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Diesel locomotive on the Belgrano Railway C-14 branch

Track Gauge

1,000 mm (metre gauge)

Braking Technology

Compressed air brakes; heritage rolling stock with vacuum brake components

Route Engineering Challenges

La Polvorilla Viaduct — 63m high, 224m long, no supporting middle pillars, built 1948
Operating at up to 4,220m altitude — reduced air density affects diesel combustion
Switchbacks and spirals through the Quebrada del Toro canyon
Bus-to-train combined operation: 2hr bus from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres, then train portion
Extreme temperature variation on the Puna altiplano

Maximum altitude

4,220m above sea level

Route length (train section)

44km (San Antonio de los Cobres – La Polvorilla)

Gradient

Up to 5% on some sections

Construction

Rebuilt 1971–1976 after flood damage; original section dates to 1948