Tren a las Nubes
Train station
Tours
Scenic Railroads
About
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Salta by hopping on the Tren a las Nubes, also known as the Train to the Clouds. Departing from Salta's central station, this iconic train ascends to Quebrada del Toro, reaching heights that often take it through the clouds. The breathtaking route culminates at an impressive 13,845 feet above sea level.Why you should go
- Experience breathtaking views as you ascend to 4,220m (13,845ft) through clouds on your way to Quebrada del Toro
- Enjoy a slow-paced train journey with informative guides sharing stories about the route and impressive landscapes
- Visit La Polvorilla Viaduct for a spectacular view of its 63-meter beams extended over 223 meters
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Highlighted reviews
Slightly underwhelmed by the experience. Lovely scenery and well organised; advertised breakfast isn’t it - it’s a hot drink and 2 biscuits. I feel it’s a lot of money for what is on offer but would recommend it if it’s the only mountain tour you do in Salta. A word of warning: Bring your passports - you won’t be able to join the tour if you don’t have your original documents (photos won’t do)!
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 are willing to fall for it and throw their money at something that isn't worth it. 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 through amazing mountainous scenery.
Germany, Brockenbahn: 53 EUR return, an actual steam-train takes you to the top of a mountain with amazing views.
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.
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.
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Know before you go
- Consider renting a car for a more cost-effective alternative if you prefer traveling at your own pace without crowds
- Bring your original documents like passports as photos may not be accepted for joining the tour
- If budget-conscious or planning multiple mountain excursions, explore other options in Salta such as Cafayate or Salinas Grandes tours which offer better value
- Be prepared for long hours spent on buses during the trip; consider bringing entertainment or activities
Reviews
The reviews for Tren a las Nubes are mixed, with some travelers feeling underwhelmed by the experience due to high costs and limited offerings. One reviewer mentioned that the train ride is mostly on a bus, while another highlighted the beautiful scenery and friendly staff. Some recommended alternatives in different countries for better value. Despite some negative feedback, others found the trip enjoyable, praising comfortable buses, helpful guides, snacks provided onboard, and opportunities to support local economies through artisan purchases.Review score
3.9out of 5
Review score
4.1out of 5
5 stars
302
4 stars
85
3 stars
50
2 stars
29
1 star
84
Slightly underwhelmed by the experience. Lovely scenery and well organised; advertised breakfast isn’t it - it’s a hot drink and 2 biscuits. I feel it’s a lot of money for what is on offer but would recommend it if it’s the only mountain tour you do in Salta. A word of warning: Bring your passports - you won’t be able to join the tour if you don’t have your original documents (photos won’t do)!
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 are willing to fall for it and throw their money at something that isn't worth it. 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 through amazing mountainous scenery.
Germany, Brockenbahn: 53 EUR return, an actual steam-train takes you to the top of a mountain with amazing views.
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.
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.
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.
Pros: train ride beautiful, friendly and helpful staff on the bus/train
Cons: expensive for what you get: $135, compared with <$25 for other (better) day trips out of Salta. Poor value: 3-hour train, with stop at cool train bridge, but with another 10 hours spent on the bus and at other mediocre stops. If you're going to spend most of the day on a bus, Salta offers much better bus tour options. Poor communications: many people on my bus thought they'd signed up for an all-day train trip and were disappointed when they heard the itinerary. There were signs at the station with important instructions 'for the day before,' none of which were given out in advance. There were also some technical glitches in the registration.
Overall the day was fine, but unless you're really a train buff, I'd recommend the Cafayate or Salinas Grandes bus tours instead, which were prettier, more fun, and a much better value.
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