Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket worth booking?
Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket is a 14-hour experience in Salta, Argentina, from $196 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 26 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 45 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (26)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $196 per person
Take a ride at the iconic Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds). This experience combines routes by bus and train in which you can enjoy the Andean landscapes and culture, while at the same time, benefiting the local and tourist development of the regions of the Quebrada and Puna. This tour will have as its exclusive attraction the train journey from San Antonio de los Cobres to the famous La Polvorilla viaduct. We propose a unique and special trip that combines its services in two sections: National Route 51 by Bus, with photographic stops at panoramic points, to embark on the magical experience of the Train to the Clouds, which manifests itself in all its splendor when arriving at the imposing viaduct in the foothills of the Andes. Alternatively, if you prefer to explore independently, we offer the "Only Train Ticket" option. With this choice, you'll only pay for the train ride, and the tour begins at the San Antonio de los Cobres train station.
What you get
About this experience
Take a ride at the iconic Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds). This experience combines routes by bus and train in which you can enjoy the Andean landscapes and culture, while at the same time, benefiting the local and tourist development of the regions of the Quebrada and Puna. This tour will have as its exclusive attraction the train journey from San Antonio de los Cobres to the famous La Polvorilla viaduct. We propose a unique and special trip that combines its services in two sections: National Route 51 by Bus, with photographic stops at panoramic points, to embark on the magical experience of the Train to the Clouds, which manifests itself in all its splendor when arriving at the imposing viaduct in the foothills of the Andes. Alternatively, if you prefer to explore independently, we offer the "Only Train Ticket" option. With this choice, you'll only pay for the train ride, and the tour begins at the San Antonio de los Cobres train station.
What's included
Included
- Guide on board of the train
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Roundtrip Bus From Salta City Center (Train and Bus Trip from Salta Option)
- Breakfast and Snack (Only during the Train and Bus Trip from Salta Option)
Not included
- Bus From Salta To San Antonio De Los Cobres (IF YOU SELECT THE TRAIN TICKET OPTION)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Salta
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.
60 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
Quebrada Del Toro (The Toro Gorge)
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.
30 minutes here
El Alfarcito
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.
60 minutes here
San Antonio de los Cobres
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.
120 minutes here
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.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Viaducto de la polvorilla
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.
30 minutes here · Admission included
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).
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ruins of Tastil
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.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Salta
We will be back to Salta around 8pm.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Salta
If you choose the train ticket only, we meet in the station of San Antonio de los Cobres. If you choose the train ticket + bus from salta, we meet in Plazoleta Antofagasta in front of the train station of Salta Capital.
Meeting point
Salta
If you choose the train ticket only, we meet in the station of San Antonio de los Cobres. If you choose the train ticket + bus from salta, we meet in Plazoleta Antofagasta in front of the train station of Salta Capital.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If you choose the train ticket only, we meet in the station of San Antonio de los Cobres. If you choose the train ticket + bus from salta, we meet in Plazoleta Antofagasta in front of the train station of Salta Capital.
Ends at
If you choose the train ticket only, we meet in the station of San Antonio de los Cobres. If you choose the train ticket + bus from salta, we meet in Plazoleta Antofagasta in front of the train station of Salta Capital.
Options you can book
Train and Bus Trip from Salta
Bus round trip from Salta City to San Antonio de los Cobres train station + Train to the Clouds ticket.
Train Ticket Only
Train ticket to the Train to the Clouds from San Antonio de los Cobres train station (does not include transfers from/to Salta City).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tangol
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Close to heaven.
It is fascinating, the train travels through the mountains and the landscapes are wonderful. They constitute a unique experience that is worth living.
Response from the operator: Estela, muchas gracias por tu reseña. Nos alegra saber que te pareció una experiencia única.
via Viator (translated)
Excellent experience, definitely worth the time and cost
Great tour, well organized, comfortable bus, really good guides. I really appreciated the focus on safety, ie, nurse, oxygen, etc since some customers were not used to high altitude. Tour offers enough stops, time for food, bathroom, etc but no dawdling.
Response from the operator: Paula, thank you very much for your review and for sharing your experience. We're glad you enjoyed the excursion!
via Viator
Amazing
is a once in a lifetime experience! Expensive, yes but well worth every penny and well organized as well! For Argentinian citizens is much cheaper which unfortunately I learned the hard way and If this is the case much cheaper and better booking through the train company directly. The trip departs from Salta train station very early in the morning with picturesque stops along the way until you reach the departure point in the remote location of San Antonio de Los Cobres, an old mine town high in The Puna. At 12,385 feet at such thin air those, like me, not use to, highly recommend preparing your body well in advance or take portable oxygen tanks, however there’s a medical team onboard for any medical emergency. Make SURE to be physically prepared! The ride to the maximum point at La Polvorilla takes about 45 minutes each way where you can disembark to admire the beautiful view. Beware that vendors are on site selling all sorts of souvenirs! The onboard food options are remarkably good and overall service exceptional! A long but unforgettable day. Great experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much, Maria Victoria, for your comment and for sharing the details of your experience with us. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
via Viator
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!
via Viator
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!!!
via Viator (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $196 to $307
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tangol, who run 256 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.8.
See everything Tangol runsWhy this scores 45
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salta.
How much does Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket cost?
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Prices start at $196 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salta is not rushed.
Is Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Salta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salta and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Salta?
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On Outty we rank every Salta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour Cafayate From Salta, Tour to Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca, Tour to Cachi from Salta. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Salta?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Salta?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket?
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Included: Guide on board of the train; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Roundtrip Bus From Salta City Center (Train and Bus Trip from Salta Option); and Breakfast and Snack (Only during the Train and Bus Trip from Salta Option). Not included: Bus From Salta To San Antonio De Los Cobres (IF YOU SELECT THE TRAIN TICKET OPTION); Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket?
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If you choose the train ticket only, we meet in the station of San Antonio de los Cobres. If you choose the train ticket + bus from salta, we meet in Plazoleta Antofagasta in front of the train station of Salta Capital. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Salta. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Train to the Clouds Experience Admission Ticket?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Train and Bus Trip from Salta, Train Ticket Only. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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