Salta Train to the Clouds Tour with Local Guide & Pickup

Summary

Experience Salta’s Train to the Clouds with a local guide

You’ll ride Salta’s legendary Train to the Clouds with a local guide, stop for breakfast in El Alfarcito village, cross the dizzying Polvorilla Viaduct at 4,200 meters, and meet artisans along the way. Expect laughter on board and quiet moments high above Andean valleys—this isn’t your usual day trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how quiet it was when we first stepped off the bus in Campo Quijano — just that thin mountain air and a few dogs trotting by. We’d left Salta before sunrise, everyone still half-asleep, but our guide (I think his name was Martín?) kept cracking jokes about how we’d all be “cloud chasers” by lunchtime. I didn’t really get it until later, honestly. The bus wound up through these wild Andean valleys, stopping every so often for photos or just to stretch our legs. At El Alfarcito, they handed us warm bread and coffee that tasted smoky somehow, maybe from the wood stove? There was a little craft market too — I tried to chat with one of the women selling pottery but my Spanish is… not great. She smiled anyway.

The main event is definitely the Train to the Clouds itself. You board at San Antonio de los Cobres (after another passport check — don’t forget yours), and suddenly you’re gliding through this landscape that feels almost lunar. The train moves slow enough that you can actually see every color in the hills — reds, yellows, even some weird purple streaks. There’s a bar cart if you want a snack or coffee, but mostly people just stare out the windows or take way too many photos. When we finally rolled onto the Polvorilla Viaduct — 4,200 meters up! — there was this hush in our carriage. Someone said it felt like flying. I kind of agree.

Afterwards we had time to wander around San Antonio de los Cobres. Some folks went off to try llama trekking (I chickened out), others browsed more crafts or just sat in the sun eating empanadas from a street stall. It’s not fancy here — dusty streets, kids playing soccer barefoot — but it sticks with you more than any postcard view does. On the way back we stopped at Santa Rosa de Tastil; Martín pointed out old ruins and told stories about ancient traders crossing these mountains long before trains ever came through.

I still think about that moment on the viaduct sometimes — how small everything looked below us, how thin and bright the air felt up there. If you’re after something polished or easy, maybe skip this day trip from Salta. But if you want to feel like you’ve actually been somewhere different… well, you know.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Train to the Clouds full day tour

• Meet at Plaza Antofagasta 6:15 am
• Check-in with tickets and passports
• Bus departs towards Campo Quijano
• Photographic stop at Campo Quijano 7:35 am
• Bus stop at Viaducto del Toro 8:05 am
• Stop at El Alfarcito for breakfast and crafts 9:25 am
• Arrive San Antonio de los Cobres train station 11:40 am
• Board Train to the Clouds 12:00 pm
• Train ride to Polvorilla Viaduct
• Visit Polvorilla Viaduct and take photos
• Return train to San Antonio de los Cobres
• Tour town and visit craft market
• Optional activities with native communities
• Board bus for return trip 4:30 pm
• Stop at Santa Rosa de Tastil archaeological site
• Return to Salta around 8:00 pm

Top questions

How long does the Train to the Clouds tour from Salta take?

The full day trip lasts about 14 hours including bus and train segments.

Is pickup included for the Train to the Clouds tour?

Yes, roundtrip bus pickup from Salta city center is included with most bookings.

Where does the train journey start?

The train departs from San Antonio de los Cobres station after arriving by bus from Salta.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes bus transport (if selected), train ride, local guide on board, breakfast and snack (with bus+train option), plus taxes and fees.

Can I book only the train ride without bus transfer?

Yes, there’s an “Only Train Ticket” option starting at San Antonio de los Cobres station.

What altitude does Polvorilla Viaduct reach?

The viaduct sits over 4,200 meters above sea level.

Are meals included during this day trip?

A country breakfast is included at El Alfarcito with bus+train tickets; lunch is not included but available during free time in San Antonio de los Cobres.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip bus transfer from Salta city center (if selected), all entry fees and taxes covered, a country-style breakfast at El Alfarcito village during your journey up into the Andes, plus a local guide on board both bus and train—so you won’t miss any stories or sights along the way before returning in the evening.