Tren a las nubes (Train to the clouds) and Salta
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: The Castro, San Francisco, California
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Tren a las nubes (Train to the clouds) and Salta
Planning a trip to NW Argentina in March 2013.
Does anyone have any firsthand experience taking this tourist train?
It seems like a long long day.
This will be the first time to NW (other than Tinogasta and Paso San Francisco in Catamarca) and I have high expectations for Salta.
Does anyone have any firsthand experience taking this tourist train?
It seems like a long long day.
This will be the first time to NW (other than Tinogasta and Paso San Francisco in Catamarca) and I have high expectations for Salta.
#3

Join Date: May 2004
Location: TPE
Programs: AA EXP 2MM
Posts: 526
I haven't taken the train, but did hire a guide in Salta to take us on a several day tour of some of the highlights in the region.
We overnighted in San Antonio de los Cobres (the terminus of the train) one night of our journey. S.A. is a pretty bleak place, but the scenery getting to and from there was pretty spectacular. My understanding is that the train is a very long day.
Depending on your timeframe and your budget, you might consider a private guide for a couple of day trip that includes some of the must-sees. This also allows you a lot more flexibility to stop, picnic, snap photos where you want.
We overnighted in San Antonio de los Cobres (the terminus of the train) one night of our journey. S.A. is a pretty bleak place, but the scenery getting to and from there was pretty spectacular. My understanding is that the train is a very long day.
Depending on your timeframe and your budget, you might consider a private guide for a couple of day trip that includes some of the must-sees. This also allows you a lot more flexibility to stop, picnic, snap photos where you want.
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2000
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#5
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MSP
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 342
I've never done the train but it is certainly very popular. I've done what the above poster did and go around with a guide to the salt flats, Quebrada de Humahuaca, S.A. de los Cobres, and the general area, and I thought that was nice because you can stop and get out and explore whenever you feel like it.
#6




Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: AA PLT MM, BA, UA, AC
Posts: 800
I decided against the train as it is an extremely long day and the train has had some mechanical issues of late. Be aware that the train does not run frequently so if you are set on taking the train make sure to check it's schedule before you arrange your travel dates for Salta. I had visited the sights along the train route by 4 x 4, this gives you the flexibility to stop and take photos at your leisure.

