San Antonio de los Cobres to Viaducto La Polvorilla countries

San Antonio de los Cobresand Viaducto La Polvorilla are both located in Argentina, in the Salta Province in the northwest of the country.

  • San Antonio de los Cobres: A high-altitude town situated at about 3,775 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains. It is known for its mining history, indigenous culture, and as a stop on the famous Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds).
  • Viaducto La Polvorilla: A spectacular railway bridge located near San Antonio de los Cobres. It stands at 4,220 meters above sea level and is the most iconic part of the Tren a las Nubes route, showcasing impressive engineering in a dramatic mountainous landscape.

The Salta Province in northwest Argentina is home to both the Viaducto La Polvorilla and San Antonio de los Cobres. About 13 kilometers from San Antonio de los Cobres stands the famous steel railway bridge known as the Viaducto La Polvorilla. It is one of the highest railway bridges in the world, rising 4,220 meters (13,845 ft) above sea level. The "Tren a las Nubes" (Train to the Clouds), a tourist train that travels through the picturesque Andes, includes this viaduct as one of its main features. Argentina is home to the full route, which includes the Viaducto La Polvorilla and San Antonio de los Cobres.​

San Antonio de los Cobres to Viaducto La Polvorilla countries

To travel from San Antonio de los Cobres to the Viaducto La Polvorilla in Argentina by train, you can embark on the renowned Tren a las Nubes ("Train to the Clouds"), one of the highest railways in the world.​

Route Overview

  • Departure Station: San Antonio de los Cobres (3,775 meters above sea level)
  • Destination: Viaducto La Polvorilla (4,220 meters above sea level)
  • Distance: Approximately 17 km
  • Travel Time: Around 1 hour each way
  • Total Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours (including a 30-minute stop at the viaduct)
  • Frequency: Operates several times a week; schedules may vary
  • Operator: Servicio Ferroviario Turístico Sociedad del Estado (Salta) ​

Typical Schedule (Subject to Change)

  • 11:45 AM: Boarding at San Antonio de los Cobres station
  • 12:00 PM: Departure towards Viaducto La Polvorilla
  • 1:00 PM: Arrival at Viaducto La Polvorilla; 30-minute stop for sightseeing and photography
  • 1:30 PM: Return journey to San Antonio de los Cobres
  • 2:30 PM: Arrival back at San Antonio de los Cobres ​

Highlights of the Journey

  • Viaducto La Polvorilla: A remarkable feat of engineering, this curved viaduct stands 64 meters high and stretches 224 meters in length, offering panoramic views of the Andes .​
  • Scenic Landscapes: Traverse the stunning high-altitude desert landscapes of the Puna region, with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.​

 Ticketing Options

  • Solo Train Ticket: Ideal for travelers who can reach San Antonio de los Cobres independently.​
  • Full Tour Package: Includes bus transportation from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres, the train journey to Viaducto La Polvorilla, and return to Salta.

 

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San Antonio de los Cobres is a high-altitude town located in the Los Andes Department of Salta Province, Argentina. Situated at approximately 3,775 meters (12,385 feet) above sea level, it serves as a gateway to the Puna de Atacama region and is a key stop on the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) railway line. The town's name, which translates to "Saint Anthony of the Coppers," reflects its historical association with copper mining in the surrounding Sierra de Cobre. Today, San Antonio de los Cobres is known for its indigenous culture, traditional weaving, and as a starting point for tourists embarking on one of the world's highest train journeys. ​ The Tren a las Nubes is a renowned tourist train that traverses the rugged terrain of the Andes, culminating at the Viaducto La Polvorilla. This impressive steel viaduct, located about 13 kilometers from San Antonio de los Cobres, stands at an altitude of 4,220 meters (13,845 feet) above sea level. Spanning 224 meters in length and reaching a height of 63 meters, the viaduct is a testament to early 20th-century engineering. Constructed between 1930 and 1932 under the direction of engineer Richard Maury, it was designed to overcome the challenging topography of the region. Today, the Viaducto La Polvorilla remains a highlight of the Tren a las Nubes experience, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. ​  

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