The Quebrada del Toro is a spectacular 170-km geographical corridor connecting Salta city (1,187 m) with San Antonio de los Cobres (3,775 m) via National Route 51, in Salta province, Argentina (lat -24.4000, lng -65.8500). It is the overland route of the famous Train to the Clouds: the road follows the railway that climbs from valley to puna, with zigzags, bridges, tunnels and nearly 2,600 meters of elevation gain. The landscape changes dramatically: starting in subtropical vegetation, crossing arid gorges with colorful rock formations, passing the archaeological site of Santa Rosa de Tastil and ending in the vastness of the puna at nearly 4,000 meters.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | 1500 km | 2 h 20 | 20–22 h | 15–17 h |
| New York (JFK) | 9400 km | 12 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| Madrid (MAD) | 11300 km | 14 h + 2 h 20 layover | — | — |
| São Paulo (GRU) | 2800 km | 4 h 30 | — | — |
| Córdoba | 890 km | 1 h 30 | 11–13 h | 9–10 h |
| Mendoza | 1200 km | 2 h | 17–19 h | 13–15 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16° / 28°C | 180 mm | Rainy summer | |
| Feb | 15° / 27°C | 155 mm | ||
| Mar | 14° / 26°C | 110 mm | ||
| Apr | 11° / 24°C | 30 mm | Dry season starts | |
| May | 8° / 22°C | 8 mm | ||
| Jun | 5° / 20°C | 3 mm | ||
| Jul | 4° / 20°C | 3 mm | Winter break | |
| Aug | 6° / 22°C | 5 mm | ||
| Sep | 9° / 25°C | 10 mm | Clear skies | |
| Oct | 12° / 27°C | 25 mm | ||
| Nov | 14° / 28°C | 60 mm | ||
| Dec | 16° / 28°C | 140 mm | Holidays |
Typical prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel/night | USD 15–25 | USD 50–90 | USD 150–350 |
| Food/day | USD 12–18 | USD 25–40 | USD 60–120 |
| Day tour | USD 40–55 | USD 60–90 | USD 120–200 |
| Car rental/day | USD 30–45 | USD 50–70 | USD 90–150 |
Approximate ranges in USD as of April 2026. May vary with Argentine peso exchange rate.
How to Get There
Take RN 51 from Salta westward. First 30 km are urban/suburban to Campo Quijano. From there, 140 km of climbing on pavement and gravel sections to San Antonio de los Cobres. 3-4 hours without stops.
What to See and Do
Railway Zigzags
The Train to the Clouds ascends using zigzag switchbacks visible from the road. A point of interest for photography and understanding early 20th-century railway engineering.
Colorful Rock Formations
Varied geology: red, green, white and ochre strata alternate along the canyon walls. The Quebrada de las Cuevas is a particularly colorful section.
Ecological Transition
In 170 km you pass from subtropical forest to arid pre-puna to desert puna at nearly 4,000 m. The transition is dramatic and visible.
When to Visit
- Fall & Winter (April-August): Ideal. Clear skies, good road conditions.
- Spring (September-November): Good, moderate temperatures.
- Summer (December-March): Risk of rain and flooding. Not recommended without checking road status.
Practical Information
Fill up in Salta (no reliable fuel until San Antonio de los Cobres). Bring 3+ liters of water per person, food, warm layers, sunscreen. Full day organized tour: USD 40-60.
