Register | Login


Located 4,000 meters above the sea level in the Andes, Tren a las Nubes or “Train to the clouds” is one of the highest railways in the world. It begins its journey from the city of Salta, in Argentina, at an altitude of 1,187 meters, passes through the Valle de Lerma, enters the Quebrada del Toro and finally ends its journey at the La Polvorilla viaduct (4,200 meters). During the 16-hour trip, the train travels 217 km and climbs a staggering 3,000 meters. It crosses 29 bridges, 12 viaducts, 21 tunnels, swoops round two gigantic loops and two switchbacks. Train to The Clouds got its name from the numerous clouds that are often seen under bridges and around slopes.

The route was laid down in the 1920s by American engineer Richard Fontaine Maury, who was in charge of the project. He designed a singular system supported by bridges, tunnels, viaducts, spirals and zigzags. The zigzags allow the train to climb the mountain by driving back and forth parallel to the slope of the mountain. Maury didn’t use funiculars or cogwheels that are normally used on steep slopes, instead relying on switchbacks to gain height.

tren-a-las-nubes-11

Photo credit

Read more »
© Amusing Planet, 2014.


The Nearly Invisible Wires That Enclose Nearly All Major Cities of The World
The Nearly Invisible Wires That Enclose Nearly All Major Cities of The World
The Needles of Isle of Wight
The Needles of Isle of Wight
The Negro of Banyoles
The Negro of Banyoles
The Neon Museum of Las Vegas
The Neon Museum of Las Vegas
The Neskowin Ghost Forest
The Neskowin Ghost Forest
The Netherland’s Impressive Storm Surge Barriers
The Netherland’s Impressive Storm Surge Barriers
The New Croton Dam And Spillway
The New Croton Dam And Spillway
The Newspaper Rock in Utah
The Newspaper Rock in Utah