The famous Train to the Clouds has been recently rennovated and revamped, so I am excited to climb aboard. Not so lucky - the train closed for the next few weeks due to the recent heavy rainfall. A little dissapointed, we take the next best option and climb aboard The Pacifier (hire car for those who have not read previous entry!) once more. The road echoes the train tracks so it is not such a bad deal. Nelson has now moved on to Chile so we have found a new car-buddy in the form of Helena from Norway.
From Salta, our destinations are the ancient town of San Antonio de los Cobres and La Polvorilla Viaducto (an arched viaduct located 4,200 metres above sea level). Our main purpose to to enjoy the spectacular and varied scenery throughout the drive. A recent Telegraph article (Argentina: Train to the Clouds) describes the views in more detail than my current patience limit will allow!
The level of concentration needed to manoeuvre the twists of the narrow road, coupled with the high alititude, mean that we tire quickly and need to take turns driving. It is my first time to drive on the right - and it is not so difficult as previously thought.
Following the train tracks along the 'Road to the Clouds'
A llama challenges us to a race
San Antonio was a creepy town with little or nothing to see. The people bear hollow, sad faces. This used to be a mining town, but has fallen into disrepair and now relies entirely on cash-handouts from tourists.
The 'nicer' part of town
People try to stop the car by waving or running in front of it. Rightly, or wrongly, we keep driving and head to the Villaduct.
Over rocky dirt tracks we climb to 4,200 metres where the Villaduct sits. I am still suffering the ill-effects of food poisoning (still!) and to some degree altitude sickness. I take a walk around the base, and wave to the others who climb to the top to admire the view.
Views from above
Spot me?
Helena & Allison walk across the Villaduct
On the return, we stop in San Antonio de los Cobres for a sandwich. This is my first time to sample real food in about 5 days. The drive back to Salta is spectacular, with the glowing light reflecting on the pink, purple, blue and green hills and rocks. Of course, the pictures do not begin to illustrate the colours....
Rainbows are plentiful
We arrive back to Salta pleased with our day outing, and I am very much ready for bed (but Paucho, the cat has got there first!).
Paucho, likes me a lot (perhaps due to sharing similar hair colour?)
Paucho had the right idea. Take it easy and chill.
ReplyDeletePaucho looks a lot like the cat back here. Do you suppose they are related?
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