Plizio Visual Lab

La Polvorilla Viaduct

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The La Polvorilla Viaduct is an architectural marvel and the most famous landmark along the Salta-Antofagasta railway, known as the 'Train to the Clouds.' Located in Salta province, Northwest Argentina, near San Antonio de los Cobres, it sits at a staggering altitude of approximately 4,220 meters above sea level. This makes it one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Completed in 1932 according to the designs of engineer Richard Maury, the steel structure stretches 224 meters across a deep desert canyon. It reaches a height of 63 meters from the ground and is notably curved with a radius of 200 meters. The bridge was constructed using rivets instead of welding to account for the extreme thermal expansion caused by the Andean climate. Lacking side railings, it features passengers a thrilling sensation of suspended flight as the train crosses the vast gap. Today, the viaduct is a National Historic Monument and remains a symbol of 20th-century engineering prowess and a major highlight for international tourists.

Location: Argentina
Nearby: San Antonio de los Cobres (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	9	8	5	2	1	1	2	4	7	9	10
Rain mm	154	146	107	48	10	4	2	3	5	28	54	130

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

La Polvorilla Viaduct is a railway viaduct that can be viewed mainly from the outside. The historic trains running on the line are an attraction in themselves.

🕒

Typical hours

As it is an active railway line, there are no fixed visiting hours for the viaduct. The best time is when the tourist train „Train to the Clouds” runs, usually in the morning.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed from viewpoints along the route. The viaduct features spectacular shots, especially when the train crosses it.

⏱️

Time needed

A visit for photos and admiring takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you want to board the train, you need to plan a full-day excursion.

➕

Combine with

Combine your visit with a ride on the „Train to the Clouds” or exploring the town of San Antonio de los Cobres. The nearby Salinas Grandes salt flats are also close.

🧭

Getting there

The viaduct is located in Salta province, Argentina, and is best reached by car or as part of a train tour. There is no direct public transport to the viaduct.

💡

Insider tip

Bring warm clothing as it can be cool at altitude. Check the schedule of the „Train to the Clouds” in advance, as it does not run daily.