Who, what, or where am I? #10

Question

Where am I and what am I looking at?

Excellent game! - --Mariana--, Mar 3, 2012

Thank you ;-) - mcl020, Mar 3, 2012

Answer 1

You may not be sure Cheskasulliv, but you sure are right! Again!! And Xtiagox was also getting quite close.

El tren a las nubes (Train to the Clouds) is a spectacular 217 km (135 miles) long, literally breath-taking journey by train in North-West Argentina. It reaches a height of 4,220 metres, picking its way through the high peaks of the Andes between Salta and La Puna. It passes through the 3 distinct climate zones of the Valle de Lerma: mountanous subtropical, semi-desertic and desert. You can see the clouds under the railway bridges and on the mountain slopes, hence the name 'a las nubes'. The journey lasts about approximately 16 hours, passing through or over 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals and 2 zigzags. There are 2 inbetween stops before you reach the La Polvorilla viaduct (4,220 metres) in La Puna. This viaduct is known as 'the roof of the Altiplano'. Apart from food, bilingual guides and lots of folk music, services include medical assistants for passengers that are affected by the lack of oxygen caused by the height (= apunamiento = mountain disease).

It was originally built - between 1921 and 1948 - for the local people and for the transport of goods to Socompo in Chili, but later it turned into a tourist attraction as well. The tourist train only departs from Salta once a week, on Saturday.

You are allowed to hang out of your window and look down during this journey. And in the curves the train leans to a side.

Here you can find more information. And you can book your trip at least a week in advance through the La Veloz del Norte Enterprise that manages this trip.

Quiero a montar el tren a las nubes! :D 4220 meters is VERY high. - cheskasullivan, Mar 3, 2012

No quisiera ir contigo. Brrrrrrrrrr. Tengo miedo de altitud ;-( - mcl020, Mar 3, 2012

Answer 2

I suppose you are looking at something fairly explosive if hit in the wrong spot. An ideal target for terrorists.

Those awful terrorists tend to go for more crowded places. But this X has been out of order for a while (according to some sources still is, and according to others not) due to mechanical/technical problems. - mcl020, Mar 3, 2012

HINT: if you're looking for danger/tragedy/disaster you do not have to use this X in this country Y. - mcl020, Mar 3, 2012

Answer 3

Tren a las Nubes in Salta province, Argentina. I'm not sure though.

Answer 4

Ok it is a bridge train from an arid region or country. I think that bridge could be in Chihuahua or an arid region of Perú, Bolivia, Chile or north of Argentina.

Answer 5

Here are a promotion video and a song about the train.