TRAIN ROUTES

Though not a practical choice for most journeys, the rail system of Argentina (run both privately and by the government) offers visitors another choice of transportation. There are six main routes traveled by visitors, all leaving from Buenos Aires. From the capital to Rosario, Rojas, Santa Rosa, Mar del Plata – the best route in comfort, – Las Flores or Bahía Blanca one could save some money with a train ticket as opposed to a bus ride and get there in one piece. Any other destination may be a wasted effort, specially considering inter-provincial bus services are efficient.

BUYING TICKETS

Train tickets are not hard to come by, yet it is recommendable to buy them at least three days in advance. A special pass called the Argempass can be purchased in booking offices in order to travel an unlimited amount of journeys in first class, though there is a an extra charge for sleeping cars.

EL TREN DE LAS NUBES

A famous train attraction is the Tren de las Nubes (“train of the clouds”), a 15-hour, 434 kilometre round trip from Salta to La Polvorilla where riders can see themselves get higher and higher up the Andes as they reach 4,220 meters above sea level. Tren de las Nubes passes through endless bridges, slopes and small towns, making the journey an enjoyable way to see Argentina. For two years the ride was suspended, disappointing thousands of tourists who make the journey every year, however, the train of the clouds is back to regular schedule since March of 2008.