Train to the Clouds

After a lot of deliberation ("Can we handle 15 hours on a train?" "Is it worth the money?" "Who is going to get altitude sickness?"), we decided to buy tickets on the Tren de los Nubes, or the Train to the Clouds.  

The kids were troopers!  And thanks to suggestions online, we came prepared with books, warm clothes, lots of food, extra water, and an assumption that the whole thing might be awful.

Luckily, it was pretty great.  Here are some photos.

The train has regular tunnels, but also 2 switchbacks and two spirals.  

Still happy on the way up

Cacti in the morning light

One of the stops - the train is an attraction to people driving on the road.

The train had 200 people on it, even in the low season of winter.  Most were Argentinian. 

The "Puna," or high altitude desert plains of the Andes

Typical scene:  Abby reading, Taylor looking for condors.

The highest viaduct in the world, at 11,800 feet.

Got out at the top, but met by a crowd of locals selling crafts, snacks, and showing their llamas

On the high plateau

Most of the way back...

Taylor was alert and happy most of the way.  Saw many Andean condors.