Travelling In San Antonio De Los Cobres

Tourist information of San Antonio de los Cobres

This dusty little mining town is on the puna 168km west of Salta, and over 2600m above it. It’s suffered greatly since the deterioration of the region’s mining and associated railway, and relies heavily on tourism and the stop-start Tren a las Nubes for income. It’s a very typical highland settlement, with adobe houses, almost deserted streets, and a serious drop in temperature as soon as the sun goes down. It’s not the place for cutting-edge nightlife or street art, but is worth stopping in to get the feel of this facet of Argentine and South American life. You can head north from here to the Quebrada de Humahuaca via the Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca, but the road south to Cachi is very tough.

In colonial times, transportation from northwestern Argentina depended on pack trains; one route passed through here, crossing the rugged elevations of the Puna de Atacama to the Pacific and then on to Lima. It was a rugged journey, taking 20 days to cover the 800km.

Travel Packages In San Antonio De Los Cobres

Day Tours In San Antonio De Los Cobres

San Antonio de los Cobres has an arid and cold climate, typical of the Andean region. During the day, temperatures can range between 12 and 20 °C, while nights can be very cold with temperatures reaching -10 °C. It is important to bring warm, layered clothing, as weather conditions can vary significantly between day and night.
The best time to visit San Antonio de los Cobres is between April and October. During these months, the weather is drier and temperatures are more moderate. Also, it is less likely to encounter rains that can make access to some places difficult. Avoid the summer season (December to March) as it is the rainy season and there may be impassable roads.
To get to San Antonio de los Cobres, the most common option is to fly to the city of Salta and from there take a bus or rent a car. The road trip from Salta takes approximately 3-4 hours and offers stunning landscapes of the Argentine Puna. You can also get there via the famous Train to the Clouds, one of the highest railways in the world, if you are looking for a unique and panoramic experience.
San Antonio de los Cobres offers a variety of activities and attractions, including La Polvorilla Viaduct, the highest point on the Train to the Clouds. Visitors can also explore nearby salt flats such as Salar de Pocitos, enjoy local culture at the craft market, and visit archaeological sites. Additionally, the area is ideal for trekking and observing the Andean region`s native flora and fauna.
San Antonio de los Cobres has several accommodation options ranging from inns and hostels to small hotels. These options are usually quite basic, but cozy and provide an authentic experience. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season, to ensure availability. Some accommodations also offer guided tours and additional activities to make the most of your visit.

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