If travellers wish to get out of Salta and take a ride which involves going across small agricultural oasis, valuable pre-Hispanic archaeological deposits, and above all, experiencing the adrenaline flowing while going through rough roads, do not hesitate and come to visit San Antonio de los Cobres.

It is a 136-kilometre trip from Salta to the plain highlands through the Ruta Nacional Nº 51 National Route. It is a dirt road in fair conditions, getting worse in some sectors where it overlaps the riverbed.

In spite of its innumerable fords through the river, and the frequent roadblocks during the rainy season, it is the shortest way to cross the border with Chile through the Paso de Sico Pass.

San Antonio de los Cobres is known for being a forced stop for the Tren a las Nubes (Cloud-Bound Train). It stands at 3744 metres above sea level and owes its name to the famous Sierra de Cobre (Copper Sierra), rich in this mineral, overlooking the surroundings.

The town offers itself with all of its legendary splendour and mineral richness. Its indigenous physiognomy catches the eye for its simple type of architecture and its surrounding scenery.

Weaving is the main source of income for women living in the area. It is an ancient ability passed on over many generations. Here the legendary barracán is weaved, a thick cloth made of llama or sheep wool, characterized by the naturally coloured grating where white, and black and brown predominate.

The barracán is used to tailor suits, jackets, ruanas (a kind of shawl), and headscarves. During the last years, some local, regional, national and international designers have used it to make their garments, and have showed them in catwalks at fashion shows.

The village has enough services for travellers and car drivers, and on it they can acquire very nice typical articles of clothing weaved out of alpaca, llama and vicuña's wool and fibre. The economic activity is also based upon mining and stockbreeding.

FESTIVITIES
June: Fiesta de San Antonio de Padua.
August: Fiesta de la Pachamama.

HISTORICAL SITES
The territory surrounding the city of San Antonio de los Cobres was formerly part of the so-called Andean National Territory until the year 1943, comprising the Salta, Catamarca and Jujuy Provinces. San Antonio was the capital city of that circumscription.

Long before those days, during the 19th century, anyone born in the area could claim the Bolivian, Chilean or Argentinean citizenship, according to his preferences. This gives an idea of the insurmountable remoteness of the place.

PLACES TO GO
If travellers arrive to San Antonio de los Cobres by the Tren a las Nubes train, the tunnels, the viaducts and zigzags of this magnificent and continually ascending itinerary may surprise them. They will enjoy the changing colours of the cross-sectioned rocks, the huge Andean Bulwark, and the white of the permanent snows. When the train returns from the La Polvorilla viaduct, travellers will have the chance of purchasing regional craftsmanship from the artisans. This journey stops at the town for an hour.

SURROUNDINGS
Snow-Capped Mountains
The village is sitting on a rural valley. From there, the Acay Mountain (5716 metres above sea level), a real challenge to mountain climbers, can be contemplated when going 30 kilometres past the Abra de Acay pass, through the Ruta Nacional Nº 40. Further ahead, the snow-capped mountain of Chañí (5896 metres above sea level) can be appreciated. Temperatures unfailingly drop during the night, with continuous winds and frequent blizzards; rain is scarce.

The Fuentes Termales de Pompeya Hot Springs
They are about 10 kilometres north of San Antonio, going through the Ruta Nacional Nº 51. Their healing waters, of excellent quality, are a boost to recover or reinforce health.

Salinas Grandes and Santa Rosa
From San Antonio, it is an 80 kilometre long trip to Salinas Grandes only, but it should be considered an hour and a half of journey, minimum. Travellers can visit the town of Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes (Santa Rosa of the Big Pastures), an adobe apparition. It has a 70-student school and a medical post, but nothing can remove its aura of ghost town.

Termas de Incachuli Hot Springs
The Incachuli Hot Springs are sulphurous, and are located 28 kilometres away from San Antonio through the Ruta Provincial Nº 129, which starts 14 kilometres to the west going through the Ruta Nacional Nº 51, bound to the Sierra de los Pastos Grandes. West of the hot springs, the Queva snow-capped mountain (6130 metres above sea level) stands out.

The Abra de los Chorrillos Mountain Pass
It stands at 4855 metres above sea level and is only 25 kilometres away from San Antonio, through the Ruta Nacional Nº 51. An extraordinary panoramic view can be admired from here. The snow-capped mountain of Queva can be appreciated towards the south.

The Abra de Muñano Mountain Pass (28 Km)
It is 28 kilometres away from San Antonio and at 4180 metres above sea level. It has uncommon characteristics.

The Viaducto La Polvorilla Viaduct
A curved railway bridge 224 metres long that allows passengers taking the Tren a las Nubes train, to see part of the convoy over the bridge, and simultaneously, the bottom of the canyon 63 metres below.