Nuevo Nomads

We never could imagine being evacuated at nearly 4000meters. It is no fun but this actually happened to us when we went for a trip on el tren a las Nubes-train to the clouds. After a very long bus trip by bus from the station in Salta we arrived at the San Antonio de los cobres. A very small town in northwest Argentina located at a high elevation (3,775meters or 12,385 feet above sea level. Instead of trees. the hills are dotted with large cacti and some shrubs.

As we traveled up the mountains, we saw small stalls with many types of clothing and goods. Very popular are the Llama wool sweaters, coca leaves and coca candies. As we approached the high elevation we began to share our own coca leaves as we were told this would be helpful in preventing altitude sickness. Obediently, everyone could be seen folding up the few coca leaves and inserting this roll of leaves between the teeth and the jaw as instructed…”don’t chew on it we were told” chewing. we understood could upset our stomach.

Car by car and excitedly we boarded this lovely little train. The guide in our car was amicable and knowledgeable about the area. She pointed out for us the most picturesque and historically significant places ( light the blacked soils of the volcano that erupted 6000 yrs ago. After about 45 minutes the train suddenly stopped, we were told some Llamas were on the track, then that something need to fixed on the locomotive so we waited and waited. After more than an hour we were told we needed to be evacuated. Passengers were concerned and even became agitated, there were elderly people and a few children on the train.

As we were being evacuated many people became ill with breathing problems. Some even passed out. Luckily, there was a trained nurse on the train so the most ill were treated and given oxygen. That walk to the evacuation vehicle was very short, but it felt like the longest and most difficult walk ever. A million thanks to the wonderful people of San Antonio de los Cobres. They gather up their vehicles and came out to help us down from the mountains to the waiting buses.

Tips for altitude travel in Argentina

1. Be prepared for falling ill at anytime

2. Travel with some type of medicine for altitude sickness

3. Coca leaves is easily available in some markets, srojchi pills can be bought in any Kiosk

4. At altitude walk slowly and breathe deeply

5. Do not take risks, know your body and don’t over exert yourself to get the views and pictures.

Until next time,

One Love