San Antonio de los Cobres

Information

San Antonio de los Cobres is a city in the province of Salta, located in the northwestern region of Argentina. It is one of the highest-altitude towns in the country, as it sits in the heart of the Puna region at around 3,760 meters above sea level. Its climate is cold and dry, with little rainfall that occurs mainly between January and March. The city is crossed from north to south by a river that shares its name: San Antonio de los Cobres.

It offers services for visitors such as a tourist information office, various restaurants, lodging options and a range of shops. There is also a market with local craft stalls, which includes a food court where you can taste typical flavors of the region.

In the center stands the San Antonio de Padua church, a landmark for the community. You can also walk along the Paseo de Piedra, a path that runs parallel to the river (whose water flow can vary significantly depending on the time of year). Another point of interest is the Museo Regional Andino (Regional Andean Museum), which displays exhibits, photographs and explanatory panels about the area's history, minerals, archaeology and other local aspects.

This town welcomes many tourists who arrive at its station to take the Tren a las Nubes excursion, a classic and almost essential ride for those visiting the province. This railway is among the highest in the world: it ranks third in the Americas and fourth globally. In addition, the city is an excellent base for travelers exploring the Puna along the iconic National Route 40.