Cable Carril de Chilecito: Ride the World's Highest Cable Railway

The Cable Carril de Chilecito once carried ore 34.3 kilometers from the La Mejicana mine at 4,412 meters above sea level down to the town of Chilecito at 1,078 meters. Built between 1903 and 1904 by the German firm Bleichert & Co. for British mining interests, this aerial ropeway was the longest and highest of its kind in the world. Today it is a Monumento Histórico Nacional, and its first three stations are open to visitors.

The most accessible and informative stop is Station 1, the Museo Dr. Santiago Bazán. It sits on Ruta Nacional 40, just 900 meters from the roundabout at the southern entrance to Chilecito. The old railway station building houses original photographs, tools, documents, and equipment used during the mining boom of the early 20th century. Entry is free, and free guided tours are offered daily from 9:00 to 19:00. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for the museum. The guides are knowledgeable and bring the engineering feat to life, though some visitors report that a voluntary donation is requested at the end—it is not mandatory, but it is appreciated.

Station 2, known as El Durazno, is 4 kilometers further up a paved road and is where the scale of the operation becomes clear. The original boiler and steam engine that powered the first two sections of the cableway are still in place, along with massive wheels and cables. The station is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00, with free guided tours. A sign at the entrance states that entry is free, but in practice, a small fee (around 100 Argentine pesos per person as of mid-2026) is often charged to support maintenance—fees are subject to change, so check locally. The view over the valley from this elevation is impressive, and the cool mountain air is a relief on hot summer days.

For those with a sense of adventure, Station 3, El Parrón, offers a deeper immersion. It is reached by driving 14 kilometers along Provincial Route 14 (a rough but passable dirt road for a 4x2 vehicle in dry weather) to Puesto de Abraham, then walking 20 minutes along a low-difficulty mountain trail. The station itself is a ruined stone building, but the surrounding landscape—with the Famatina range towering above and the valley spread below—is spectacular. This is also the starting point for serious trekkers heading to higher stations; the full route to Station 7 takes 2 to 3 days and requires camping gear and a guide. Note that there are no facilities or water sources at Station 3, so bring everything you need.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location and Getting There

Chilecito is in the northern part of La Rioja province, about 3 hours by car from La Rioja capital via National Route 40. The town has a bus terminal with frequent services from La Rioja, Córdoba, and Buenos Aires. From the terminal, remises (taxis) can take you to Station 1 for about 50 pesos; a round trip to Station 2 will cost around 150–200 pesos, depending on negotiation. If you are driving, Station 1 is easy to find on the main road; for Station 2, follow the signs from the roundabout.

Opening Hours and Tickets

Station 1: Daily 9:00–19:00, free entry, free guided tours (donation optional). Station 2: Daily 9:00–18:00, entry free but a small fee may be requested; guided tours included. Station 3: Accessible at any time, but the trail is best walked during daylight; no entrance fee. The museum at Station 1 is the only one that keeps consistent hours; Station 2 sometimes closes early if there are no visitors, so arriving before 16:00 is safer. There is no online booking—just show up.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from April to November is ideal, with clear skies and mild temperatures (daytime highs 18–24°C). September and October are particularly pleasant. Summer (December–February) brings intense heat (over 35°C) and occasional afternoon thunderstorms, which can make the dirt road to Station 3 treacherous. Winter nights are cold, but days are usually sunny and crisp. If you plan to hike to higher stations, avoid the rainy season entirely.

What You'll See and Experience

The Engineering Marvel

The Cable Carril was a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering. It consisted of nine stations, 262 towers, and a continuous loop of cable that moved buckets carrying ore down and supplies up. At its peak, it transported 80 tons of ore per day. The system operated until 1926, when a combination of falling ore prices and damage from an earthquake led to its closure. Today, the first two stations are the best-preserved, with original machinery that still turns—though only by hand these days. The guides at Station 2 demonstrate how the cable was tensioned and how the buckets were attached.

The Landscape

The cable car climbs from the arid valley floor into the foothills of the Famatina, a range that reaches over 6,000 meters. From Station 2, you can see the entire valley of Chilecito, with its vineyards and olive groves. The contrast between the green valley and the barren mountains is striking. At Station 3, the silence is profound; the only sounds are the wind and the occasional bird. Bring binoculars if you have them—the towers and cables of the upper sections are visible on the mountainside.

The Museum at Station 1

The museum is small but well-organized. It occupies the old train station, which was the terminus for the mineral railway that took ore from the cable car to the smelters and then to ports. You'll see photographs of the construction, original tools, and a model of the entire system. One highlight is a wooden telephone box used by the operators—an ancestor of the mobile phone. The museum is a good place to start before heading up to Station 2, as it provides context for what you'll see there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cable Carril de Chilecito worth visiting?

Yes, if you are interested in industrial history or engineering. The preserved machinery and the scale of the operation are impressive. It is not a theme park—there are no rides—but the views and the story are rewarding. Budget 2–3 hours for Stations 1 and 2, plus travel time.

Can I ride the cable car?

The cable car has not operated since 1926. You can only visit the stations and walk the trails; there is no passenger service. The name is a bit misleading—it's a historic monument, not a working attraction.

How do I get to Station 3 without a car?

There is no public transport. You can hire a remis or a local guide with a 4x4 in Chilecito for about 800–1,200 pesos per person (for a group of 3–4). Alternatively, some tour agencies offer excursions, but they are infrequent. The road is rough and requires high clearance if you drive yourself.

Are there guided tours in English?

At Station 1, guides speak Spanish; English is limited. At Station 2, some guides have basic English. If you don't speak Spanish, consider hiring a bilingual guide in town or bringing a translation app. The signage is in Spanish only.

What should I bring?

Water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and sturdy shoes for the trail to Station 3. In summer, bring a light jacket for the afternoon storms. At Station 2, there are no shops, so carry snacks. For higher treks, you'll need camping gear and a local guide—ask at the tourist office in Chilecito for recommendations.