Exclusive Experience In The Argentine Puna

Our journey kicks off with a visit to the Quebrada del Toro, a mere 30 kilometers from Salta city. This natural corridor serves as a gateway, transitioning from the lush Lerma Valley to the arid highlands known as the Puna. As we journey through the Quebrada, flanked by archaeological ruins and remnants of the Inca Trail, we will arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres, the heart of the Puna and a popular destination for many travelers.

After traversing the Salar de Pocitos, currently in its final geological phase, we embark on a three-hour exploration through untamed and lesser-known landscapes. The Labyrinth Desert, a fossil dune desert dating back ten million years, boasts countless clay formations and gypsum crystals. Continuing our journey, we reach Tolar Grande, perched on the brink of a vast depression, offering sweeping views of the Salar de Arizaro, one of the world's largest salt flats. From this quaint railway village, established in the 1940s, you'll witness the majestic western Andes with its towering volcanoes over 6000 meters high against a brilliant blue sky.

Tolar Grande | Caipe | Rio Grande Salt Flats | Mina Casualidad (Mina Julia).

Mina La Casualidad was once a bustling mining settlement, nestled in one of Earth's most remote and awe-inspiring locales, right on Chile's frontier, encircled by some of the globe's highest volcanoes, sulfur mountains, and salt flats, all under a cobalt blue sky at an elevation of 4,200 meters.

The mine ceased operations in the 1970s, leaving behind a ghost town. Caipe, the former railway station of the mine, was constructed to transport processed minerals to Salta. From this abandoned station, you'll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Salar de Arizaro.

As the sun sets, we will commence our return journey to Tolar Grande, bathed in the evening's golden glow.

Our morning visit takes us to the Ojos del Mar, where marine blue pools mirror the silhouette of the volcanoes in the morning light.

The surroundings of Tolar Grande offer exceptional walking opportunities. The highlight is the trek through the desert sand dunes. From the top of the dune, you'll be rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree view of the entire area, from the sacred Macón mountain to the Llullaillaco volcano, an ideal spot for meditation.

We will enjoy lunch in Tolar Grande and have some leisure time at the hotel.

In the afternoon, we proceed to Caipe, the former mine railway station, constructed for transporting processed minerals to Salta. From this abandoned station, you can admire a spectacular panoramic view of the Salar de Arizaro.

As the sun sets, we set off for Tolar Grande, with the sunset casting its glow over a hillside near Tolar Grande.

Following the path across Arizaro, we retrace the steps of ancient mule drivers from the 18th and 19th centuries, shepherds who guided caravans to Chile.

The Cone of Arita, a mysterious black volcanic pyramid rising from the white expanse of the Salar de Arizaro, is one of the day's highlights. Our journey continues to Antofalla, a striking example of a Puna Oasis. In this high-altitude desert, a lush green valley thrives, nourished by a natural spring and adorned with Poplars, Molles, and Willows.

Our adventure today leads us to the edge of the Campo de Piedra Pómez. Upon reaching the Carachi Pampa basin, you'll encounter the volcano of the same name, encircled by black lava fields and a lagoon frequented by the Andean flamingo and the James (or high-altitude flamingo).

During the dry season, a small salt lake forms around the lagoon.

This unique landscape of white labyrinths and soaring dunes lies a few kilometers to the west, along a trail that winds through the sand, offering an explorer's dream and an overland adventure. We will return to the hotel just in time to savor the breathtaking sunset views from the town.

Today, we journey from El Peñón back to Salta city, where the northwest still holds many surprises. Our paved route from El Peñón intersects with Route 40 after 150 kilometers, passing through Paja Brava and a desert canyon with lush vegetation at its core.

In the afternoon, under the day's best light, we traverse the Quebrada de las Conchas, a 55-kilometer stretch of stunning rock formations, 40 million years old, featuring significant geological formations like Yacoraite and Las Pirguas. Salta and its verdant Lerma Valley will welcome you back after an unparalleled 4-day adventure through extraordinary landscapes.