Summary

This off-the-beaten-track adventure in the Northwest of Argentina will take you to the high Andean plateau known as the ‘puna’. Visit during the dry season (April to October) when the days are bright, sunny and warm (and the nights are crisp and cold). The circuit starts and ends in beautiful Salta, making it ideal for self-drive enthusiasts. Alternatively, a driver and guide make this a more laid-back experience.

From Salta, you will travel north to the pretty adobe town of Purmamarca, famous for the impressive Seven Coloured Hill. After a day to explore valleys to the north, you will head west, ascending into the foothills of the Andes. Visit the immense salt plains of Salinas Grandes and high mountain lagoons studded with flamingos. Finally, return to the Lerma Valley and the temperate climes of Salta.

Why not combine this with our Colonial Northwest suggested tour for the ultimate exploration of this stunning region?

Highlights

An off the beatan track adventure into Argentina’s remote puna
Perfect for self-drive or ask for a driver & guide if you prefer a more relaxed experience
See the vast white expanse of Salinas Grandes, Argentina’s largest salt plains
Explore high altitude lagoons such as Santa Maria and Ojos del Mar
Marvel at the surreal landscape containing volcanoes, flamingoes and forgotten ghost towns

ITINERARY

Day 1 Salta/Purmamarca

Depart for Purmamarca to see the impressive Seven Coloured Hill and explore the pretty adobe town where you will stay overnight.

Day 2 Purmamarca

A full-day tour along the Humahuaca Valley to see the unique rock formations and cacti-studded landscape of the northwest. Stop in Tilcara to see the Pucara, pre-Inca fortifications with great views along the valley.

Day 3 Purmamarca/Tolar Grande

Start ascending along mountain roads to Tolar Grande (3,500m). En route you will see the immense salt plains of Salinas Grandes and stop in San Antonio de los Cobres for lunch.

Day 4 Tolar Grande

A full day to explore the surreal landscape of The Puna. Depending on the time of year you may visit Santa Maria Lagoon to see the flamingos, the curious volcanic formation of Arita Cone or the ghost town of La Casualidad.

Day 5 Tolar Grande/Salta

Depart Tolar Grande and visit the tiny turquoise lagoons of Ojos del Mar. Cross the Abra de Gallo mountain pass (4,650m) before descending to the Lerma Valley and arriving in Salta.