Enjoy an unforgettable adventure through the fascinating Puna region with our exclusive Puna Experience package, designed for five days and four nights of complete exploration.
This trip includes one night's accommodation in Tolar Grande , either at the welcoming Hostería Casa Andina or in a local family home, followed by three nights at the distinguished Hostería de Altura El Peñón . Throughout the tour, you will enjoy private 4x4 transportation accompanied by an expert driver-guide who speaks Spanish and English , according to the detailed itinerary.
Explore unique landscapes and immerse yourself in the region's rich culture , marveling at panoramic views and authentic experiences that only the Puna can offer. From the tranquility of well-located accommodations to the exhilarating off-road exploration , every aspect of this experience is designed to leave you with unforgettable memories of this spectacular corner of Argentina.
Day 1
Salta | Quebrada del Toro | San Antonio de los Cobres | Santa Rosa de Pastos Grandes | Desierto del Laberinto | Tolar Grande
We'll begin the first day of our trip by heading to the Quebrada del Toro , located just 30 kilometers from the city of Salta. This gorge acts as a natural elevator, connecting the verdant Lerma Valley with the arid plateau known as the Puna. Crossing the Quebrada amidst archaeological ruins and remnants of the Inca Trail , we'll arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres , the capital of the Puna, the last vestige of civilization and a popular destination for tourists.
After crossing the Salar de Pocitos , which is in its final geological stage, a three-hour journey begins through wild and unexplored nature. The Labyrinth Desert is a desert of fossil dunes ten million years old, dotted with thousands of clay peaks and gypsum crystals. Further along, Tolar Grande sits on the edge of a gigantic depression; and then the Salar de Arizaro , one of the largest salt flats in the world . From this small railway town, built in the 1940s, you'll have a unique view of the westernmost reaches of the Andes Mountains, with blue skies above volcanoes over 6,000 meters high.
Day 2, Option A
Tolar Grande | Caipe | Salar Río Grande | Mina Casualidad (Mina Julia).
Mina La Casualidad was once a mining town located in one of the most remote and incredible places on Earth; right on the border with Chile surrounded by the highest volcanoes on the planet, among sulfur mountains, salt flats and with a cobalt blue sky at 4,200 meters above sea level.
The mine closed and was abandoned in the 1970s and is now a ghost town. Caipe is the mine's old railway station , built to transport the minerals processed at the mine to Salta. From the abandoned station , there is a great panoramic view of the Arizaro Salt Flat.
At sunset, we will begin our return journey to Tolar Grande with the light of the setting sun.
Day 2, Option B
Tolar Grande | Ojos de Mar | Dunas Escondidas | Tolar Grande | Caipe
In the morning we will visit the Eyes of the Sea , pools of blue sea water where the silhouette of the volcanoes is reflected in the morning light.
The area surrounding Tolar Grande also offers the opportunity for wonderful walks. The best of these is on the sand dunes in the middle of the desert . From the top of the dune, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the entire region , from the sacred Macón mountain to the Llullaillaco volcano , a perfect place for meditation.
We had lunch in Tolar Grande and then we had time to relax at the hotel.
In the afternoon we continued our journey to Caipe , the old railway station of the mine, built to transport the minerals processed at the mine to Salta. From the abandoned station , there is a great panoramic view of the Arizaro Salt Flat.
At sunset, we will begin our return journey to Tolar Grande with the sunset lights on a hill on the outskirts of Tolar Grande.
Day 3
Tolar Grande | Arita Cone | Antofallita & Antofalla Oasis | Vega Colorada | Calalaste Ravine | Antofagasta de la Sierra | El Peñón.
By crossing the Arizaro we will be imitating the old muleteers who used this road in the 18th and 19th centuries; they were shepherds who guided caravans of animals towards Chile.
The Arita Cone , a black volcanic pyramid that rises mysteriously from the white Arizaro Salt Flat , will be one of the day's wonders. We'll continue on to Antofalla , an important and spectacular example of a Puna oasis . In the middle of a high desert lies a green valley , thanks to a natural spring, dotted with poplars, pepper trees, and willows.
Day 4
El Peñón | Laguna Pabellón | Laguna Grande and Diamante | Fumaroles | El Peñón
Our adventure begins today at the edge of the Pumice Stone Field . Upon reaching the Carachi Pampa basin, on its banks, lies the volcano of the same name , surrounded by fields of black lava and a lagoon , where the Andean flamingo and the James's flamingo (or high-altitude flamingo) can be found.
During the dry season, a small salt lake forms around the lagoon.
This strange landscape of white labyrinths and climbing dunes lies a few kilometers to the west, along a track where the road continues through the sand—a journey that could be described as an explorer's dream, an overland adventure. We'll return to the hotel just in time to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views from the village.
Day 5
El Peñón | Hualfin | Santa María | Cafayate | Quebrada de las Conchas | Salta
Today we travel from El Peñón to the city of Salta , where the northwest still holds many surprises. The paved road we'll follow from El Peñón meets Route 40 after 150 kilometers past Paja Brava and a desert canyon with lush vegetation at its heart.
In the afternoon, with the best daylight, we'll cross the Quebrada de las Conchas, a 55-kilometer gorge of impressive rock formations , 40 million years old, featuring geological formations like Yacoraite and Las Pirguas, of central importance. Salta and its verdant Lerma Valley will welcome you after a unique 4-day experience amidst extraordinary landscapes.
Sunscreen and sunglasses (with UV protection)
Sun hat.
Windproof jacket (it's important because it's windy) and warm sweater.
Warm socks (wool or cotton).
Comfortable trekking shoes.
Moisturizer.
Recommended thermal underwear (long underwear) and winter clothing: winter jacket, sweatshirts, long-sleeved fleece shirt, scarf, gloves, etc., in winter.
Includes: Private 4x4 transfer, Accommodation, Spanish-English expert guide, Breakfast on days 2, 3, 4 and 5, Lunch every day, Dinner on days 1, 2, 3 and 4. Not included: Food and/or drinks not detailed in the itinerary, Personal expenses, Tips
Superbe aventure! Tangol Tours a vraiment bien organisé cette expérience dans la Puna argentine. Les paysages étaient époustouflants et notre guide connaissait toute l’histoire et les secrets de chaque endroit. Un voyage inoubliable pour les amoureux de la nature et de l'histoire !
Was für ein unglaubliches Abenteuer! Die argentinische Puna hat mich total umgehauen. Atemberaubende Landschaften, großartige Guides und perfekte Organisation. Ich hab so viele tolle Erinnerungen gesammelt. Definitiv ein Highlight meiner Reise durch Argentinien. Kann es jedem nur wärmstens empfehlen!
¡Qué tour! Desde los paisajes únicos de la Puna hasta la calidez del guía, esta experiencia fue increíble. Recomendado para quienes buscan algo más exclusivo y auténtico. Tangol Tours se superó, ¡gracias por tan buen servicio!
Just wow! Tangol Tours nailed it with the Argentine Puna experience. Stunning landscapes, fantastic guides, and loads of photo ops. You won't believe your eyes. From salt flats to surreal rock formations, this tour’s got it all. A must-do if you're in Salta.
Incrível! A Puna Argentina é mágica. Paisagens surreais, guias super simpáticos e um serviço impecável. Conheci lugares que nem sabia que existiam. Cada parada foi uma surpresa. Recomendo muito para quem gosta de aventura e beleza natural.
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