"In the Puna"

DAY 1 - Salta - Tolar Grande
Departing from Salta we gradually ascend along the way of the Tren de las Nubes (Train of the Clouds), enjoying spectacular views. The ancient mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres, to 3.775 m high, is the entrance door to the Puna. After crossing Abra del Gallo (Pass of the Rooster) to 4,700 m, glimpsing at Quewar volcano (6,200 m) and enjoying colors and figures of the Valley of the Dreams, we will be in Tolar Grande, to 3.500 m. To finish the day, we can approach the viewpoint to look at the beautiful panorama of the Salar de Arizaro and all the volcanoes that surround it, or we can walk between the stalactites and salt columns of the 180-m-long Túnel del Hombre Muerto (Tunnel of the Dead Man).

DAY 2 - Antofalla - Antofagasta
The contrasts intensify in this fascinating passage of ocher and white. Mountains of salt and plaster and the spectacular Antofalla salt flat, the longest of the world (140 km). We glimpse the enormous Antofalla volcano (6.409 m), and we are welcomed by the affable inhabitants of Antofalla. Time permitting, we will explore the region and know the circular lagoons ("The Eyes of the Field "). On having arrived to a big plain, we will be in Antofagasta de la Sierra, "the house of the sun", at an altitude of 3.440 m.

DAY 3- Antofagasta de la Sierra
A stream of black petrified lava leads us to the Antofagasta and La Alumbrera volcanoes, where we will know a lagoon with flamencos and ducks, and an indigenous deposit raised on the volcanic sediments. In the afternoon, with the passage to Real Grande we will admire its most ancient rock paintings, that are conserved in large thick walls of up to 70 m, and also the fascinating surroundings of the arid desert, the silhouettes of the volcanoes and the agile vicuñas.

DAY 4 - Salar del Hombre Muerto - Crater of Galán Volcano
An impressive passage among the hidden wonders of the Puna. Sky and mountains reflect on the white surface of the Salar del Hombre Muerto (Salar of the Dead Man), enriching the singular scene of the ruins of Inca Huasi. We slowly ascend the crater of the Galán volcano, the widest of the world with 36 km. In its interior, the sight of the Laguna Diamante (Diamond Lagoon) is touching. According to the legend, its turquoises and white reflections are a product of the jewels left behind by a calchaquí-cacique when fleeing from the Spaniards. When descending, the Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon) appears as an oasis visited by hundreds of flamencos of different species and sizes. It is the most numerous parina-station of South America, a magnificent contrast full of life in this quiet plain.

DAY 5 - Laguna Blanca - Quilmes
The farewell of the magical Puna is a landscape of barren plains, lava hills and pumice stone fields. To arrive at the Reserva Natural Laguna Blanca (Natural Reserve of the White Lagoon) will entail encountering a pastel colored vision of lagoon, waters of slopes and hundreds of birds. After having lowered from 3.500 to 2.000 m an opposite reality is waiting for us: the Hualfín-Valley and its carob trees and vineyards. Route 40 transports us to a new scenery of rural hills, cactus and goats until our arrival to the Quilmes-region. Considered the biggest pre-Hispanic establishment of Argentina, the quilmes were an indigenous population of rich culture that resisted Spanish occupation during 130 years.

DAY 6 - Ruinas de Quilmes - Tucumán
We begin the day with an interesting visit to the Ruins of Quilmes. When making our way to Tucumán we will enjoy different landscapes: an ascent up to 3.000 meters through the imposing Abra del Infiernillo, an enormous grass-valley and a winding road through selvatic tucuman yunga. The towns of Amaicha del Valle, Tafí del Valle, and El Mollar with its Menhirs-Park -more than 2.000 years old rock paintings-, follow one anothe

To contact this tour operator please use the contact form on the right.

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Price/Person: 1.100 EUR
Number of participants
Duration: Hours

Area: Andes in Northwest Argentina
Accomodation is included in this tour: The most typical and pleasant hotels, in double rooms with private bath and breakfast service. In remoter places we will overnight in small hostels or even in family houses. With customized expeditions we offer the alternative of tenting.

The Guide is able to understand this language also    
   german
   english
   spanish

Special Hints: An expedition of contact with a planet of lunar landscapes

edited at 23.04.08 | 8:38 PM
last update 23.04.08 | 8:38 PM

Guide details

Silvia Hopp

Web: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form on the right.
Phone Number: ---
Vita
Wir veranstalten seit 2002 unvergessliche Abenteuerreisen fuer kleine Gruppen, mit dreisprachiger Reisebegleitung, in einer der einsamsten und faszinierendsten Regionen der Erde, die argentinischen Anden im Nordwesten.

edited at 13.10.06 | 02:21 AM
last update 19.06.08 | 3:43 PM

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