North-Western Argentina Photo Adventure |

The Humahuaca Gorge is a large valley that ends at the border with Bolivia and it is located in the province of Jujuy in the far north of Argentina. It is quite a young valley, given that its formation dates a million years. The Gorge is famous for its colorful mountains, its geological formations and its historical villages. During our trip we will visit the best places in the region in order to get a true feeling of this part of Argentina: the Humahuaca Market, a walk in the Colorado’s Gorge, the sacred garden of the Cardones (cactus species) at 3,200 meters, and the impressive 14 colored mountains of Hornocal and the Pucara of Tilcara – a pre-Inca fortress. We will also visit the villages of Tilcara, Humahuaca and Purmamarca with their typical artisanal markets.

Sunset point at Hornocal • 290 km paved road • 50 km gravel road • Highest point 4,300 m./ 14,108 ft. • Purmamarca 2,324 m./ 7,624 ft. • Estimated driving time: 7 hours.

Overnight Las Marias Hotel Boutique, Tilcara (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide)

Embark on an exhilarating day of travel starting from the picturesque town of Tilcara. Your journey begins with a drive along the breathtaking Cuesta de Lipan, a winding mountain road offering panoramic views of the stunning landscapes below. As you ascend, marvel at the changing scenery, from colorful rock formations to vast valleys. Your next destination is the awe-inspiring Salinas Grandes, a vast salt flat that stretches as far as the eye can see. Explore the unique salt formations, capturing the otherworldly beauty of this natural wonder.
Continuing your adventure, the road leads to Susques, a charming town with a rich history. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the local culture and perhaps visit notable landmarks. The journey then unfolds along the R40 road, passing through Sey, a road filled of rock formations known as La Juguetería (the toy workshop). Next on the itinerary is the iconic Viaducto la Polvorilla, a remarkable piece of engineering perched amidst the high-altitude landscapes. Marvel at the viaduct’s intricate design and absorb the surrounding mountain vistas. Finally, your day concludes in San Antonio de los Cobres, a town steeped in Andean culture. Explore the charming streets, interact with the locals, and savor a delightful meal.

161 km paved road • 127 km gravel road • Highest point 4,170 m./ 13,681 ft. • San Antonio de los Cobres 3,775 m. / 12,385 ft. • Estimated driving time: 5 hours.

Overnight Hotel de las Nubes, San Antonio de los Cobres (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide)

Travel on an extraordinary journey from San Antonio de los Cobres to Tolar Grande, venturing through a tapestry of diverse landscapes that promise a visual feast for the senses. As you traverse the village of Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes, be captivated by the multicoloured palette of the Pocitos Salt Lake, where vibrant hues reflect the beauty of the surroundings. The odyssey continues through the surreal Labyrinth Desert, a mesmerising expanse adorned with hundreds of red rocky domes, creating a landscape reminiscent of an otherworldly maze. In the heart of this natural spectacle, discover the enigmatic Los Ojos de Mar—serene natural pools cradling stromatolites, ancient bacteria that played a pivotal role in the production of oxygen on Earth. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of this unique ecosystem, appreciating the delicate balance of nature. As the day unfolds, arrive in Tolar Grande, a charming mining town nestled at the feet of the Arizaro Salt Flat. Embrace the magic of the Argentine highlands and prepare to be enchanted by the untouched beauty that surrounds you.

Sunset point at Desierto del Laberinto (Labyrinth Desert) • 250 km earth track and salt road • Highest point 4,475 m./ 14,681 ft. • Tolar Grande 3,500 m. / 11,483 ft. Estimated driving time: 5 hours.

Overnight Casa Andina (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide)

The crossing of the Arizaro Salted dry lake resembles the ancient journey of the Arrieros (shepherds guiding caravans of animals to Chile). Arizaro, meaning Vultures Cemetery, comes from a period when many animals (cows and horses) perished during the crossing of the salt flat. Antofalla is an important and spectacular example of a Puna Oasis; in the middle of a high altitude desert there is a green valley, thanks to a natural pure water spring, full of Poplar, Molle and Willow trees. Antofalla, together with Antofagasta and Santa Rosa, were important stations for Llama caravans connecting this part of the Andes with the Oasis of Atacama. The Oasis is located just at the border of the longest salt flat in the world, among red mountains and lava strips. Antofalla is still inhabited by a tiny community of 60 people, they are all shepherds. We will stop for lunch, and then travel across the colored mirror of the salt lake. Above 4,200 meters with wide views over the Antofalla Volcano (6,400 m.) lays a kind of green field (Vega Colorada) home of llamas, Puna rheas, and vicuñas. The valley of Calalaste, just a few kilometers away from Vega Colorada is the best spot to find wild camelids. Antofagasta de la Sierra, was the biggest Oasis on the path connecting this side of the Andes with the Oasis of San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), it is a big village with more than 2,000 people who maintain their ancient traditions and culture. The name Antofagasta means “place where the sun shines” and it is surrounded by uncountable Volcanic Peaks.

Distance: 340 km earth track and salt road • Highest point 4,500 m./ 14,764 ft. • El Peñón 3,400 m. / 11,155 ft. • Estimated driving time: 7 hours.

Overnight El Peñón Hosteria de Altura (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide)

With an early start, we will drive in direction to Antofagasta de la Sierra as we enter the región of Real Grande (4,050 meters), where traces of the first settlements of the Puna can be found in ancient petroglyphs, dated 10,000 B.P. and entrance point to Cerro Galán Caldera from the Northwest.
Cerro Galán, is one the world’s largest volcanic calderas and greatest of the Andes Mountains, its dimensions are 34 km from north to south and 24 km from east to west, and it is the result of an extreme Plinian eruption that occurred 2.2 million years ago. Its identification as a volcanic caldera was performed using satellite photographs, since its elliptical shape is too large to be able to be appreciated from the ground. Its walls reach 5,000 meters of altitude and the central peak 5,912 meters, while its floor is at 4,500 meters of altitude. The Caldera contains a lake in its south western corner, known as Laguna Diamante, which is home to flamingos and ducks, protected from the wind by the walls, in this extremely harsh environment. Our path will lead us to another high altitude Andean lake, known as Laguna Grande Reserve, a saline lake that sits at an altitude of 4,150 meters. During winter, the water freezes completely, but when spring arrives, it becomes the largest gathering center of the Puna flamingos, with more than 19,000 birds (25% of the known total population). It is also a place for summer congregation for both Andean flamingo and Chilean flamingos. We will drive to El Peñón with the perfect warm light of sunset.

120 km. dirt path and gravel road • 60 km. paved road (EL Peñón-Antofagasta) • Highest point 5,000 m./ 16,404 ft. • El Peñón 3,400 m./ 11,155 ft. • Estimated driving time: 8 hours.

Overnight El Peñón Hosteria de Altura (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide)

Our adventure starts today at the edge of Campo de Piedra Pómez, as we reach the Carachi Pampa basin, in its margins there is a volcano of the same name, surrounded by black lava fields and a lagoon, where the Andean flamingo, and the James’ (or puna) flamingo can be found. During the dry season a small salt lake is formed around the lagoon. Later, our journey will continue into the Natural Reserve Campo de Piedra Pómez, a strange and stunning landscape carved into the rock that gives rise to its name: The Pumice. Of purely igneous origin, it was produced from a massive explosion of the volcanic stratum. This cloud has spread the ashes and debris in large areas and in different directions, which crystallized by the effects of the temperature giving shape to these wonderful rocks with special features and with plenty of holes produced by the escape of gases during the chilling stage.This degassing phenomenon made the rock very easy to carve by the winds of the Puna, arid and harsh winds that move freely through the region, becoming the best and most prominent Andean rock sculptors. This strange landscape of white labyrinths and climbing sand dunes is located a few miles to the west, on a track where the path continues through
some sand that we could describe as the dream of the explorer, an overlanding adventure. Return to the Hotel, just in time to enjoy stunning sunset views from the village.

Sunrise point Carachi Pampa • Sunset point Pumice field • 130 km. of earth, gravel and salt tracks • Highest point 4,200 m./ 13,780 ft. • El Peñón 3,400 m./ 11,155 ft. • Estimated driving time: 4.5 hours.

Overnight El Peñón Hosteria de Altura (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide)

After days of intense travel on the High Desert Plateau, the North West still has plenty of surprises. The paved road from El Peñón to meet Route 40 is a 150 km long yellow field of Paja Brava, white lagoons and a deserted narrow canyon filled with rich vegetation. We will visit the Quilmes Ruins, probably the most interesting Pre Inca Archeological site with a dramatic story that gave an end to this ancient population. Arrival to the pleasant town of Cafayate and its green vineyards.

Sunset point Quebrada de las Conchas • 250 km paved road, 50 km gravel road • Highest point 4,000 m./13,123 ft. • Cafayate 1,683 m./ 5,522 ft. • Estimated driving time: 5 hours.

Overnight Viñas de Cafayate Wine Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide)

The Canyon of Quebrada de las Conchas is a Natural Heritage Site formed by sediments from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras (90 to 60 million years ago). The intense red color is present due to the ferric oxide contained in its mineral basins. The name of the gorge is given by the marine fossils found along the region in the oldest formation of the region known as “Formación Yacoraite”. To appreciate the rich geology of the formation we will take a walk along a path that is well known by the local villagers. We will be in the heart of the gorge and enjoy amazing views of the colorful geological strata. We will have a nice picnic for lunch and afterwards we’ll drive to Salta and visit the northern region of the Canyon. Drop off in Salta airport.

180 km paved road. • Highest point 1,700 m./5,577 ft. • Salta 1,200 m./ 3,937 ft. • Estimated driving time: 3 hours.

End of services during the afternoon (Breakfast)

You choose the date. Available year-round. Departures from Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile.

Ask our staff for rates, trip options and more details.

The trip price includes: All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, and park entrance fees. The services of experienced local drivers/guides is included in the trip price in addition to the company of one of our tour leaders throughout the trip.

The trip price excludes: Domestic flights (Buenos Aires to Salta or other route), tipping, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, private excursions, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.