Between Deserts, Valleys, Ravines, and Mountains:
A Journey Through the Heart of the Andes

21 Days - 20 Nights

Day 1 - Arrival in Tucumán

Reception at San Miguel de Tucumán Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - Discovering Tucumán & Tucuman Yungas

We will begin by visiting the historic center and its surroundings, with places full of history reflected in its buildings and constructions. Plaza Independencia is our starting point, from where we will head to the Government House and all the historic houses that surround it.

Then, we will go to the Cathedral, the Church and Convent of San Francisco, a national monument because of the relics it preserves, such as the first national flag hoisted in Tucumán in 1814, among others; the Church of Our Lady of Mercy with its neoclassical style and simple interior; the Nicolás Avellaneda Provincial Historical Museum, which is the house where he lived as well as other political figures from the 19th century; the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, among other representative buildings and houses. Once our tour of the historic district of Tucumán city is finished, we will continue to the 9 de Julio Park, designed by Carlos Thays, a French landscape architect, which features a beautiful flower clock, colorful paths, and walkways among trees.

Then, we will go to the Sugar Industry Museum "Casa del Obispo Colombres," which will teach us about the history of the sugar industry in the province from its artisanal beginnings. We continue to the most distinguished area of Tucumán city, Plaza Urquiza, known for its paths and spaces used by people for skating or cycling, and which is a green space for resting, surrounded by French-style architecture; the San Martín Theater, the Legislature, and the Casino. Plaza Alberdi, another green space with well-maintained lawns and benches, located in front of the General Mitre Railway Station, which will be our last stop on the tour.

Breakfast at the hotel. We explore the beautiful Tucumán Yungas combining mountain landscapes, history, and local culture. We depart from San Miguel de Tucumán via Route 9 towards the Celestino Gelsi Dam (formerly Cadillal), crossing the picturesque slide, the power plants, and the Loro River. We continue towards Tapia, arriving at the charming towns of Raco and El Siambón, where we visit the Benedictine monks' monastery. The route continues to San Javier, ascending up to 1,200 meters to admire the imposing Christ the Redeemer and enjoy panoramic views of the region. Then we visit Villa Nougues, famous for its elegant residences and historic architecture, before descending through Yerba Buena back to San Miguel de Tucumán. Departures: approximately 08:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Duration: approximately 6 hours. Includes transportation and professional guide. Does not include tips or lunch.

Day 3 - Tafí del Valle, Quilmes Indians Ruins & Cafayate

Breakfast in the hotel. Crossing the Abra and on the way to Ampimpa we can observe the giant cactus to our sides. A natural balcony of the Yocavil or Santa Maria valleys affords a good view of the town, Amaicha del Valle at a few kilometers. In this town live a unique indigenous community of the north east, the diaguita culture who make unique things and is a famous locality for wine in earthenware pots, alfajores, nougats and small cheeses. Furthermore we can visit and explore the pre-Columbian settlements of Fuerte Quemado and el Pucará de Loma Rica, remains that have been well conserved of this town with pebbled walls using a mortar of mud and filled with debris and there you can see some of the diverse elements that they use such as San Jose and San Maria urns and objects of bone and stone.

Also the Pucará de Los Cardones is an archeological site that is conserved naturally. Here we pass trails, rivers, gorges, the dam, amongst other attractive features that we meet. Crossing the river Yocavil we enter to the ruins of the Quilmes, the remains of the biggest pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina. When defeated by the Spanish, the residents were forced to walk thousands of kilometers to Buenos Aires, to a locality that now bears its name. We make a visit to the museum and later to the fortress constructed for this community. We pass El Bañado, Colalao del Valle and continue to the town Tolombón to enter to Cafayate. On the way the countryside changes from arid to vineyards, where we meet the Cafayate soils. We sleep in Cafayate.

Day 4 - Calchaquí Valleys through Cafayate

Breakfast at the hotel. We will continue our journey from Cafayate, by visiting the Calchaquí Valleys. We will visit the Cathedral "Nuestra Señora del Rosario" which contrast with the multi – coloured hills in the background and then we will cover the most traditional wineries in this beautiful city between valleys and hills of an impressive green colour, which is the most important one in the Calchaquí Valleys because of its "torrontés" wines above all, an ideal place because of the temperature and humidity to the development of this kind of grape with a sweet and fruited taste, together with their goat cheese. The name of the city was given because of an old native settlement which means "Bury of sorrows or sadness" (Sepultura de las Penas). We will be pleasured to taste some wineries´wines. We will continue to visit the Archaelogical Museum, a place where there is a great quantity of objects which belonged to native villages. Many people have been investigating, making excavations, restorations and exhibitions about them.

We will be wondered as soon as we watch those rare and eye-catching shapes, going through Quebrada de las Conchas, where we will be able to see figures such as the Devil´s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), the Amfitheater (Anfiteatro) a wonderful place where we can perfectly hear the echo of any sound and it is here where many festivals take place, such as the folklore; another shapes are the Obelisk (Obelisco) which makes a lonely crag, the Castles (Castillos) of an intense red colour which reminds the castles in the medieval times, the Yesera with its light sandstone formations, the House of Parrots (Casa de los Loros) named like this because there are stone walls which are the habitat for great flock of parrots during the summer; the friar (Fraile), the toad (Sapo) and the impressive Devil´s Throat in Salta, shaped as a human trachea and also called like that because of its colour.

We will make a stop in Alemanía, a lonely town, but we cannot miss the visit so we can admire its old country houses between green hills, the train station which doesn´t work anymore and now we can see the beautiful work of the craftsmen who invite us to bring a nice souvenir from this town. We will get ready to descend through the valleys. We will get to Dique Cabra Corral, next to Coronel Moldes, an ideal place to practise water sports, then we will go through some towns dedicated to the farming activities such as El Carril, where we will find many stock-tobacco companies and also fig tree, walnut tree and peach tree fields; La Merced, with its cleany streets and green spaces which make it so picturesque, and Cerrillos. All these towns belong to Valle de Lerma, where there are treasures which come from mines that were found and they are hidden somewhere between the hills, according to local stories. We will continue to Salta city, going through impressive landscapes that change on every curve we make in wonderful colours like the reddish hills, ochre colour of the grass, grey stones and green cactus. Night in Salta. If you want to see other excursion options in Salta, click here: Tours in Salta.

Day 5 - Discovering Salta, La Linda

We will start our tour along the city from the nice 9 de Julio Square, so eye-catching because of its decorated coloured quarries and its fruited trees which leave a nice fragrance in the salteño air. From the square we will be able to have a first vision of its history and colonial past, as we will be surrounded by old buildings such as the Cabildo, the Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco, the Convent of San Bernardo de las Monjas Carmelitas, one of the oldest buildings in the city which was the entrance door to the convent and it is made of carob wood that was carved by the natives in 1762; its old houses complete the historical quarter, which are today very important monuments.

Then, we will go to the impressive and most recognised hill in the salteña city: Cerro San Bernardo. Before getting to it, we will tour along the streets, getting to Güemes monument, an argentinian general who is known because of its ideals of freedom, dispise to materialism and his love to his Motherland. We will get to San Martín Park where we will find the cable railway station, our means of transport to get to the hill so we can have an amazing panoramic of the city and its surroundings, with the hills at the background.

After the ascent, we will continue to a really charming place, which is chosen by many tourists because of its wonderful natural attractions and the different activities to do: the summer village of San Lorenzo, where we will find the Quebrada, an ideal place to spend the day at the edge of the river, listening its relaxing sounds. We will enjoy our way to it, as we will go through flowered Gardens, mansions and castles which are surrounded by small hills and where we can do (horse) riding, trekking and pic-nic. We will go back to the city, going through the Handmade Market (Mercado Artesanal) first, where we will be able to get some souvenirs from this beautiful city, such as silver and pottery pieces, rustic fabric of llama wool, craftwork in leather, among others.

Day 6 - Calchaquí Valleys through Cachi

Breakfast at the hotel. We will do the way around through the Calchaquí Valleys, this time through Cachi, driving between extremely lovely landscapes. During our tour to this charming town, we will be able to see beautiful tourist spots in particular, starting in Quebrada del Escoipe, almost a wild region followed by the homonymous river and it crosses several Bridges until getting to Cuesta del Obispo. This last one is also a nature work, as we start the ascent by a twisted and cornice road, where we will be surrounded by impressive green coloured hills, an indescribable view together with the vegetation, in contrast with the sky. The highest point in this way is Piedra del Molino, to 3348 metres above the level of the sea and, from where we will have a unic panoramic of the Quebrada del Escoipe.

Two kilometres before getting to Piedra del Molino, we will be able to appreciate the sign which says that we are in Los Cardones National Park that protects its vegetation, such as Neblina, Monte, Puna and Alta Montaña bushes. Some fauna like the taruca, vicuña, guanaco, puma, red fox, wild cat, Wessel, quirquincho, condor, carpintero de los cardones, ututo lizard, coral, yarara, among others, are preserved in this national park.

After coming through the highest point, Piedra del Molino, we will arrive at Valle Encantado, a place where shapes and colours are mixed and where the action of the wind and water sculpt the landscapes with curious shapes and reliefs. There we will find a small lagoon and cave paintings. Of course, if we are lucky, we will be able to watch condors flying through the sky. Later on, we will get to a small soft mountainside valley covered of bushes, which is eaten by the cattle, that we are surely going to cross during the tour. If we continue a few kilometres more, we will appreciate an enclosed basin and El Hervidero lagoon, the favorite place to graze by the guanacos.  

The Tin Tin Straight Line (Recta de Tin Tin) will be another unforgettable spot in our tour as we will watch it along the way we go, as it is a perfect straight line of 18 kilometres, from where we will be able to watch a great quantity of thistles and looking at our right we will see the Tin Tin Hill and at our left we will see the Negro Hill. We will go through this old inca road so we can get to Payogasta where we will be surprised with the red and reddish pepper plantations, now descending to Cachi town, which is located at the base of Nevado Hill between the homonymous river and Calchaquí. There we will go for a walk along the streets watching its dazzled white buildings, its houses made of adobe and paving streets, but the town stresses more because of its kindness and warm contact that the local people give. We will return to Salta in the afternoon.

Day 7 - Quebrada de Humahuaca

Breakfast at the hotel. Today a full day of history and landscapes will be waiting for us, as we will do the circuit to Quebrada de Humahuaca, where we will visit its prehispanic villages which date from hundred years ago and some are so well kept that they shows us its original buildings and houses, so we can visit and tour closer around them.

In first place, the Quebrada de Humahuaca was declared a Natural and Cultural Heritage Mankind in 2003.

We will start by crossing the Siancas Valley through Gral. Güemes town to tour a sugar cane, tobacco, cotton farming area, among others and we will get to the bordering province of Jujuy and its capital in a valley of 155 kilometres extense, which is surrounded of multicoloured mountains and hills, an arid vegetation area and río Grande. We will get into an area of an amazing variety of brown, green, ocres and reddish tonalities. We will continue to Yala, a summer village which is located in the middle of the mountains, rivers and lagoons, with guest houses and weekend houses, there is also the Potrero de Yala Provincial Park which preserves the Lagunas de Yala (Yala Lagoons) where some birds´ species can be watched. We will start ascending the quebrada, going through villages which are kept like the ancient years and they make an unforgettable postal through the landscapes.

We now arrive at Purmamarca, a picturesque town located at the foot of the impressive and unic Cerro de los Siete Colores, which surprise us with its amazing ranges that mixes with the environment tranquility, its vegetation and the blue sky, apart from the hundred ruins of the first villages in the region. We will continue to Maimará, a town which is exactly in the centre of the quebrada, there we will be able to appreciate la Paleta del Pintor (Painter´s Palette), with is multicoloured hills which honours its name; Posta de Hornillos where we will find a museum to live and be witnesses of the prehispanic life; we will go to Tilcara, a famous village because of its caves and its small church, which is one of the oldest ones in the area. We will enjoy some regional and exquisite dishes and then, we can do a tour where the craftsmen are so we can buy some native souvenirs, rustic fabrics made of llama and vicuña, with the company of those kind and thankful people.

Day 8 - Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca

We depart directly from Purmamarca, at the foot of the famous Hill of Seven Colors, beginning our journey through the Puna region. We start with a brief technical stop to walk a bit and acclimate to the altitude, while enjoying panoramic views of the hill and the town’s typical atmosphere. We continue our trip along the spectacular Cuesta del Lipán, a cliffside road where we’ll make several stops to take photos and relish the experience of being above the clouds, reaching our highest point at 4,170 meters above sea level. From there, we descend to 3,600 meters to arrive at the imposing Salinas Grandes, a dazzling white landscape that invites you to take the most creative photos and videos, living a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Salinas Grandes are one of the most impressive landscapes in northern Argentina, situated at about 3,600 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Puna region. This vast salt flat stretches as far as the eye can see, with its white, gleaming surface formed by millions of years of evaporation of ancient saline lagoons. Walking on the salt is a unique experience, as the horizon merges with the sky creating a sense of vastness and purity. The sunlight constantly transforms the colors and reflections, offering unique opportunities for memorable photos and videos. Furthermore, the Salinas Grandes are not only a visual spectacle but also a place rich in geological and cultural history, where one can feel the connection with the extreme nature and the traditions of the indigenous peoples who inhabit the region.

The return is made by the same route, but with a different landscape: the sun at our backs transforms the colors of the mountains, offering new surprising perspectives and hues. Back in Purmamarca, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine (optional, not included), walk through the main square, visit the town’s church and stroll along the Paseo de los Colorados, admiring again the Hill of Seven Colors from different angles. We return to Purmamarca or we can head back to Jujuy or Salta.

Day 9 - Purmamarca - San Pedro de Atacama

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart towards the city of San Pedro de Atacama by regular bus through the Paso de Jama. Reception at the San Pedro de Atacama bus terminal and transfer to the hotel.

Day 10 - Valley of the Moon & Salt Mountain Range

We have breakfast and depart from our lodging toward the enigmatic Valley of the Moon, declared a Nature Sanctuary and part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. We enter this depression surrounded by the imposing Sierra de Orbate, covering its approximately 13,200 hectares of sand and stone formations sculpted by fluvial and wind erosion in shades of gray, red, and ochre. We admire its lunar appearance and the spectacular landscapes that surround us, understanding why it is an essential place to visit in the Atacama Desert. We continue exploring the Cordillera de la Sal, formed over 23 million years ago by the folding of horizontal layers of sediment and rock that were tilted vertically. Erosion has created unique formations and mineral flashes that surprise us at every step, with hills of clay, gypsum and salt composing a dreamlike landscape.

During the tour, we visit the Duna Mayor and the formations of Tres Marías, capturing with our cameras the most striking spots and enjoying the silence and peace of the desert, perfect for meditation and reflection. We culminate the experience with sunset at the viewpoint of Ckary or Piedra del Coyote, accompanied by a snack and a refreshing pisco sour, while the colors of the sky merge with the shapes and textures of the Valley and the Cordillera. Our tour includes shared transportation from the agency, a bilingual guide in Spanish and English, and the option to start the route from a meeting point nearby if our lodging is located in the historic center. We bring light and comfortable clothes, sturdy footwear, hat, sunglasses and warm clothes for the afternoon, as well as enough water to keep ourselves hydrated. This day allows us to connect with the immensity of the desert, explore landscapes that seem from another world and let ourselves be amazed by the magic of the Valley of the Moon and the Cordillera de la Sal.

Day 11 - Altiplanic Lagoons, Red Stones & Chaxa Lagoon

We are going to visit the Altiplanic Lagoons, Piedras Rojas and Laguna Chaxa, exploring the most remote and awe‑inspiring landscapes of the Chilean Altiplano, where nature expresses itself in intense colors and surprising contrasts. Departing from San Pedro de Atacama, we venture into the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world, to discover unique ecosystems and geological formations that seem from another planet. The journey begins with a visit to the Altiplanic Lagoons, located over 4,000 meters above sea level, where water reflects the sky in turquoise tones and the wind caresses the surface in deep silence. These lagoons, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, are habitat of Andean flamingos and other species adapted to the extreme conditions of the Altiplano.

Continuing the journey, we arrive at Piedras Rojas, a place of impressive natural beauty characterized by intense red rock formations that contrast with the blue of the sky and the white of the salt. This surreal landscape, shaped by volcanic activity and erosion, offers a perfect setting for photography and contemplation. Finally, the tour culminates at Laguna Chaxa, located in the Salar de Atacama, where saline waters host a large population of flamingos and other migratory birds. The landscape, with its changing colors and tranquil atmosphere, invites reflection and awe at the majesty of nature. This tour includes transportation to and from the hotel, a bilingual guide and entrance fees to the national parks, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of the Chilean Altiplano.

Day 12 - Geysers of Tatio

The tour to the Tatio Geysers from San Pedro de Atacama offers a unique experience in the heart of the driest desert in the world, where the earth expresses itself through steam and heat. Just 90 km from San Pedro de Atacama, the geothermal field of the Tatio Geysers, located at 4,320 meters above sea level, surprises with more than 80 active geysers that shoot columns of steam at dawn — a natural spectacle especially impressive between 6:00 and 7:00 am, when the combination of extreme cold and hot steam creates a magical atmosphere. The excursion begins very early with hotel pickup, allowing arrival in time to witness the show. Upon arrival, visitors can walk among the geysers and observe fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and unique geothermal formations while receiving explanations from a bilingual guide about the geology and history of the site. Afterwards, breakfast is enjoyed in the park area to recharge before continuing the adventure to Machuca, a small and picturesque Andean village with traditional architecture and a privileged natural environment. Finally, the tour concludes with the return to San Pedro de Atacama, carrying with them the excitement of having witnessed one of the most impressive geothermal phenomena in the world. The tour includes transportation to and from the hotel, a bilingual guide, and breakfast, while the entrance to the geothermal park is not included. It is recommended to bring warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water to fully enjoy this unforgettable experience.

Day 13 - Andean Altiplano: Salt Flats Route

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we immerse ourselves in the majesty of the Chilean Altiplano, exploring landscapes of great beauty and contrast. We begin our journey at the Salar de Quisquiro, at 4,200 meters above sea level, where the vastness of the salt flat and its extreme climate offer us a unique experience of tranquility and contemplation. We continue toward the Salar de Aguas Calientes, marveling at its reddish and white tones and, depending on the time of year, observing flamingos and other Andean birds in their natural habitat. On our journey we stop at Las Vegas de Quepiaco, an oasis in the middle of the desert where water and vegetation create a surprising and life‑filled landscape, offering us an ideal space to connect with nature. Then, we delve into the geological history of the region at La Pacana Caldera, vestige of ancient volcanic eruptions, and behold the impressive rock formations of the Monjes de la Pacana, natural sculptures that rise majestically in the desert, giving us unforgettable views and unique photographic opportunities.

During the tour we have shared transportation from our hotel, a bilingual guide in Spanish and English, breakfast and snack, and we carry out the experience in a small group of up to 14 people to enjoy it more personally. We depart early in the morning and return by midday to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. We bring warm clothing, comfortable footwear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and sufficient water to accompany us. We reach a maximum altitude of 4,800 meters above sea level, and we follow safety guidelines: not suitable for pregnant women or children under 10 years, and caution is recommended for those with uncontrolled hypertension. On this journey we allow ourselves to be amazed by the contrasts, colors and shapes of the Andean Altiplano, exploring and admiring nature in its most pure and awe‑inspiring state.

Day 14 - Altiplanic Lagoons: Green & White, Salvador Dali Desert, Pulques Hot Springs, Laguna Colorada & Sol de Mañana - Huayllajara

We leave San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to go to the Chilean-Bolivian border at Hito Cajón, 4,500 metres, where we take a transfer before going on to San Juan del Rosario, our night time destination. Along the route we pass the Altiplanos lakes, a true show of natural colours commencing with the White lake (laguna blanca), Green lake (laguna verde) and then later the Red lake (laguna colorada). All the lakes are covered with pink flamingos and andino birds.

The lakes are situated in the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve of Fauna Andina in Potosí and take their colourings from their mineral content. The emerald green lake is produced by the presence of magnesium. The Red lake, which is closest to the Chilean border, is produced by the presence of algaes that change from brown to strong red in colour. These lakes are ideal for the breeding of Flamingos because of their mineral content.

The Sol de Mañana is the zone where we come across the Laguna Colorada on the way to the Salar de Chalviri that is at an altitude of 5,0000 metres. This region in particular has a lot of volcanic activity with the presence of geysers that are in the craters of lava that are in a state of boiling the water. The geysers give out plumes of water that reach up to 20 metres and are a combination of water and vapour. This landscape seems to takes us back to the creation of the land.

On the way we make a point of seeing the 'Arbol de piedra', Stone tree. It is a natural geomorphic formation produced by wind erosion. After, we pass the Siloli Desert famous for its rock formations and considered part of the Atacama Desert and the entrance to the Eduardo Abaroa National Fauna Reserve. We arrive at an altitude of 4,000 and the road becomes one of sand and minerals. Once we arrive at Los Flamencos Ecolodge we relax after the journey.

Day 15 - Siloli Desert, Stone Tree, Kara, Kachi & Negra Lagoons, Villages of Julaca and Alota & Sunset in the Salar de Uyuni

After breakfast, we will depart from Huayllajara at 7:30 AM heading to the Siloli Desert, one of the driest and highest regions of the Bolivian altiplano. The Siloli Desert is located at about 4,500 meters above sea level and is part of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. It is one of the most arid deserts on the planet as rainfall is very scarce, and it serves as the entrance to the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. The surroundings offer a majestic view of colorful volcanoes and plains with large herds of vicuñas and abundant wildlife.

There we will visit the famous Stone Tree, a curious rock formation shaped by wind erosion, an icon of the area and one of the most emblematic postcards of southwest Bolivia. Then we will continue our journey towards the beautiful Kara Lagoon and Kachi Lagoon, two high Andean lagoons surrounded by an impressive landscape and changing colors depending on the time of day. Later, we will head north until we reach the Black Lagoon (also known as Laguna Turquiri), a volcanic-origin water mirror surrounded by rocks and typical altiplano vegetation. In this lagoon, black Andean ducks, a species typical of the region, can be spotted.

On the way to our accommodation, we will cross the small towns of Julaca and Alota, which offer a glimpse of rural Andean life, with adobe constructions and traditional corrals for llamas and alpacas. At the end of the afternoon, before heading to the lodging, we will enter the Uyuni Salt Flat to enjoy an unforgettable sunset over this immense salt plain, one of the largest and most spectacular in the world. Then we will return to our accommodation in Villa Candelaria, where we will spend the night.

Day 16 - Salar de Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, Colchani & Uyuni - Tupiza

We then visit the Incahuasi Island that is right in the middle of the salt deposits and in the Quechua language is translated as the 'House of the Inca'. We have lunch at the Island restaurant where the tables are made out of salt. Here we can take a trail round the island where we can see many huge cacti that are up to 10 metres of height and experience the sensational cobalt blue skies. We then travel on to San Juan del Rosario where we have dinner and sleep.

We visit the Uyuni Salt Flat. Here we encounter a great plain of salt on the altiplanos where the horizons seem infinite. The salt plains are the largest on earth, an incredible sea of salt that you cannot imagine. It gives the sensation of an unending ice field. At night the stars shine so brilliantly and are reflected on the plains. Many say there is a fusion of the stars and earth at this point and time stops to hear the sound of the frozen wind. The salt plain covers 25,000 square kilometers and lies at 3,660 metres. All year round the temperature oscillates between -25°C during the night and 20°C during the day generating a altitudal climate with little rain and strong solar radiation.

We also visit Colchani on the edge of the salt plains. Its indigenous population is dedicated to the artisanal extraction of the salt. They live in another dimension of time. Colchani is not a tourist town although the Indians are used to a flow of tourists. There are many ruined and abandoned houses that show the economic effect of its closed railway station.

We will know the surroundings of Uyuni, where we will visit the Train Cemetery. A site full of old-fashioned railway machines that take us back many years when the splendor of mining flooded railroads into Bolivia. In fact, the first railroad was Uyuni - Antofagasta at the end of the 19th century. This transported silver from the Huanchaca mines. That was the beginning of the route that today goes from Oruro to Villazón. When this precious material was finished, he left localities such as Atocha or Tupiza, which depended on the passage of the train.

Then we continue the journey to Tupiza.

Day 17 - Palmira Gorge, Valle de los Machos, Inca Canyon & Duende Canyon, San Juan del Oro

We depart early in the morning to explore a fascinating combination of multicolored rock formations, rivers, valleys, quebradas, and canyons. Our first destination is the Quebrada de Palala, with its impressive irregular formations sculpted by erosion over the years. We continue toward Tambillo, passing through lush willows, and follow the river upstream toward Monterrico and Charahota, where large sandstone rocks, wildflower stretches, and flocks of birds are evident. We will also visit “La Poronga,” a peculiar 50‑meter tall phallic natural monument.

We return to Tupiza and then head south toward the Quebrada de Palmira, a region of canyons and gullies with red clay walls and vertical mountains. Here lies the Puerta del Diablo, a rock formation which, according to local legend, was created when the devil split a rock while fleeing with a cholita during carnival. Further north, we reach the Valle de los Machos, located at 3,071 m above sea level, with curious wind‑shaped rock formations known for their phallic appearance. We finish the route in the imposing Cañón del Inca, a majestic natural gorge.

In the afternoon we enter **Toroyoj**, a dreamlike corner where nature surrenders to rest and contemplation. Surrounded by imposing rock formations rising like colored spears toward the sky, at its feet whispers the river San Juan del Oro, caressing the landscape with its freshness. Here you can walk among ancient stones and, if you wish, immerse yourself in the clear river waters, letting time dissolve in its current.

The journey continues along trails winding among mountains until we reach the **Cañón del Duende**, a narrow and majestic natural passage named after a rock formation atop it that evokes the figure of an ancestral elf. We will walk among its shadows, hearing the echo of ancient land, sensing how the wind tells stories only this place knows. Further on, we approach **El Angosto**, a narrow passage where only the Tupiza River fits, forcing its way between the red mountain walls. We cross this singular point and continue toward **Entre Ríos**, where the San Juan del Oro meets the Tupiza in a powerful liquid embrace. We will ascend to a viewpoint, from which the view unfolds in all its magnificence: infinite valleys, intertwined rivers, and, in the heart of the landscape, **La Torre**, a monumental solitary rock rising in the valley, like an eternal lookout over the passage of time.

Day 18 - From Tupiza to La Quiaca, Yavi & Villazón - San Salvador de Jujuy

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Villazón. Border crossing to reach La Quiaca.

Breakfast in the hotel. We visit the city and after go Yavi, known for its historic chapel. La Quiaca is on the Bolivian border with its sister Bolivian town of Villazón and they are connected by an international bridge. At the beginning of the 20th century a railroad was built from La Puna to La Quiaca and here it crosses the river Quiaca by a viaduct of three arches.

La Quiaca has developed over time and became important from the middle of the last century. There is an incessant transfer of people from the Altiplano Andino, typified by their puneña clothing. We also visit the Yavi, another important north eastern town due to its historical routes and then cross the bridge to get to know the Bolivian town of Villazón. We will return to San Salvador de Jujuy. If you want to see other excursion options in Jujuy, click here: Tours in Jujuy.

Day 19 - Iruya: Mountain Village

In the morning, we will leave Jujuy to embark on a journey to Iruya, passing through the picturesque villages of Iturbe and Chaupi Rodeo, nestled in typical landscapes of northern Argentina, where nature shows itself in all its splendor. We will ascend to Abra del Cóndor, at 4,000 meters above sea level, the highest point of the journey, enjoying stunning panoramas of mountains and valleys. Then we will begin the descent over approximately 19 km, during which we can observe how the colors of the landscape change surprisingly: from the intense green of the wild vegetation to purple and violet tones, always accompanied by the Colanzuli River, which winds through the hills and follows our path until we reach Iruya.

This mountain village seems to emerge from the very rock: its cobblestone streets, adobe houses, and red tile roofs blend into the landscape, offering a view of great beauty and authenticity. In Iruya, we can stroll through its historic center, enjoy the tranquility of the place, and capture unique photographs of its natural surroundings, where local culture and the traditions of the highlands are felt in every corner. At the end of the day, we will return to San Salvador de Jujuy (or Salta, depending on the accommodation), traveling again this spectacular mountain road, full of panoramic views and color contrasts that make this excursion an unforgettable experience.

Day 20 - Valleys & Dams - Yala Lagoons & Reyes Hot Springs

Valleys & Dams

We pass by the dams of La Ciénaga and Las Maderas and then return by the town of San Antonio, one of the best conserved settlements of the valley distinguished by its artisanal cheeses and a manufacturer of dulces in La Almona. Finally we go to the Los Alisos dam before returning to San Salvador de Jujuy.

Yala Lagoons & Reyes Hot Springs

We journey from San Salvador to the Yala lakes that are some 20km from the city. Here there is an imposing group of six small lakes situated at an altitude of 2000m surrounded by the exuberant green of the alder and pine forests. We ascend by the mountain pass to a trout fishing area. The lakes are in the Provincial Park. Potrero de Yala, and are classed as a Biospheric Reserve that is a protected part of Jujuy and the North East. Yala is an ideal place to practice adventure sports, fishing and ecotourism. This region is part of the Jujuy Valleys and is similar to the National Park of Calilegua. Later we leave Yala to go to Reyes by an isolated very picturesque route where we find the panoramic viewpoint of la Quebrada, a giant mountain fissure.

Day 21 - San Salvador de Jujuy

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Jujuy Airport for the flight to Buenos Aires.