Magical Andes: From Salta to the Northern Salt Flats

9 Days - 8 Nights

Day 1 - Discovering Salta, La Linda

Reception and transfer from Salta Airport to the hotel.

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 2 - 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 3 - La Quiaca, Abra Pampa, Yavi & Villazón - Tupiza (Bolivia)

In the far north of Argentina lie ancient lands that preserve the legends of an old marquisate, located in a green oasis in the heart of the Jujuy highlands, right on the border with our brother country Bolivia and on the way to Cuzco, combining tradition, landscapes, and commerce.

Departing from Salta or San Salvador de Jujuy, the journey passes through the towns of Yala, Lozano, Volcán, and Tumbaya, until reaching Purmamarca, where a brief visit to the village is made. The route then continues to the Posta de Hornillos, Uquía (famous for its paintings of arquebusier angels from the Cuzco school), and Huacalera, finally arriving in Humahuaca, at 2,600 meters above sea level, where the Monument to Independence and the main square are visited.

The journey continues along the same route through Abra Pampa, known as “The Argentine Siberia,” so named by its inhabitants, most of whom are of Syrian descent. From there, the route continues to La Quiaca, with free time for lunch (a light lunch is recommended). La Quiaca is located on the border with Bolivia. In the early 20th century, the railroad arrived from the Puna to the border, where the terminal station and a viaduct with three arches over the La Quiaca River were built. La Quiaca has developed over time, gaining importance since the mid-20th century. It is a place of constant movement of Andean highland people, easily recognized by their traditional puna clothing. After a brief rest, the nearby village of Yavi is visited, with its impressive gold-plated church and its rich history as part of the Marquisate of Tojo. The Museum of the House of the Marquis and the old mill are faithful representations of the remains of this ancient marquisate. After touring the village, the journey returns to La Quiaca to cross the border and visit Villazón (Bolivia), famous for its extensive market.

In the afternoon, we will meet at the Quiaca-Villazón International Bridge at the agreed time to continue the journey to the town of Tupiza, approximately 90 km from Villazón. We will spend the night in Tupiza.

Day 4 - Tupiza, Uyuni, Colchani, Salar de Uyuni & Isla Incahuasi

Departure from Tupiza to begin the tour. A few minutes from the city, visit the Train Cemetery, a historic site where old locomotives and wagons from the late 19th and early 20th centuries rest, remnants of the region’s railway and mining boom. Then continue to Colchani, a small village dedicated to the artisanal processing of salt. Here, it is possible to observe the traditional extraction method, as well as purchase crafts made from salt and textiles from llama and alpaca wool.

Enter the Salar de Uyuni, crossing its vast white surface to reach various points of interest such as the famous Salt Stairs, the Ojos del Salar — small natural springs emerging from the ground — and the traditional Salt Mounds, conical piles that are part of the drying and extraction process. The tour includes a stop at the first Salt Hotel (now a museum), built entirely from salt blocks, where lunch is served amidst this unique landscape. Afterwards, time to take the classic perspective photographs that the salar allows, thanks to its infinite horizon and lack of reference points.

In the afternoon, visit Incahuasi Island (during the dry season), a volcanic rock formation covered with giant centenary cacti. From its summit, spectacular panoramic views of the salar and the surrounding Andean landscape can be enjoyed. At the end of the day, a strategic point near the edge of the salar is chosen to watch the sunset, when the colors of the sky contrast with the vast white expanse, creating an unforgettable experience. Finally, transfer to the salt hotel for the night.

Important note: During the rainy season (generally January to April), if the salar has abundant water, accommodation may be in Colchani or Uyuni instead of Villa Candelaria, depending on weather and access conditions. In the rainy season, when water levels are high, the visit to Incahuasi Island may not be possible for safety reasons.

Day 5 - Altiplano Lagoons, Siloli Desert & Laguna Colorada

Departure from the accommodation, crossing small villages such as Julaca and Alota, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the rural communities of the Altiplano. Next, we arrive at Laguna Turquiri, also known as Laguna Negra, where high Andean birds, including the black Andean duck, can be observed in a calm, natural setting. The route continues to the Kara and Kachi Lagoons, two beautiful Andean lagoons surrounded by wide open landscapes, ideal for enjoying the wildlife and tranquility of the Altiplano.

Later, we reach the Siloli Desert, known for the impressive combination of colors in its mountains and its unique rock formations, before visiting the famous Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra), a curious rock formation sculpted by the wind that has become an iconic landmark of the region. Finally, the tour includes the Laguna Colorada, famous for its intense reddish color and as home to numerous colonies of Andean flamingos. Here, you can walk around the lagoon and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The day concludes in Huayllajara, a small village near the lagoon, where accommodation is provided.

Day 6 - Geysers, Sol de Mañana, Salvador Dali Desert, Polques Hot Springs, Laguna Verde

Early in the morning, visit the geysers and fumaroles, an area of intense geothermal activity where steam and bubbles of hot water emerge from the ground, creating a spectacular and breathtaking landscape. Next, pass through Polques, where the hot springs are located, known for their mineral properties and volcanic surroundings; on this occasion, swimming will not be possible, but it is an ideal spot to enjoy the scenery and the geothermal activity of the area. Further along, arrive at the Dalí Desert, a place of mountains and rock formations with surreal colors reminiscent of the paintings of artist Salvador Dalí, with petrified lava and shapes that seem taken from a fantasy world.

The next stop is Laguna Verde, located at the foot of the imposing Licancabur Volcano. Its waters take on an intense emerald green color due to the presence of minerals such as arsenic and magnesium, offering an incredible contrast with the surrounding arid and volcanic landscape. The lagoon is located on the border between Chile and Bolivia, marking one of the most emblematic points of the Altiplano. Finally, transfer to the border, from where the journey continues by shared minivan to San Pedro de Atacama, crossing the Chilean Altiplano again and enjoying the stunning landscape until reaching the city.

Day 7 - Altiplano Lagoons, Red Rocks & Laguna Chaxa

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 8 - Geysers del 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 9 - San Pedro de Atacama - Salta

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the bus terminal in San Pedro de Atacama. Reception at the bus terminal in Salta.