Altiplanic Adventure Route:
A Journey Through the Treasures of Northwestern South America

14 Days - 13 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 - Calchaquí Valleys through Cafayate

We will to Calafate 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. We will get ready to descend through the valleys. 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 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 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 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 be pleasured to taste some wineries´wines.

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).

Day 3 - Salinas Grandes - Purmamarca

We will set out to visit the Salinas Grandes and Purmamarca. The first town we will pass through on our journey is Campo Quijano, a quiet town notable for the Las Lomitas Dam, offering beautiful views of its fields and green hills, such as the landscape of the Arenales River in El Encón. It is a traditional town in the Lerma Valley, known as the gateway to the Puna, through which the tracks of the Train to the Clouds pass. We continue along the road passing the Blanco River, surrounded by pure nature, reaching Quebrada del Toro, which extends to Puerta Tastil, a small pre-Columbian town that reached its peak in the 14th century and then mysteriously disappeared; in this town, the Blanco River appears again along the road.

The pre-Hispanic city of Tastil represents the "gateway" to the Quebrada de las Cuevas, where we can find the archaeological ruins of Tastil. We continue through Abra Blanca, located at 4,080 meters above sea level, to San Antonio de los Cobres, a small town situated at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, famous for hosting the National Festival of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and for being the highest point of the Train to the Clouds tour.

We will continue along Route 40 towards the Salinas Grandes, already in Jujuy, located at an average of 3,450 meters above sea level. These extend through the region known as Puna Jujeña. The origin of the salt flats dates back 5 to 10 million years, when the basin of this salar was covered by water with a significant amount of salts due to volcanic activity, and gradually the evaporation of this water gave rise to this large salt flat, which is a spectacle for the eyes due to the contrast with the sky. We will descend the Cuesta de Lipán to the town of Purmamarca, located at the foot of the Cerro de los Siete Colores.

Day 4 - Purmamarca - San Pedro de Atacama

Breakfast at the hotel. We depart for the city of San Pedro de Atacama by regular bus via the Jama Pass. Reception at the San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal and transfer to the hotel.

Day 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - Altiplano Lagoons: Verde & Blanca, Salvador Dali Desert, Polques 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 8 - Siloli Desert, Stone Tree, Kara, Kachi & Negra Lagoons, Julaca & Alota Villages & Sunset at 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 9 - Salar de Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi, Colchani & Uyuni - Arrival in Potosí

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.

We will transfer to the Uyuni bus terminal to take the bus to Potosí. Reception at the Potosí bus terminal and transfer to the hotel.

Day 10 - Exploring Potosí: Casa de la Moneda and Convento de Santa Teresa

Breakfast at the hotel. We will tour Potosí, a city declared a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. It was named by Charles V of Spain in the 17th century as the Imperial Villa of Charles V. Its growth was unplanned, and in the 17th century, it was considered one of the three most important cities in the world, alongside Paris and London.

We will visit the Church of San Lorenzo and San Francisco, built between 1728 and 1744 in mestizo baroque style, to admire its beautiful and impressive façade along with its museum, the Compañía Tower, the Cobija Arch, the Casa de la Moneda, the Santa Teresa Convent Museum, and the Artisan Market located in the colonial quarter. The Casa de la Moneda is the most important colonial building in all of South America, built between 1750 and 1773, and was used for mineral processing during colonial times.

The Santa Teresa Convent dates back to 1691 and houses a considerable collection of religious paintings and objects of great value. The gardens with countless flowers enhance the beauty of its colonial courtyards with semicircular arches. The nuns who inhabit the convent make marzipan sweets, continuing a tradition from colonial times to the present day.

Day 11 - Colonial Hacienda Cayara

We will visit the best-preserved colonial hacienda in Bolivia. Located 20 km from Potosí, it retains original colonial furniture in its ancient rooms. Just 30 kilometers from the city of Potosí, in a quiet valley surrounded by the Andes mountains, Hacienda Cayara is one of the oldest estates in Bolivia, with a history dating back to 1557. This colonial house, built during the height of the viceroyalty, offers visitors an authentic experience combining heritage, history, and nature. Its adobe walls, wooden beams, and antique furnishings preserve the spirit of past times. The hacienda’s small museum houses original documents, colonial objects, and archaeological pieces that recount centuries of history. Its well-kept gardens, private chapel, and the surrounding rural landscapes invite rest, contemplation, and connection with the Andean essence. In the morning we depart from Potosí to Hacienda Cayara. Along the road, we pass the Devil’s Cave, a site full of Potosí legends. Upon arrival, we visit the colonial rooms, library, salons, corridors, chapel, etc. Lunch at the Hacienda, followed by a walk through the gardens, orchards, dairy farm, etc. Return to the city of Potosí.

Day 12 - Tarapaya Lagoon: Ojo del Inca & Colonial Mines

Tarapaya Lagoon: Ojo del Inca

We will depart in the morning to visit the Tarapaya Lagoon. Just 20 kilometers from the city of Potosí, in a peaceful mountainous setting, lies the Tarapaya Lagoon, also known as the Inca’s Bath. This natural hot spring lagoon has been appreciated since pre-Hispanic times for its healing properties and scenic beauty. Fed by underground springs, the lagoon maintains a warm temperature year-round, making it a perfect destination to relax after exploring Potosí’s high altitude. According to tradition, even Inca nobles came to this place to rest and purify themselves. Surrounded by nature and gentle hills, Tarapaya Lagoon offers a unique experience: an open-air thermal bath in a site full of history and Andean mysticism.

Colonial Mines: Cerro Rico

We head toward the Colonial Mines, visiting the Mining Market. We will enter the Mine where one can see the different customs of the miners and observe the various minerals. Discover the historical and human legacy of the legendary Cerro Rico de Potosí, symbol of the mining boom during the colonial period. This guided tour allows you to enter active mines where minerals are still extracted today, and to experience firsthand the harsh working conditions that have persisted since the 16th century. Along the way you will visit a traditional mining market, where workers buy their daily supplies, and you will be equipped with helmet, flashlight, and protective clothing to descend into the belly of the mountain. Inside the mine, you will observe narrow tunnels, rails, and the syncretic rituals the miners keep alive, such as offerings to "El Tío", the spirit protector of the galleries. An intense, authentic and moving experience that allows you to understand the history of colonial wealth and the current reality of Bolivian miners.

Day 13 - From Potosí to Tupiza: Valle de los Machos & Cañón del Inca

Breakfast at the hotel. We will travel from Potosí to Uyuni, then continue to Tupiza, arriving around noon.

In the afternoon, we set out to explore a fascinating combination of multicolored rock formations, rivers, valleys, ravines, and canyons. The first destination is the Palala Ravine, with impressive irregular formations sculpted by erosion over the years. We continue towards Tambillo, crossing lush willow trees, and follow the river upstream to Monterrico and Charahota, where large eroded sandstone rocks, stretches of wildflowers, and flocks of birds can be seen. We will also visit “La Poronga,” a peculiar natural monument with a phallic shape, approximately 50 meters high.

We return to Tupiza to then head south towards the Palmira Ravine, a region of canyons and cliffs with red clay walls and vertical mountains. Here is the Devil’s Gate, a rock formation that, according to local legend, was created when the devil split a rock while fleeing with a cholita during Carnival. Further north, we arrive at the Valley of the Males, located at 3,071 meters above sea level, with curious wind-shaped rock formations known for their phallic appearance. We finish the tour at the imposing Inca Canyon, a majestic natural gorge.

Day 14 - From Tupiza to Villazón: La Quiaca & Yavi - San Salvador de Jujuy

Breakfast at the hotel. We will travel from Tupiza to Villazón. Border crossing to reach La Quiaca.

In the far north of Argentina lie ancient lands that treasure 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 road to Cuzco, blending tradition, landscapes, and commerce. We will cross the international bridge to return to Argentine territory, going from Villazón to La Quiaca.

La Quiaca is located on the border with Bolivia. In the early 20th century, the railway 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 people from the Andean highlands, recognizable by their traditional puna clothing. Near La Quiaca we find another important town in northwestern Argentina, Yavi, rich in historical significance. We will head to Yavi (Marquisate of Tojo), 16 km from La Quiaca, known for its historic church with a beautiful altar and altarpiece, hand-carved and gold-leafed. The Museum of the House of the Marquis and the old mill are faithful reflections of the remnants of this ancient marquisate.

We then visit Abra Pampa, called the Argentine Siberia, a name given by the locals, mostly descendants of Syrians. There, we will get to know the Community of Indigenous Women of the Puna. We continue through Tres Cruces, the Devil’s Backbone, and onward to Humahuaca. In Humahuaca, located at 2,600 meters above sea level, we visit the Monument to Independence and its main square. We then continue to Huacalera, Uquía (where you can find paintings of arquebusier angels from the Cuzco school), the Posta de Hornillos, and pass through Tilcara, finishing our journey through the remaining stretch of the Quebrada de Humahuaca. We leave behind the towns of Purmamarca, Tumbaya, Volcán, Lozano, and Yala. We finally arrive in San Salvador de Jujuy.

Transfer to Gobernador Horacio Guzmán International Airport in San Salvador de Jujuy. End of our services.