A Dream Journey Through the North:
The Power of the Jungle, the Calm of the Valleys, the Vastness of the Salt Flats, and the Magic of the Altiplano

21 Days - 20 Nights

Day 1 - Arrival in Iguazú

Reception at Iguazú Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - Iguazú Falls: Argentina Side

We will do one of the most interesting excursions through the hanging bridges, which will lead us to visit the stunning Falls from the Argentine side. Then we will get to the Devil's Gorge and be dazzled by its rough waters, a nature spectacles at a height of 80 meters. In the Lower Area (Circuito Inferior) we will enjoy the rich wildlife around us, as we go down the flight of steps where we can watch the spectacle offered by this water curtain surrounded by thick vegetation. We will pass by Álvar Núñez Fall, from where we will enjoy the first views of the Devil's Gorge. Following the path, we will find San Martín Island and the homonymous Fall. Finally, at the end of trip we will find Bosetti and Dos Hermanas Falls. We can stay and appreciate this spectacle of waters and get refreshed since the steam from the waves breaking on the rocks will spray us completely.

We will continue our trip, this time in the Upper Area (Circuito Superior), where we will go around the same falls but from a different point of view of the Falls and their surroundings. Besides, we will get close to our next destination, the most stunning, which will guide us through the roaring of the water currents. We will get to the Devil's Gorge's station by train, and start our trip around the islands, and thus, have a wider view of this great nature "mistake" in the middle of the forest created, according to a legend, by the angry God of Iguazú River.

Full Moon (optional in Argentine Falls) We will enjoy this unique trip at night with a full moon, which will allow us to appreciate the sounds and secrets of Misiones forest. We will leave on the Ecologic Train and head for Devil's Gorge Station, where we will capture the first sounds of nature, which creates a magic and mysterious environment. The spectacle offered by the Falls, with the rainbow that appears from the waters with the moon reflection, will completely dazzle us. Besides, once within this overwhelming environment, we will get the movements and sounds of the animals that go for their food. After such a magnificent experience, we will return by train to the travelers' center.

Day 3 - Iguazú Falls: Brazil Side

Here we will have a very beautiful trip through the only hanging bridge of 1 km to enjoy the view of Iguazú Falls from the other side, the Brazilian region. During this trip we can also learn more about the fauna and flora, enjoy a unique landscape of the falls since the area is more open regarding falls because most of them are on the Argentine side and form a water curtain of 2.700 meters wide. So from this side we will be dazzled by the beauty of the Devil's Gorge to the full.

Besides, this place is home to rare wildlife species, some of them in danger of extinction such as giant otters, anteaters, jaguars, red deer and yellow alligators. We will also see native flowers such as orchids, bromelias and thousands of butterflies.

Note: We have to bear in mind that this trip is available only 5 days per month during the full moon; two days before, two days after, and during that period. We have also to take into consideration that the capacity for this activity is limited and, of course, it depends on the weather conditions that day. If you want to see other excursion options in Iguazu, click here: Tours in Iguazu.

Day 4 - Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio & Wanda Mines

We will go round the famous Jesuitical Ruins, which were declared in 1984 as World Heritage by the UNESCO. In this trip to this magnificent place, we will enjoy the landscape and watch the different towns and plantations. These are the remains of a civilization created by Guarani people and founded in 1610 precisely by the Jesuitical people. We will learn about building techniques, life and habits of aborigines and how they were educated in the catechism by the Jesuitical people. The remains of the 30 towns established by these people are hidden within the forests of countries like Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

Then we will head for Wanda Mines, at 40 km from Iguazú Port, where we will enjoy the extreme beauty of these semi-precious stones such as quartz, amethyst, agate and topaz. These are opencast mines located by Paraná River, which makes it an unforgettable landscape surrounded by plantations of pines, yerba mate, tea, etc. As we move forward through the paths, we will be dazzled by the variety of colors of these gems. An interesting fact to have in mind is that the mine was named after a Polish princess who liked these stones. We can buy some of these beautiful precious stones as souvenirs.

Day 5 - From Iguazú to Salta

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to Iguazú Airport. Reception and transfer from Salta Airport to the hotel.

Day 6 - 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 7 - Calchaquí Valleys via Cafayate

We will continue our journey from Cafayate, by visiting the Calchaquí Valleys. We visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in contrast to the hills in the background of various shades, and then cover the most traditional wineries in this beautiful city between valleys and hills of an impressive green color, which is the most important outstanding Valles Calchaquíes above all, for its Torrontes wines, ideal for temperature and humidity to the development of this kind of grape with a sweet and fruity flavor, along with goat cheese instead. The name of the city is due to an old native settlement, which means "Burial of the penalties."

We will have the pleasure to taste wines from some wineries. We continue to visit the Archaeological Museum where many objects that belonged to aboriginal people and has led to much research, excavation, restoration and exhibition of the same is to be made.

We marvel when entering field curious and very striking ways, through Quebrada de las Conchas, where we see figures like the Devil's Throat, the Amphitheater, wonderful place where you can hear the echo of any sound perfectly and which are carried out various folklore festivals, the Obelisk which is a solitary rock, Castles bright red reminiscent of medieval castles, Yesera with clear sandstone formations, the House of Parrots as the stone walls have holes that are home to large flocks of parrots during the summer, the Friar, the Frog and the impressive Garganta del Diablo Salta, shaped like a human trachea and also named for its color.

We stop in Germany, one, impossible not stop to admire the old manor houses among green hills in station no longer used, now we can see the beautiful works of craftsmen who invite lead lonely people a cute memory of this town. We prepare to descend through the valleys.

We get to Dique Cabra Corral, near Coronel Moldes, an ideal place for water sports site, passing through towns where the farming activities such as El Carril, where several foragers companies snuff and develops can also be seen plantations fig, walnut and peach trees, La Merced with its clean streets and green spaces make it very picturesque, and Cerrillos. All these towns belong to Valle de Lerma, where it is said, according to the legends that have arisen, there are treasures which come from mines that were found and they are hidden somewhere between the hills. We will continue towards the city of Salta, through stunning scenery changing with every curve colorful magnificent as the reddish hills, ocher of dry grass, gray stones and green cactus. We sleep in Salta.

Day 8 - Calchaquí Valleys via 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 9 - 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 10 - 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 11 - Purmamarca - San Pedro de Atacama

Breakfast at the hotel. We depart for 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 12 - 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 13 - 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 14 - 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 15 - 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 16 - 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 17 - Salar de Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi, 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.

We continue the journey to Tupiza.

Day 18 - 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 19 - From Tupiza to La Quiaca, Yavi & Villazón - San Salvador de Jujuy

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer 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.

Day 20 - 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 21 - San Salvador de Jujuy

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

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