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

Departure from San Pedro de Atacama heading toward the border. After completing the immigration procedures, we continue into Bolivia to begin our journey through the stunning landscapes of the Andean altiplano, characterized by volcanoes, vast plains, and remarkable natural formations. The first visits are to Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, located at the foot of the majestic Licancabur Volcano. Their waters, with intense white and emerald tones, create a unique scenic landscape, especially when the wind intensifies the lagoon’s green color. Next, we visit the Dalí Desert, named for its scattered rock formations that resemble a surrealist landscape. It is a wide and silent environment where shapes and colors seem taken from a painting.

The journey continues toward Polques (hot springs), where you can enjoy a bath in its natural warm-water pools, surrounded by a volcanic setting. Meanwhile, lunch is prepared in the middle of this high-altitude landscape. Afterwards, we visit the “Sol de Mañana” geysers, the highest point of the circuit at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level. There, you can observe fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and geothermal activity that reveals the region’s intense volcanic energy. Further along, we arrive at the impressive Laguna Colorada, famous for the reddish color of its waters due to the presence of algae and mineral sediments. It is also home to numerous colonies of Andean flamingos, beautifully contrasting with the surrounding landscape. Finally, accommodation is provided in the Huayllajara area, a small community near the lagoon, where you can rest surrounded by the vastness and silence of the Bolivian altiplano.

Day 16 - Siloli Desert, Stone Tree, Kara, Kachi & Negra Lagoons, Julaca & Alota Villages & Sunset at the Salar de Uyuni

After breakfast, departure from Huayllajara toward the Siloli Desert, a vast high-altitude region characterized by its arid landscapes, endless plains, and rock formations shaped by wind erosion over thousands of years. This environment, of great scenic beauty and marked isolation, reflects the raw power of nature. Here, we visit the famous Stone Tree, a unique natural formation sculpted by the wind which, due to its silhouette, resembles a solitary tree in the middle of the desert and has become one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks of the Bolivian altiplano. The journey continues toward the Kara and Kachi lagoons, small Andean lagoons with calm waters, surrounded by vast open landscapes and natural habitats for various bird species, where the immensity and silence characteristic of the region can be fully appreciated.

We then proceed to Laguna Turquiri, also known as Black Lagoon, recognized for the dark tone of its waters and the richness of its high-Andean wildlife, including the Andean black duck and other bird species adapted to the extreme conditions of the altiplano. Later, the route passes through the villages of Julaca and Alota, small rural communities primarily dedicated to agriculture and livestock, offering insight into daily life in this remote region of Bolivia. Finally, arrival in the Candelaria area, where accommodation is scheduled. At the end of the day, we enter the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world and one of the most breathtaking landscapes in South America, to enjoy the sunset, when the colors of the sky reflect on the white surface, creating a unique natural spectacle. Afterwards, return to the accommodation.

Important note: Rainy season

During the rainy season (generally between January and April), the salt flat may accumulate significant amounts of water, transforming the landscape into a spectacular “mirror effect,” but it may also make access to certain areas and nearby accommodations more difficult. If weather conditions prevent access to Candelaria, accommodation will be reorganized in Uyuni or Colchani, towns located near the salt flat with greater hotel infrastructure. This decision is always made prioritizing passenger safety and the proper operation of the program, without affecting the planned visits.

Day 17 - Salar de Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi, Colchani & Uyuni - Tupiza

On this day, you will cross the vast Salar de Uyuni (3,650 m above sea level), the largest salt flat in the world, with an area of approximately 12,000 km². This extraordinary white landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a unique sense of infinity. During the journey, you can enjoy the sunrise over the salar, a special moment when the light transforms the colors of the sky and, at certain times of the year, the famous mirror effect occurs. From various points on the salar, the imposing Tunupa Volcano can be seen rising on the horizon, providing a spectacular scenic backdrop. The salar is composed of multiple layers of salt, with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 10 meters and an estimated depth of 120 meters. In addition to its natural beauty, it is one of the world’s largest mineral reserves, including lithium, magnesium, potassium, and borax.

During the crossing, you will visit some of the islands that emerge in the middle of the white expanse, the most notable being Incahuasi Island, formed by volcanic rock and covered with giant centenary cacti. From there, you can enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of the salar. In the surrounding area, the so-called Ojos de Agua can also be seen, small springs that emerge from within the salar and act as natural vents. Upon leaving the salar, a visit is made to Colchani, a small village where salt is processed artisanally. Here, it is possible to learn the traditional extraction method and find crafts made from salt, as well as alpaca and llama wool textiles. Finally, the tour includes the Train Cemetery, a historic site where old locomotives and wagons from the 19th and early 20th centuries rest, remnants of the region’s railway and mining boom. Afterwards, arrival in central Uyuni, then continuation south toward Tupiza.

Note: During the rainy season (approximately January to April), if the salar is flooded, it is not possible to visit Incahuasi Island, as it becomes completely surrounded and isolated by water.

We continue the journey to Tupiza.

Day 18 - Palmira Gorge, Valle de los Machos & Inca Canyon

We depart early in the morning to explore a fascinating combination of multicolored rock formations, rivers, valleys, ravines, and canyons. The first destination is Quebrada de Palala, featuring impressive irregular formations sculpted by erosion over the years. We continue toward Tambillo, passing through 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 observed. We will also visit La Poronga, a unique natural monument with a phallic shape, approximately 50 meters high.

We return to Tupiza and then head south toward Quebrada de Palmira, a region of canyons and ravines with red clay walls and towering vertical mountains. Here lies the Puerta del Diablo, 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 Valle de los Machos, located at 3,071 meters above sea level, a unique landscape where the wind has shaped enormous rock formations into curious phallic shapes and slender natural towers. This valley combines the grandeur of its mountains with open spaces that allow visitors to appreciate the vastness of the altiplano and its high-altitude adapted flora and fauna.

We conclude the tour at the impressive Cañón del Inca, a majestic natural gorge with vertical rock walls and intense colors, where the erosive force of rivers and the passage of time can be clearly perceived. Its dramatic shapes and depth create a spectacular setting for geology and photography enthusiasts, offering a unique glimpse into how natural elements have sculpted this landscape over millennia.

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.

Contact-Us Booking Form