Salta, Atacama, Uyuni & Jujuy in 12 Days

We begin our journey in Salta, exploring its colonial city and the fertile Calchaquí Valleys up to Cafayate, where the wine reflects the light of the sunset. We are awestruck by the colors of Purmamarca and cross into Chile to discover the Atacama Altiplano: surreal lagoons, the Tatio geysers at dawn, and the Salvador Dalí desert, dotted with hot springs inviting contemplation. The climax of the trip awaits us at the Salar de Uyuni, a vast white mirror where we explore Incahuasi Island and feel the immensity of the Andes in every horizon. The return to Argentina takes us through canyons and ravines to La Quiaca, Villazón, and Tupiza, completing a journey that connects extraordinary landscapes, vibrant culture, and experiences that will stay etched in our memories forever.

Between the Heights of the Altiplano and the Salt of Uyuni:
An Epic Journey Through Andes and Deserts

We embark on a journey that blends history, culture, and otherworldly landscapes. Our adventure begins in Salta, “La Linda,” discovering its colonial architecture and the warmth of its people, before wandering through the fertile Calchaquí Valleys and the vineyards of Cafayate, where each glass of wine captures the golden light of sunset. The journey continues along the road that leads us to the vast Salinas Grandes, before reaching colorful Purmamarca, with its Hill of Seven Colors seemingly painted by the hand of time. Crossing into Chile, we immerse ourselves in the heart of the Atacama Highlands, where nature unveils its most fascinating creations: the Altiplanic Lagoons, the Tatio Geysers at dawn, the majestic Green Lagoon, the surreal Salvador Dalí Desert, and the Polques Hot Springs — a peaceful oasis in the middle of the desert.

The climax of this adventure awaits at the Salar de Uyuni, the largest mirror on Earth. We walk across its endless white expanse, explore Incahuasi Island dotted with giant cacti, and gaze upon a horizon where sky and land merge in an unparalleled spectacle. Among the Siloli Desert and its stone trees, high-altitude villages, and vividly colored lagoons, every moment connects us with the power and silence of the Andes. Returning to Argentina, we cross Tupiza, La Quiaca, and Villazón, passing through canyons, gorges, and valleys that invite us to see life with new eyes. This journey is more than geography — it is an encounter with the grandeur of nature, the living history of the Andean peoples, and the thrill of experiencing unique moments that will remain forever in our memory.

Salta, Atacama, Uyuni & Jujuy in 12 Days
DAYS
12 Days - 11 Nights
DESTINATIONS
Salta, Atacama, Uyuni, Jujuy
INCLUDED TOURS
  1. Exploring Salta
  2. Calchaquí Valleys via Cafayate
  3. Salinas Grandes & Purmamarca
  4. Altiplanic Lagoons, Piedras Rojas & Laguna Chaxa
  5. Tatio Geyser
  6. Andean High Plateau: Route of the Salt Flats
  7. Altiplanic Lagoons: Green & White, Salvador Dali Desert
  8. Siloli Desert, Stone Tree & Sunset at Uyuni Salt Flat
  9. Uyuni Salt Flat, Incahuasi Island, Colchani & Uyuni
  10. Palmira Gorge, Valley of the Machos, Inca Canyon & Goblin Canyon
  11. Yavi, La Quiaca & Villazón
OPTIONAL TOURS
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HOTELS
DESTINATIONS STANDARD INTERMEDIATE SUPERIOR
SALTA Inkai Casa Real Legado Mítico
PURMAMARCA Refugio del Coquena Posta de Purmamarca Manantial del Silencio
ATACAMA Casa de Don Tomás (UP) Casa de Don Tomás Noi Casa Atacama
BOLIVIA ALTIPL Tayka del Desierto (UP) Tayka del Desierto Malku Cueva
UYUNI Nido de Flamenco Cristales de Sal Jardines de Uyuni
TUPIZA Mitru Express La Torre ----------
SERVICES INCLUDED
  • Accommodation with breakfast according to the selected hotel category
  • Transfers detailed in the itinerary
  • Regular excursions detailed in the itinerary (except optional tours)
  • Bilingual Guide Spanish-English
  • Coordination throughout the trip
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED
  • International airfare
  • Domestic flights
  • National park entrance fees
  • Optional excursions detailed in the itinerary

12 Days - 11 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 via 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 - The Journey to the Clouds - 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 will head towards the city of San Pedro de Atacama by regular bus through 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 - Andean Altiplano: Route of the Salt Flats

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

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

Day 8 - Altiplano Lagoons: Green & White, 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 9 - Siloli Desert, Stone Tree, Kara, Kachi & Negra Lagoons, Julaca and 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 10 - 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 then continue our journey to Tupiza.

Day 11 - 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.

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Day 12 - From Tupiza to La Quiaca, Yavi & Villazón - Return to Jujuy

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Villazón. Cross the border to arrive at 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.


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