Puna Experience: spectacular high desert and the world's largest salt lake

Private tour for 2 people with personal guide/driver

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Private tour for 2 people with personal guide/driver

from/to Salta

7 days (6 nights)

Maximum 2 people

private guide

7 days / 6 nights from / to Salta

The spectacular Puna region is a high desert with wide plains in northwestern Argentina.
With your private guide (who can also be your driver), you will explore the foothills of the Andes, long valleys, and small settlements. You will also cross the Salar de Arizaro, the highest salt lake in the world.
For the trip at altitudes between 3,500 and 4,200 meters, you need to be in good physical condition.
Discover the wild and untouched nature of the high desert and one of the largest salt lakes in the world, the Salar de Arizaro.

Stephanie Gräf

Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Make an appointment

Good to know

This trip is a customized trip that we plan just for you. We are happy to adjust the rental car category, accommodations, route, and duration to suit your needs.

Arrival: We will be happy to provide you with a personalized quote including flight arrival and departure.

Pre- and post-program: Extend your trip a little longer. Buenos Aires & Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt, and the Pampas await you!

Entry requirements: German citizens need only a passport (valid for at least 6 months after their return date) to enter Argentina.

The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

HIGHLIGHTS

Puna high desert: vast plains at an altitude of 3,500 m to 4,200 m, crisscrossed by mountain ranges of the Andes and valleys.
Salar de Arizaro: Salt lake near Tolar Grande at an altitude of 3,500 meters
Mina Casualidad: a ghost town at an altitude of 4,200 meters, surrounded by the highest volcanoes on earth – mines used to operate here and the minerals extracted were transported by train to Salta.
Laguna Grande: up to 19,000 flamingos nest here in summer
Cafayate: famous wine region, known for its fragrant, aromatic white wines

itinerary

7-day excursion package from/to Salta with private tour guide

Day 1: Salta
After your arrival in Salta (1,200 m), transfer (without guide) to your finca on the outskirts of Salta.
(D)

Day 2: Salta – Quebrada del Toro – San Antonio de los Cobres – Tolar Grande (approx. 350 km, approx. 6 hours, highest point 4,630 m)
Drive through the Quebrada del Toro gorge and the village of San Antonio de los Cobres to Tolar Grande (3,500 m). The small village lies on the edge of one of the largest salt lakes in the world, the Salar de Arizaro.
(B/L/D)

Day 3: Tolar Grande – Mina Casualidad – Tolar Grande (approx. 310 km, approx. 7 hours, highest point 5,200 m)
Visit Mina Casualidad, a ghost town that was once known for its numerous mines and quarries. From Caipe, the town's old train station, you have an incredible panoramic view of the huge salt lake Salar de Arizaro. In the afternoon, return to Tolar Grande (3,500 m). Today, an alternative tour is also possible with a shorter drive and a maximum altitude of 4,000 m.
(B/BL/D)

Day 4: Tolar Grande – Antofagasta de la Sierra – El Peñón (approx. 340 km, approx. 7 hours, highest point 4,500 m)
After crossing the Arizaro Salt Lake, you will reach the Antofalla oasis in the middle of the desert. It encompasses a wide, green valley where pure spring water flows and various tree species thrive and blossom. You will then reach the village of Antofagasta de la Sierra, with more than 2,000 inhabitants who still follow their ancient traditions and maintain their original culture. Continue to El Peñón (3,400 m).
(B/BL/D)

Day 5: El Peñón – Campo de Piedra Pomez – Laguna Grande – El Peñón (approx. 130 km, approx. 7 hours, highest point 4,200 m)
In the morning, you will take a trip to Campo de Piedra Pomez, a strange and impressive rocky landscape. In the afternoon, continue to Laguna Grande, a salt lake of unique beauty where you can observe Puna flamingos.
(B/BL/D)

Note: Laguna Grande is frozen over in winter (approx. May–September). Alternatively, the trip passes by the Carachi Pampa volcano.

Day 6: El Peñón – Cafayate – Quebrada de las Conchas – Salta (approx. 490 km, approx. 7 hours, highest point 4,100 m)
Drive past white lagoons and narrow desert canyons to Cafayate, which lies amidst green vineyards. In the afternoon, drive through the Quebrada de las Conchas, with its extraordinary rock formations, back to Salta (1,200 m) to your hotel.
(B/L)

Day 7: Salta
Transfer (without guide) to the airport.

(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner

Dates & Prices

Request your trip here!

Travel dates: We can offer you this trip every day, all year round.
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

We plan this trip individually for you. The price depends on the season and the booking date.

Prices and dates are subject to confirmation by the local partner agencies. Surcharges may apply for New Year's Eve, Easter, and local holidays.

We plan this trip individually for you. The price depends on the season and the booking date.

Prices and dates are subject to confirmation by the local partner agencies. Surcharges may apply for New Year's Eve, Easter, and local holidays.

date	Price per person	further information
Jan–Dec	starting at 2.826 € Surcharge for single room: approx. $625 Surcharge for German-speaking tour guide on days 2–6: €695 per person	Arrival is possible every day.

date

Price per person

further information

Jan–Dec

starting at 2.826 €

Surcharge for single room: approx. $625

Surcharge for German-speaking tour guide on days 2–6: €695 per person

Arrival is possible every day.

Information

Included services:

Overnight stays in double rooms in typical local hosterías
Meals as per the program
Excursions, transfers, sightseeing tours, and entrance fees as described
English-speaking local tour guide
Environmental contribution green climate

Not included in the price:

Tips, drinks, and personal expenses

Information about your trip:

Everything from a single source: also bookable with flights from Germany/Austria/Switzerland
exclusively for 2 people
Program changes possible due to weather conditions
Due to the altitude, this trip is not suitable for people suffering from cardiovascular problems and/or high blood pressure.
Note Day 5: In winter (approx. May-September), Laguna Grande is frozen over. Alternatively, the trip passes by the Carachi Pampa volcano.
We would be happy to organize pre- and post-programs in Chile and/or Argentina for you, e.g., city breaks in Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile, excursions to Tierra del Fuego National Park near Ushuaia, and visits to the famous calving glacier Perito Moreno.