Andean Puna Desert from Salta and Catamarca, Argentina

Andean Puna Desert
Andean Puna Desert

Duration: 5 days

Travellers:2+

Destination: from Salta and Catamarca

Average Elevation: 3800msnm

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Multi Day Adventures Tours

5 Day epic Expedition through the Andean Puna Desert from Salta and Catamarca, Argentina

This 5 day trip is an unforgettable experience through the Argentine Puna desert, driving through exceptionally beautiful salt flats and deserts, crossing over 4.000 mt. high mountain passes, , admiring volcanoes, lagoons with flamingos and the old railway to Chile.

Day by Day

DAY 1: Salta city - Toro canon - San Antonio de los cobres- Pocito salt flat - Tolar Grande

Distance: 100 km paved road. 250 km gravel road.
Altitude: Highest point 4.500 m./ 14.764 feet. Tolar Grande 3.500 m. / 11.483 feet.
Estimated driving time: 7 hs.
Tour Highlights : Toro canon,The Labyrinth and the Devil's Desert.
Overnight : Tolar Grande.

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DAY 2: Tolar Grande, Caipe tren station, Rio Grande salt flat, Casualidad Mine

Distance: 130 km paved road. 180 km earth track and salt road.
Altitude: Highest point 5.200 m./ 17.060 feet. Tolar Grande 3.500 m. / 11.483 feet.
Estimated driving time: 7 hs.
Tour Highlights : Ojos de mar ,chain of volcanoes view, Puna desert sunset.
Overnight : Tolar Grande.

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DAY 3: Tolar Grande - Cono de Arita - Antofallita - Antofagasta de la Sierra

Distance: 300 km earth track and salt road.
Altitude: Highest point 4.500 m./ 14.764 feet. Antofagasta de la Sierra 3.320 m. / 10.155 feet.
Estimated driving time: 7 hs.
Tour Highlights : Arita cone,Antofalla salt flat view.
Overnight : Antofagasta de la Sierra.

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DAY 4: Antofagasta de la Sierra town - Pomes field - Carachi Pampa lake (nigth Antofagasta de la sierra)

Distance: 150 km of earth, gravel.
Altitude: Highest point 3320 m./ 10.155 feet.
Estimated driving time: 6 to 7 hs.
Tour Highlights : The Dune,Pomes field,sighting of flamingos.
Overnight : Antofagasta de la Sierra.

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DAY 5: Antofagasta de la Sierra - Hualfin - Cafayate - Las Conchas gorge - Salta city. End of the trip

Distance: 490 km paved road. 50 km gravel road.
Altitude: Highest point 4.100 m./ 13.451 feet. Salta 1.200 m. / 3.937 feet.
Estimated driving time: 8 hs.
Tour Highlights : Las Conchas gorge.
Overnight : Salta city.

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Be prepared , what bring ?

All visitor know this, you need to be prepared before going for a long tour in this region of Argentina. Be aware that Salta and Catamarca are situated at a high altitude which means protect your skin! I came up with a list of things you should have in your backpack.
Here are the must-haves:
- High protection sunscreen (50+)
- Lips protection sunscreen
- hat
- Sunglasses
- Windbreaker jacket or duvet jacket
- Your camera (for the amazing landscapes)
- personal belongings

Seasons

Are you planning to visit between January- and April? You can expect an average of 35°c during the day. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops to 15°c. From May to August the temperature is around 15° during the day. However, be prepared because as soon as the sun disappears temperatures will drop to around 5°c. So, remember to never underestimate the South American weather and bring appropriate garments!