PUNA EXPERIENCE: CATAMARCA

We will pick you up at the Salta airport/hotel. 

We will cross the picturesque Lerma Valley along the National Route 68, entering the beautiful Quebrada de las Conchas.

Upon arrival in Cafayate, we will leave our baggages at the designed accommodation.

In the afternoon, we will head to the impressive Quebrada de las Flechas, to enjoy the sunset light, traveling approximately 60 km along National Route 40.

Night in Cafayate.

We will leave Cafayate via RN 40, heading south and crossing a vast portion of the stunning Calchaquí Valleys.

After passing Hualfín, in the province of Catamarca, we will turn west onto RP 43, beginning our ascent into the Puna.

Along the way, we will be accompanied by breathtaking landscapes—valleys, unique geological formations, dunes, salt flats, volcanoes, and graceful vicuñas.

Upon reaching Antofagasta de la Sierra (3,100 m.a.s.l.), we will settle into our lodge before setting off to explore the nearby Antofagasta and Alumbrera volcanoes.

There, we will await the sunset to capture the dramatic black lava fields in the fading light.

Overnight in Antofagasta.

After breakfast, we will set off for Quebrada de Calalaste, continuing our journey to Antofalla, a small village on the northern edge of the salt flat that shares its name.

There, we will have lunch and take a break. If time allows, we can also visit the village, home to about 30 residents.

Later, we will head toward Laguna Verde or Ojos del Campo. It is important to note that access to these sites is regulated by the Kolla Atacameña community of Antofalla, so our visit will depend on their authorization.

After sunset, we will return to the village for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Night in Antofalla.

Skirting and crossing the vast Antofalla Salt Flat once more, we will journey towards Quebrada del Diablo, where the ever-changing landscape will continue to astonish us at every turn.

Our route will then take us to El Peñón, where we will settle in before setting off at the perfect moment to explore the breathtaking Pumice Stone Field.

There, we will walk among its surreal formations and capture its beauty in the golden light of sunset.

Afterward, we will return to El Peñón for dinner and rest.

In the early morning, before daylight breaks, we will depart for Laguna Grande, where large flocks of flamingos gather. There, we will capture the sunrise in this breathtaking setting.

Next, we will continue to the caldera of Volcán Galán—one of the largest in the world, spanning nearly 50 km in diameter. Entering a volcano is a truly fascinating experience! Within the caldera, we will visit Laguna Diamante and the Hervideros, where fumaroles reveal traces of ancient volcanic activity.

We will enjoy lunch on-site before retracing our route back to El Peñón.

Night in El Peñón.

Depending on the number of vehicles in the expedition and the weather conditions at the time, we will determine whether to travel on tracks and gravel roads—most of the route being off-road—or to take asphalt roads.

Regardless of the route chosen, it will be a long journey through stunning landscapes, culminating in our arrival at Fiambalá. There, we will enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Night in Fiambalá.

Early in the morning, we will set out for the Balcón del Pissis, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking one of the towering volcanoes above 6,000 meters along the “Ruta de los Seismiles”.

From this altitude, the vast landscape—dotted with volcanoes, salt flats, and shimmering lagoons—will feel truly otherworldly.

After taking in the panoramic views, we will return to Fiambalá to relax and unwind at the Thermal Complex.

Night in Fiambalá.

We will journey between Fiambalá and Tinogasta, making stops at the most significant landmarks along the Adobe Route.

Our destination will be the Perro Guardián Boutique Winery, where we will explore its vineyards, tour the winery, and learn about the rich history of the family behind it.

After enjoying a delightful lunch on-site, we will return to Fiambalá for a well-deserved rest before setting off to the Tatón Dunes. There, we will capture an unforgettable sunset in this stunning landscape.

Night in Fiambalá.

On our final day of travel, we will embark on a long journey through familiar yet equally breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, we hope to capture some locations, such as the Quebrada de las Conchas, in even better lighting than on the first day.

Photographic stops will depend on various factors, as we have a long drive ahead back to the city of Salta.

After breakfast, we bid farewell—until the next adventure!