THE ESSENTIAL OF THE ALTIPLANIC DESERTS

DAY 1 BUENOS AIRES. D

Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, we make a panoramic tour of the city, visiting the most relevant places. In the evening, we attend a dinner show to appreciate the magnetism of tango.

DAY 2 BUENOS AIRES / SALTA. B

Arrival and reception at Salta’s airport. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, the city awaits us to explore it by foot, walking along its streets, churches, colonial buildings and visiting the MAAM.

Maximum altitude: 1.152 MASL (3.779 ft.)

DAY 3 SALTA / CAFAYATE. B

Departure to start our trip through the Calchaquíes Valleys, passing by the Obispo Slope, Del Tin Tin Straight, Los Cardones National Park, Cachi and De Las Flechas Gorge. Arrival at Cafayate.

Travel time: 12 hours – Maximum altitude: 3.348 MASL (10.984 ft.)

DAY 4 CAFAYATE / SALTA. B

In the morning, we visited the town, museum, and winery to undertake the return to Salta touring the Quebrada de Cafayate and its formations. Arrival and Accommodation

Travel time: 7 hours  – Maximum altitude: 1.683 MASL (5.522 ft.)

DAY 5 SALTA / PURMAMARCA. B

Early departure travelling through Del Toro Gorge in order to get to know the small town of San Antonio de los Cobres. After lunch (not included), we continue across the Puna up to Salinas Grandes Salt Flat and then we start descending through De Lipán Slope to Purmamarca.

Travel time: 10 hours  – Maximum altitude: 4.170 MASL (13.681 ft.)

DAY 6 PURMAMARCA / ATACAMA. B

In the morning, departure towards San Pedro de Atacama, passing by Paso de Jama border crossing.  Arrival at this oasis in the middle of the desert.

Travel time: 7 hours

Maximum altitude: 4.400 MASL (14.436 ft.)

DAY 7 ATACAMA. B

Departure to the Altiplanic Lagoons, which represent one of the seven sectors that embrace Los Flamencos National Reserve along with Chaxa Lagoon in the Atacama Salt Flat. During the tour, we visit the Miscanti, Miñiques and Toconao Lagoons.

Travel time: 7-8 hours  / Maximum altitude: 4.220 MASL (13.845 ft.)

DAY 8 ATACAMA. B

Early departure to El Tatio Geysers, the highest geothermal field in the world where we observe the steam and fumaroles produced by the high temperatures of its craters. During the afternoon, we enjoy the sunset in De La Luna Valley.

Travel time: 9 hours /  Maximum altitude: 4.320 MASL (14.173 ft.)

DAY 9 ATACAMA / VILLAMAR. B L D

Departure to the border with Bolivia, Hito Cajón, from there we continue to the Verde lagoon, Dalí Valley, hot springs of Chaviri, Geysers of the Morning and the Laguna Colorada where we will appreciate the flamingos of James, unique in the world. Arrival in Villamar.

Travel time: 8 hours / Maximum altitude: 4.990 MASL (16.371 ft.)

DAY 10 MALKU / COLCHANI. B L D

In the morning visit to the Cave Paintings and Fort Necropolis of Tomas Lakjas, Valley of the Rocks and then continue to Uyuni passing by the towns of Culpina and San Cristóbal. During the trip and before going to Colchani, we visit the Cemetery of Trains to finally arrive at Colchani, where we stay at a salt hotel.

Travel time: 8 hours / Maximum altitude: 3.550 MASL (11.647 ft.)

DAY 11 COLCHANI. B L D

Today we explore Uyuni Salt Flat, the largest in the world. During the tour, we will visit a salt processing plant, the Incahuasi Island where we can observe the giant Cactus, and the Pucara de Ayque. After enjoying lunch, which will be served on the Salt Flat, we have fun with a photo session and then we enjoy the sunset.

Maximum altitude: 3.600 MASL (11.811 ft.)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      DAY 12 COLCHANI / PURMAMARCA. B L

Very early in the morning, departure towards Atocha’s mining centre and Tupiza, in order to arrive then at La Quiaca, from where once we do the migrations procedures, we continue through the Humahuaca Gorge, a Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity.

Travel time: 12 hours / Maximum altitude: 4.220 MASL (13.845 ft.)

DAY 13 PURMAMARCA / SALTA. B

We explore the Humahuaca Gorge, Humanity’s Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Travel time: 3 hours / Maximum altitude: 3.000 MASL (9.843 ft.)

DAY 14 SALTA / BUENOS AIRES. B

In the morning, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 15 BUENOS AIRES. B

Day at leisure. At due time, transfer to the airport.

What’s included:

• Needed transfers
• Accommodation: 14 nights
• Buenos Aires (2) – Salta (3) – Cafayate (1) – Purmamaca (2) – Atacama (3) – Malku (1)- Colchani (2)
• Tours:
• Buenos Aires: City tour – Dinner tango show
• Salta: Walking tour with MAAM – De Las Flechas, Cafayate and Del Toro Gorges
• Jujuy: Humahuaca Gorge
• Atacama: Altiplanic Lagoons – Atacama Salt Flat – El Tatio Geysers – De La Luna Valley
• Uyuni: Colores Lagoons – De La Mañana Geysers – Uyuni Salt Flat
• Meals: 14 breakfasts – 4 lunches – 4 dinners
• Neededtickets to the Parks, Reserves, and museums

Operational notes:

Day 2: It is required to arrive by flight before 2PM

The High Mountain Museum is closed on Mondays. Due to the closure of Cabildo (MAR) and Mercado de San Miguel (DOM). the points of interest to visit will be modified.

 Day 4: The Vine and Wine Museum closes on Mondays.

Day 6: Please, ask about the frequency of the bus Purmamarca – S.P. de Atacama.

Day 9: From May to October, the  access to Colores Lagoon and De la Mañana Geysers in Bolivia can be affected due to weather conditions.

Day 11: From December to April, due to the rains, access to the salt flat, Incahuasi Island and the Pucara de Ayque can be affected.

To keep in mind:

• Due to the characteristics of the Puna, we recommend that people with respiratory, cardiac or pressure illnesses take special care.