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Published: 28-03-2023
The mountainous highlands of Northern Argentina are an incredibly stunning place to visit. Sitting at the foot of the Andes, it offers spectacular scenery of snow-capped volcanos, vast salt flats, and otherworldly rock formations. This lesser-visited part of the country takes you to one of the planet’s most remote landscapes, the arid high plateau of the Puna de Atacama. The incredible diversity of the natural terrain is mind-blowing allowing you to visit dazzling landscapes of giant white volcanic rocks, plummeting red canyons, and volcanic pyramids, and at the same time, visit small Andean villages that burst with character and the famous Argentian hospitality. Read on for more about our impressive Argentina- Full Puna tour here.
Cono de Arita
Buenos Aires
Your first port of call and probably where you will arrive in the country is the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires has so much happening, you could spend a lifetime trying to experience it all. It’s an intoxicating city that pulls you in and holds on to you with a magnetic grip, with its emblematic neighborhoods and tango culture, and even beyond the city limits, you can explore the many typical Argentine activities that the region has to offer.
Caminito Rooftops, Buenos Aires
Salta
Commonly referred to as Salta la Linda, or "the beautiful" the city offers visitors the opportunity to experience both Quechua and Andean culture and some exceptional regional foods like empanadas, which are claimed to be the best in the country. The well-preserved cobblestone streets and Spanish architecture help give the appearance that the city has got stuck in time since its foundation in 1582. Since the city didn’t receive as many European immigrants as other parts of Argentina, Salta has retained a lot of indigenous traditions and influence, which lends to its fabulous uniqueness. The Salta region is renowned for adventure activities and outdoor activities in the perfect natural setting, it's surprising that the Salta region doesn't see more visitors but it certainly adds to its charm.
Stunning Salta Church
Purmamarca
This beautiful village is neighbors with the brilliant Cerro de Los Siete Colores and it’s the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca. The must-do activity in Purmamarca revolves around its magnificent backdrop, El Cerro de Los Siete Colores (the Hill of the Seven Colors). Walk along the Paseo de Los Colorados, which is an incredible trail to this multicolored hill. You’ll have breathtaking views and get to witness the bright reds, pinks, golds, and greens that this rock formation is named for. Each of the layers is formed by a different type of sediment that accumulated from rivers and oceans over the past 600 million years. This picture-perfect adobe town is home to a large indigenous population and a huge, colorful artisan market that sets up each day on the town square. The whitewashed Spanish colonial buildings will transport you back in time, while the regional cuisine will remind you that you’re very much in Northern Argentina.
Rainbow Mountain, Purmamarca
The Tolar Grande
Argentina’s salt flats, located closer to Salta City, are a fabulous option to visit, and it’s a journey that is possible to do in a day. The salt flats, once a lake that has since dried up, leaving piles of salt are a natural masterpiece. The flats are at a very high altitude, and with the help of the bright sun, the vast whiteness is blinding (literally, so bring sunglasses). The drive up to the flats takes you through the red rocks, so once there; the stunning contrast will leave you speechless. You can also visit the copper-colored mountain of San Antonio de Los Cobres standing at a massive 3775 meters elevation, to this tiny village of just a few hundred people will take you through some of the most unearthly and beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see. The spectacular Cono de Arita volcano (which never had enough force to explode, hence the lack of a crater) was apparently used for ceremonial rites before the Incas arrived. You’re not allowed to climb the cone but you can walk up to the base.
Copper Mountains, Tolar Grande
Antofagasta
On the way to Antofagasta de la Sierra, we will head to Ojos del Mar. These stunning pools of salty, alkaline water are about 1km from Tolar Grande where stromatolites, one of the oldest life forms on our planet, still survive. The Galán Volcano allows access to the top of the crater (about 4900 meters) and, from there, you can spot the Diamante lagoon. If that was not enough, you can visit the Diamante lagoon crater lake is home to pink flamingos and ducks, as well as the nearby fumaroles and boilers too!
Ojo Del Solar
Cafayate
Cafayate is home to lots of incredible wineries from boutique to massive, all with impressive wines to offer. Cafayate is located relatively close to Salta City, and the drive there will have you stopping for constant photo ops as the scenery closely resembles that of America’s southwest, with red rocks and deep valleys. The vineyards in Cafayate produce a variety of different wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, and the local specialty (that should be on your wine radar if you’re into crisp white wines), Torrentes. Most of the wineries offer tours and tastings, but it’s always good to call ahead to ask about specific times and optional private tours as some of the wineries are so small that they might need a heads-up of your impending arrival. The Salta region has been growing in prominence and is now on the same level as Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region. Make sure you visit the Bodega El Esteco, one of the most beautiful estates in Cafayate that has a small luxury hotel on the property, as well as an elegant restaurant worth visiting. Grab a glass of El Esteco Don David Malbec Reserve 2016 and sit outside where the glimmering turquoise pool will mesmerize you as you sip away and enjoy the beauty that surrounds the property.
Cafayate Vineyard
Book this fascinating Argentina - Full Puna tour with Va Expeditions here!
