10 Days:Buenos Aires, Salta, Purmamarca, Tolar Grande, Antofagasta de la Sierra & Cafayate

Tour Overview:
Visit Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, one of Argentina’s most historic places. Take a tango lesson and enjoy the magnetism of this world-famous form of dance. Depart for the Humahuaca Gorge in Purmamarca, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and discover gorgeous towns and mountains, gorges, and salt flats. Explore stunning lagoons before arriving in Antofagasta de la Sierra, home to Galan Volcano – the largest crater on the planet.

Day 1 – Buenos Aires

Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we make a panoramic tour of the city. We start in Plaza de Mayo, witness to the most important events of the country from 1810, to then continue to the neighborhood of La Boca and finish in Palermo and Recoleta. In the evening, we attend a dinner show where we take a tango lesson, learn the basic steps of this rhythm, and then enjoy the magnetism of tango. (D)

Day 2 – Buenos Aires / Salta / Purmamarca

Transfer to the airport to board the flight to Salta. Arrival and reception at the airport. We briefly visit the city, its streets, colonial buildings and the High Mountain Archaeology Museum (MAAM). After lunch, departure to Purmamarca, in the province of Jujuy.Accommodation.(BL)
Travelled distance: 207 km (129 miles)
Travel time: 4 hours
Max. Altitude: 2.324 MASL (7.625 ft.)
(Note: The Town Hall and the MAAM close on Mondays. San Miguel Market closes on Sundays. During these days the itinerary may be modified)

Day 3 – Purmamarca

Today we enjoy the Humahuaca Gorge, a Cultural and Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Get stunned by the beauty of the towns and mountains as we get to know Las Señoritas Gorge, El Hornocal and Cerro de los Catorce Colores (Mountain of the Fourteen Colors). (BL)
Travelled distance: 319 km (198 miles)
Travel time: 9/10 hours
Max. Altitude: 4.200 MASL (13.780 ft.)

Day 4 – Purmamarca / Tolar Grande

In the morning, departure towards Salinas Grandes. Soon afterwards, we leave behind the province of Jujuy to go back to Salta and arrive at San Antonio de los Cobres, where we have lunch. We start our journey to Tolar Grande, passing by outstanding deserts and salt flats. Arrival in Tolar Grande, tiny town of 400 inhabitants.(BLD)
Travelled distance: 319 km (198 miles)
Travel time: 9 hours
Max. Altitude: 4.500 MASL (14.764 ft.)

Day 5 – Tolar Grande

Departure to mine La Casualidad Camp, located at 4.200 MASL, which used to be the most important sulfur mine of the region. This visit unveils the history and secrets of what today is a ghost town. On the way back, we visit the Cono de Arita, an eye-catching 122-meter-high (400 ft.) volcanic formation. (BLD)
Travelled distance: 283 km (176 miles)
Travel time: 09/10 hours
Max. Altitude: 4.550 MASL (14.928 ft.)
(Note: The visit to La Casualidad Mine’s Camp is subject to weather conditions. If it is not possible to arrive there, it will be replaced by Santa Maria Lagoon and El Arenal (Sand Dune)

Day 6 – Tolar Grande / Antofagasta de la Sierra

Before leaving Tolar Grande, we visit Ojos de Mar (Sea Eyes), lagoons of turquoise water, that contain some curious microorganisms. We begin our way to Antofagasta passing by Antofalla Salt Flat, the largest of Argentina. After lunch, we ascend through the barren scenery of the Calaste Gorge and finally reach Antofagasta de la Sierra. (BLD)
Travelled distance: 283 km (176 miles)
Travel time: 09/10 hours
Max. Altitude: 4.620 MASL (15.157 ft.)

Day 7 – Antofagasta de la Sierra

We start the trip to Galán Volcano, the largest crater on the planet. On the way there, we pass by the Grande Lagoon (4.150 MASL-13.615 ft.), which has been declared RAMSAR Site (International Treaty of Conservation and Rational Use of Humidity) because during summer months it attracts a population of over 10.000 flamingos. Once inside the crater we see the Diamond Lagoon, a striking mirror due to the colour of its waters. (BLD)
Travelled distance: 350 km (217 miles)
Travel time: 12 hours
Max. Altitude: 4.760 MASL (15.617 ft.)
(Note: The trip to Galan Volcano can be done by the traditional or by an alternative. It remains subjected to weather and route conditions)

Day 8 – Antofagasta de la Sierra/ Cafayate

We leave the village to start the road to Cafayate. After a few kilometers, we enter a secondary trail to arrive at one one of the jewels of the Catamarca’s Puna: The Pómez Stone Field. We immerse in a trail while we admire the Carachi Pampa Volcano and its lava field. Once we arrive there, we descend and walk through a stone field, result of millenary erosion, which because of its importance was declared a Natural Protected Area. After a time at leisure, we continue towards Cafayate by De Randolfo Slope and BarrancaLargaHualfin and De Los Quilmes Ruins, finally arriving at Cafayate. (BL)
Travelled distance: 458 km (285 miles)
Travel time: 11 hours
Max. Altitude: 4.050 MASL (13.287 ft.)

Day 9 – Cafayate / Salta

After a short visit to the small city and lunch. Return to Salta through the Cafayate Gorge, characterized by its strange formations product of water and wind erosion. Arrival and accommodation.(BL)
Travelled distance: 192 km (119 miles)
Travel time: 4 hours
Max. Altitude: 1.660 MASL (5.446 ft.)
(Note: The Vine and Wine Museum closes on Mondays)

Day 10 – Salta / Buenos Aires

At due time, transfer to the airport to board your scheduled flight. (B)

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