Expedition Trans Atacama

Departure from Salta for this amazing 11-day expedition from the "Puna de Atacama" in Argentina to Atacama flat salt in Chili and the Altiplano of Bolivia (Laguna Colorada):
An amazing proposal to explore the vast and varied geography of the desert of Atacama, boasting the most incredible landscapes. Inhospitable land with mysterious remains, cradle to rich pre-Columbian cultures. A territory urging us to recall its customs, inviting us to adventure....

Cachi - Cafayate
Altitude max: 2000 meters.
Departure from Salta Airport or Bus station. Our first destination is the Calchaquíes Valleys area, going through a wonderful gorge called "Quebrada del río Las Conchas", colored sandstone formations eroded by wind and rain. After a 120-km-long drive we reach
the valley and Cafayate (10.000 inhabitants) where we will lunch and visit one of the wineries.
54 kms of paved road will take us into the Tucumán Province, to the Quilmes INN (double rooms with private bathroom): after checking in we may visit the local ruins (2.000 m above sea leve) walking around for an hour.

Puna de Atacama

Into the Puna
2 nights at Antofagasta - Archeology and Vulcanoes. (altitude max: 4000 meters)
The landscapes become more and more desert-like as we travel. Mountain roads with huge climbing sand dunes are the scenery on the way to the edge of the Puna region: the big mountain plateau at 3.500 m above sea level.
Then the road is a straight line across the desert and the wild life (vicunas and foxes) tells us where we are: right in the middle of nowhere.
After many hours driving we will get to the village Antofagasta de la Sierra, situated among volcanoes. Now the road is an old lava flow of black stones and you will surely believe you have been transported to another planet. A breath-taking experience.

Tolar Grande
Over the Salt Lakes. Altitude max: 4000 meters. Leaving Antofagasta de la Sierra, we continue westwards up to Antofalla, our first Salt Lake: its formation process involves millions of years of rains carrying the natural salt sediments from the mountains down to the flat areas plus the evaporation effect due to strong solar radiation. "Antofalla" is a beautiful example where we can also see islands of old lava flow from the ancient Antofalla Volcano snow-capped in the background. On its side we get to the small village of Antofalla where we will share lunch in a family house. After lunch we go north where we will cross over 85 km of pure salt on the biggest salt lake in Argentina: Salar de Arizaro. The salt is white during the first part of the crossing to then turn red. It´s just like being on the Moon first and then jumping onto Mars!  The space trip finishes at Tolar Grande, a small lost village at 3400 meters high.

San Pedro de Atacama
Altitude max: 4600 meters. Leaving Tolar Grande, we start dreaming.
We enter The Valley of the Dreams: red sandstone mountains, strange rock formations and a few salt lakes with striking color contrast.
After the Valley area, there is yet another salt lake called "Pocitos", before crossing the border Argentina-Chile at "Paso de Sico" (4079 m). We visit the amazing Laguna Miniques and Miscanti lying at 4000 meters high before crossing the Salt lake of Atacama and finally arrive at San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Another long, glorious day is over.
The next 2 days, we will explore and visit the geyser field of Tatio at 4200 meter high and trek to the natural thermal bathes of Puritama...

Laguna Colorada
"Laguna Verde y Colorada ".
Full day in Bolivia exploring the outstanding Launa Azul y Colorada, home of the andean flaments.

Salinas grandes - Tilcara
"To Tilcara by Jama pass " (altitude max: 4800 meters) Leaving San Pedro de Atacama, we drive to Jama pass with the imponent view of Volcano Licamcabur. Susco, Salinas Grandes, Pumamarca and the 7 colors mount before reaching after a long day the typical city of Tilcara.

Quebrada de Humahuaca
We drive north to the The Quebrada, wide canion with extraordinary landscapes, with a millenary culture and lots of historic events that took place during its infinite existence. Then we arrive to Purmamarca, a very beautiful little town with its famous "Cerro de los 7 Colores", its typical square plaza with art crafts for sale. There we can't miss the traditional walk of the "Colorados". Then, we continue north visiting all the small towns that show us their way of living, cultivating fruits and vegetables and sheep too. This people cultivate their land the same way it was done 100 years ago. Once in La Banda, an archaeological site will be discovered before enjoying the warm welcome of an aborigine tribe who will be waiting for us with a traditional lamb barbecue and potatoes. After lunch we will visit Humahuaca before driving to Salta by the corniche path. Farewell dinner.