On this Luxury Puna Itinerary in Atacama, arrive at the Salta Airport to travel to Cafayate to stay in exclusive accommodation and taste the best wines. Then immerse yourself in the Puna Region where you will enjoy beautiful landscapes of deserts, lagoons, salt flats, volcanoes and strange rock formations that will make you feel on another planet. Continue your trip exploring the colorful and magical Quebrada de Humahuaca, Purmamarca and the Cerro de los Siete Colores, Maimara, Uquia and much more. Finally visit Salta La Linda and fall in love with this beautiful colonial city. Enjoy this beautiful region exclusively on this 9 days Puna de Atacama Itinerary!
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On the first day of your Luxury Puna de Atacama Trip, your driver will be waiting for you at Salta Airport to take you to your accommodation in Cafayate. Cafayate is one of the most popular destinations in Argentina’s Northwest wine region. The area is renowned for its wines, especially its star variety, Torrontés. Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the region’s best wineries and vineyards. Visit El Esteco, Piatelli, or El Porvenir to taste exceptional Cafayate wines and learn about their production process.
Begin your journey from Cafayate to Antofagasta de las Sierras, crossing a small part of Tucumán to visit the Ruins of Quilmes, the most extensive pre-Columbian settlement in Argentina. Continue through Santa María, a charming city that preserves traces of both Inca and Hispanic cultures, with beautiful museums and colonial monuments. The route then passes through Hualfín, a typical Andean village on the ancient Inca Trail, and El Peñón, a remote town in the heart of the Puna. You’ll gradually ascend into the breathtaking Puna de Atacama, a vast highland desert of volcanoes, salt flats, and surreal rock formations. Arrive at Antofagasta de las Sierras to relax and recharge for the adventures ahead.
Set out to explore more of the Puna de Atacama region adventure. Today you will take a tour to Campo de Piedra Pómez, located in the department of Antofagasta de la Sierra. Here, the strong wind that descends from the Andes has carved in the rocks the most diverse forms creating correctors, and all kinds of fascinating sculptures. Witnessing of the intense volcanic activity of the region, the Campo de Piedra Pómez is a unique landscape that make you feel in another word. You also will visit the Laguna Carachi Pampa full of flamingos. After the tour you will came back to Antofagasta de las Sierras to finish your 3rd day of your Luxury Puna de Atacama Itinerary.
Continue your Luxury Puna de Atacama Trip exploring Antofalla, an isolated oasis in Catamarca province. To reach it, cross the impressive Salar de Antofalla and visit the striking Laguna Colorada, at the foot of the Carachi Pampa Volcano, where the water shines in deep red tones. Along the way, you may spot vicuñas grazing and flamingos resting in the lagoon. The journey continues to the vast Salar de Arizaro, over 3,000 meters above sea level—the third largest salt flat in South America. Rising from its surface stands the iconic Cone of Arita, a perfect natural pyramid of volcanic origin. Arrive in Tolar Grande to rest and enjoy the serenity of the Puna de Atacama.
Continue exploring the Puna de Atacama Region, in Jujuy Province and the amazing Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats). The Salinas Grandes, a vast saline of 212 km2 in full Puna at 3,450 meters high, is the second largest salt flat in South America and the world. An extension of salt that contrasts with the blue of the sky. Unique natural environment with its traditional artisanal exploitation of salt. The salt flat is shared by Salta and Jujuy provinces. After exploring the Salinas Grandes you will arrive at your accommodation, a unique glamping in the middle of the flats to continue enjoying its amazing views.
Continue your Luxury Puna de Atacama Itinerary traveling to San Pedro de Atacama, in Chile. You will travel for approximately 3 hours through National Route 52. Finally, you will reach Paso de Jama (Chilean border), and you will cross the border to spend the night at San pedro de Atacama.
Start early to witness the spectacular sunrise at the Tatio Geysers, where steam columns and boiling pools create a surreal landscape. The best time to visit is at dawn, when sunlight contrasts beautifully with the rising vapor, a perfect moment to enjoy breakfast outdoors. On the return, admire the region’s unique geology and wildlife, including vicuñas and vizcachas, before stopping in the charming village of Machuca, known for its adobe houses, artisan market, and traditional Andean dishes.
In the afternoon, explore the iconic Valley of the Moon, part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve. Its wind-sculpted formations and shifting desert colors at sunset will make you feel as if walking on another planet.
After breakfast, begin your journey through the Atacama Desert toward the charming indigenous town of Toconao, known for its white adobe houses and rich cultural heritage. If weather allows, visit Laguna Chaxa, home to numerous flamingos. Continue with a scenic one-hour trek to admire panoramic views of the salt flats and the stunning Miscanti and Miñiques lagoons, surrounded by volcanoes and inhabited by vicuñas, foxes, and flamingos. After lunch, explore the surreal landscape of Piedras Rojas, where the oxidation of iron paints the rocks in deep red hues. End the day visiting the Aguas Calientes Salt Flats, before returning to San Pedro de Atacama to rest after another extraordinary day in the Puna.
On the ninth day of your Luxury Puna de Atacama Trip, you’ll cross the border back into Argentina through the Paso de Jama. The first stop is Susques, a quiet village in Jujuy’s Puna region. Continue your journey descending the winding Cuesta de Lipán, reaching 4,170 meters above sea level at the Abra de Potrerillos. The route offers breathtaking views as you make your way to Purmamarca, famous for its stunning Hill of Seven Colors. Stroll through the village’s main square and colorful handicraft market before heading back to Salta “La Linda.” Enjoy a relaxing evening in this charming city as you prepare for the next stage of your adventure.
Take your transfer from House of Jasmines to Salta Airport and say goodbye to the Luxury Puna de Atacama Itinerary
Transportation throughout the trip
Accommodation
Expert local guides
Full support from your Travel Agent before, during, and after the trip
To start this journey, travelers will need to fly into Salta International Airport (SLA), located just outside Salta City. This airport receives flights from Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery – (AEP) and international connections via Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE).
Arrival Flight: Traveler flies from origin city to Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP), then connects with a domestic flight to Salta (SLA).
Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers will take a domestic flight from Salta (SLA) back to Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP) for onward international connections.
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There are no related accommodations.
Add extra nights in Cafayate to visit more vineyards and enjoy wine tastings.
Combine with Buenos Aires to experience the vibrant capital city.
Extend your trip to Iguazú Falls or Mendoza’s wine region.
Include relaxation time at luxury spa hotels or wellness retreats.
