Print this trip dossier
Cookie Policy

Journey Latin America asks you to accept cookies for performance and social media purposes. We use cookies on our website to personalise content, evaluate website traffic and enhance performance. You can delete or restrict cookies via your web browser. To get more information about these cookies and the processing of your personal data see our Cookie Policy. Do you accept these cookies and the processing of personal data involved? Find out more


Follow us
Open now 02087478315
03098589426 Search

Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure
13 days from £3,464pp

Get in touch Book

Home

Destinations

Argentina

Holidays

Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure

  • Share

View Gallery

Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure

From £3,464pp

Check dates & Prices
Add to Wishlist
Tailor this trip

Looking for our address or phone number?

Full contact details Close
Send an Enquiry
*
Contact details
*
*
*
*
Enquiry
*
Print-Friendly dossier

Feeling as remote as the wilderness of Amazonia or Antarctica, the Puna de Atacama is a vast, other-worldly, arid landscape of extremes. On your six-day, guided expeditionary road trip you will be almost alone in rarefied, high-altitude desert mountain scenery as alien as the surface of Mars. 

A rugged plateau straddling Argentina and Chile, the Puna has intensely varied scenery with high mountain passes, salt-carpeted depressions and a crescent of volcanoes within which are glass-still lakes, pewter-shaded lava fields, ochre-hued volcanic cones and silvery pumice desert, slashed through by glacial streams. It's immense: the size of England, dotted with just a handful of hamlets. The region has been inhabited in the past: Inca ruins stab the volcanic peaks and ghost towns - abandoned mining villages - are fascinating to explore.

Your holiday here is bookended with a brief discovery of two of Argentina’s most fascinating historic cities, Buenos Aires and Salta. 

Holiday itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Buenos Aires.

Day 2

Guided walking tour of Retiro and Recoleta.

Day 3

Fly to Salta. Afternoon guided walking tour.

Day 4

At leisure in Salta. Optional day walks.

Day 5

Your expedition begins: drive to Purmamarca.

Day 6

Enter the Puna: drive to Tolar Grande.

Day 7

Explore the Puna from Tolar Grande.

Day 8

Further explorations of the Puna en route to El Peñon.

Day 9

Explore the unique, pearl-white pumice fields.

Day 10

Leave the Puna and descend to Cafayate.

Day 11

At leisure in Cafayate.

Day 12

Return to Salta airport via Las Conchas Canyon, fly to Buenos Aires.

Day 13

Transfer to the airport for international flight.

VIEW FULL ITINERARY DETAILS
Read more

Visit Us

What our experts say

This is one of my favourite holidays to Argentina. I love the expeditionary feel of this trip – you truly feel as though you’ve left Earth behind and have ended up in an incredible, alien landscape. If you have already visited Argentina, enjoy exploring and would like to experience something completely different then this is an adventurous holiday that would definitely be worth considering.

David

David Nichols

Product and Marketing

Places visited on this holiday

Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure

Back to list of places visited
Buenos Aires
Add to Wishlist
Overview Fact file
Buenos Aires
Along with Rio, this is a city worth crossing the Atlantic for in its own right. Dynamic, stylish and nostalgic, it’s the continent’s most European city, but does not lack South American verve. Its contrasting neighbourhoods reveal colonial plazas, shady avenues, quirky antique fairs, street art, world famous theatres and football stadiums and spruced-up metropolitan port districts. Studded with extensive parks, cutting-edge boutique hotels, designer boutiques and a myriad of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, it’s a restless place, challenging to find your way around but well worth the effort. It’s the beating heart of Argentina, the hub for visits throughout the country.
When's the best time to visit Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is at its hottest Jan-Mar (very humid with tropical showers, occasionally over 40C during the day). It can be cold and cloudy Jul-Aug, so weather conditions are best for a visit in spring and autumn. Dec-Feb and Jul are local holiday times: Porteños head for the beach.

What's the official language in Buenos Aires?

Spanish.

How do I get local currency in Buenos Aires?

Argentine Peso.

Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. Please note that in 2016 many of the ATMs were not functioning properly; we are recommending that for the moment you take a good supply of US dollars cash. There are many banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) where you can exchange US dollars cash; rates for euros and sterling frequently poor. 

What's the time difference between Buenos Aires and the UK?

GMT -3 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, but this is announced ad hoc on a year-on-year basis.

What places combine well with Buenos Aires?

Beach time in Mar del Plata (392 km by road, 5hrs); Colonia or Montevideo in Uruguay across the River Plate: travel by ferry, bus or plane; a stay on a working estancia in the pampa south and west of the city; Iguazú Falls (2hrs approx by air).

How long is the flight to Buenos Aires from the UK?

Average flight time is 14hrs 20mins on a direct flight from London. There are also flights requiring a change of plane in Europe or the USA.

What are the festivals and cultural and sports events in Buenos Aires?

Tango Festival: Aug. The world's – top tango festival, nine days  of concerts, shows, free classes, exhibitions, open-air milongas (Avenida Corrientes is closed for a massive display) and other tango-related festivities.

Opera season: Mar-Dec. Take in a concert or opera at the refurbished Teatro Colón which attracts internationally esteemed artists. 

Argentine Polo Open: Mid Nov-mid Dec. Polo is a passion for many Argentines. This is the year’s main attraction, taking place in Palermo’s 16,000 seater stadium.

Back to list of places visited
Salta and the northwest Andes
Add to Wishlist
Overview Fact file
Quebrada de las Conchas
Spiritually and culturally closer to the neighbouring Andean countries than the rest of Argentina, the remote northwest provinces have loads of attractions for visitors. These range from snow-dipped peaks, salt flats and arid, rust red canyons to lush forests, pre-Columbian ruins, lonely lime-washed chapels and a necklet of baroque colonial towns. The sunlit slopes are cloaked with vineyards, and everywhere there’s a warm welcome from the local people, many of whom have indian roots. At 1,200m above sea level, Salta is a delightful base for exploration of the region with a sumptuous cathedral, palm-shaded plazas and a cable car lift for views over the fertile countryside.
When's the best time to visit Salta and the Argentine Andes?
Salta has plenty of sun throughout the year but it can be cool in winter, when the trees and vines have lost their leaves, but it is drier with little rain falling Apr-Oct. The popular Train of the Clouds runs weekly Apr-Nov. The many festivals in the region mostly take place Dec-Mar.
What's the official language of Salta and the Argentine Andes?

Spanish.

How do I get local currency in Salta and the Argentine Andes?

Argentine Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs (many on calle España) using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. offering favorable rates for cash dollars. There are also banks and money exchanges (casas de cambio) where you can exchange US dollars cash;  rates for euros and sterling are harder to find and frequently poor.

What's the time difference between Salta and the Argentine Andes and UK?

GMT -3 hours. Sometimes daylight saving is observed in the summer, but this is announced ad hoc on a year-on-year basis.

What places combine well with Salta and the Argentine Andes?

Mendoza in Argentina’s prime wine-producing region (direct flights 3 times a week, 1hr 40mins); Iguazú Falls (daily flights to Puerto Iguazú, 1hr 50mins) Chile’s Atacama desert around San Pedro de Atacama (12hrs scenic drive); southern Bolivia (11hrs drive to the border at La Quiaca).

How do i get to Salta and the Argentine Andes?

A flight from Buenos Aires to Salta takes 2hrs.

What are the festivals and cultural and sporting events in Salta and the Argentine Andes?
Many religious, artisan and agricultural festivals and processions take place throughout the region from January through Carnival to Easter every year.
Back to list of places visited
Medellin
Add to Wishlist
Overview Fact file
Medellin Centre

Medellín, long considered an edgy city to say the least - synonymous with the activities of its most famous resident, Pablo Escobar - has undergone a miraculous transformation.  

Now considered the engine of Colombia, it is bursting with enterprise, both commercial and artistic, with top quality gastronomy, music and enthusiastic partying also high on the agenda. There isn’t much to see here of the Spanish colonial heritage, as the drive towards modernisation has resulted in its replacement by glittering and innovative modern buildings and parks featuring sculptures and street art, free for all to observe and admire.

Medellín hosts many festivals and other social events, the most famous being the flower festival which takes place in August every year  (in 2018 it starts on 3 August) and features a parade of floral floats which must be the most colourful in Colombia.

On any walking tour, riding the cable cars, or en route to any one of many internationally renowned restaurants, you can feel the vibe of youthful optimism and pride which permeates the city.  It’s also a good base for visits to other attractions with good road and air links to many parts of the country, including the nearby coffee region, the Pacific beaches at Nuqui, and hikes in the surrounding hills.

When's the best time to visit Medellin?

The region in which Medellin is situated is an all-year destination. It enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate with plenty of sun and enough rain to keep the landscape verdant, and Medellin is known as the city of Eternal Spring for good reason. 

What's the official language of Medellin?

Spanish

How do I get local currency in Medellin?

Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in all major towns and cities, including Medellín, using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).

What's the time difference between Medellin and UK?

GMT - 5 hrs

What places combine well with Medellin?

Medellín has air links with major Colombian cites such as Bogotá, a contrasting city with a large colonial centre and the famous gold museum;. and Cartagena Colombia’s most graceful and atmospheric cities, on the Caribbean coast. You can easily drive from Medellin to the beautiful Zona Cafetera coffee country - self-drive or escorted; visit the upcoming resort Honda on the Magdalena river, or travel to Nuqui on the Pacific coast in the steamy tropical  Chocó region.   

How do I get to Medellin?
You can fly direct to Medellín from New York, Miami, Lima, Mexico City, Panama City among other important cities. There are frequent domestic flights from Bogotá to Medellín, 1hr; several daily from Cartagena, also 1hr approx, adn from about 10 other Colombian cities. Colombia also has a good road network, though the mountianous terrain means journeys can be long.  

Things to do on this holiday

Close

Enjoy a wine tour in Cafayate

Vineyard in Cafayate
Add to Wishlist

The fertile soils of Cafayate harbour a patchwork of sun-drenched vineyards. Many specialise in Torrontés, a native white grape variety with distinctive peach and apricot aromas.

This is an established wine region with a rustic charm that tempts you to linger. The area’s many wineries, some of which still cling to traditional methods of wine production, open their doors for bodega tours and tastings; we can show you our favourite places to compare vintages and see the winemaking process first hand. There's plenty of temptation to linger in Cafayate itself (altitude 1,700m), a relaxed and attractive small town with a sunny climate.

Close

Visit the Humahuaca Gorge

Add to Wishlist

Like the backdrop to an old Hollywood western, the arid plains around the Humahuaca Gorge are spliced with canyons and dotted with cacti. Many of the tiny settlements that lie in the folds of its barren hills consist of nothing more than a collection of adobe homes dominated by a gleaming white chapel.

From the lovely village of Purmamarca (2,400m), which lies at the foot of the famous Hill of Seven Colours, you can delve right into the Humahuaca Gorge with its candy-striped rock faces and inhospitable desert terrain. We’ll also take you to Tilcara, where you can explore the ruins of a pre-Inca fortress high on a hilltop affording superb views.

Close

Walking tour of Salta

Tour of Salta
Add to Wishlist

With its laidback pace, convivial Salta is a great place in which to wander. The Spanish legacy remains obvious in the city’s attractive squares, cathedrals and convents, while here in the country’s northern reaches you can also detect an affinity with neighbouring Bolivia.

To complete your stroll on a literal high, this half-day walking tour concludes with a trip to the top of San Bernardo Hill by cable car to see the city unfold before you.
Close

The Puna wilderness of Andean Argentina

Puna
Add to Wishlist

As remote as the wilderness of Amazonia, Antarctica or the Gobi desert, the Puna de Atacama is a nation-state sized other-worldly landscape of extremes. Set off on an expedition here, and you will be almost alone in rarefied, high altitude desert mountain scenery as alien as the surface of Mars. 

The Puna de Atacama is a place which steps out science fiction. A rugged plateau straddling Argentina and Chile, it consists of intensely varied scenery with high mountain passes, salt-carpeted depressions and a crescent of volcanoes within which are glass-still lakes, pewter-shaded lava fields, ochre-hued volcanic cones and silvery pumice desert, slashed through by glacial streams. It’s immense: the size of England, dotted with just a handful of hamlets. It has been inhabited in the past: Inca ruins stab the volcanic peaks and ghost towns – abandoned mining villages – are fascinating to explore. All of your adventure is spent at over 3,500m above sea level with some spectacular highs at over 4,500m.

There are few real roads. Travel in a pick-up truck with your guide.  It will be a unique, pioneering, expeditionary adventure; one you’ll never forget.

Close

City tour of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires
Add to Wishlist
A guided tour of the giant multi-faceted city can be undertaken by car, on foot or by bike.

If you begin your explorations with a walking tour, you’ll learn your way around at the same time as covering many of the key sights. A stroll along the shaded pavements of chic, sophisticated Buenos Aires is a joy for any city lover.

Buenos Aires’ central districts reveal the city’s distinguishing divide: while some areas feel very European. The Italianate Teatro Colón is a highlight, some tours take you inside to tour its lavish interior.

The San Telmo quarter is the city’s oldest neighbourhood and arguably its most atmospheric. Cobbled streets lined with balconied façades spill over with bric-a-brac shops, tango parlours and pavement cafes, and tango dancers pound the pavements of the Plaza Dorrego.

In contrast, the well-heeled neighbourhood of Recoleta encapsulates the city’s European elegance. Walk along its wide boulevards, lined with mansions and parks, before visiting the Recoleta Cemetery where elaborate mausoleums house the remains of Argentina’s great and good.

Complementing this picture, the bustling district of Retiro contains a number of historic buildings and palaces, and in nearby Plaza de Mayo you will visit the famous Casa Rosada from whose balcony Evita once addressed the nation.

Accommodation on this holiday

Close

Kenton Palace

Add to Wishlist
Overview
This modern property boasts stylishly eclectic décor and personalised service. Kenton Palace's 80 rooms and public areas are light and uncluttered, with furnishings conveying a contemporary urban feel. Guestrooms have city or courtyard views and are equipped with super-sleek bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and rain showers.

One of the hotel’s greatest assets is its location: slap bang in the centre of town, a stroll away from the main sights, restaurants and bars. Radiating outwards from the vicinity of the hotel are a broad array of attractive and lively areas, such as the Plaza de Mayo, the bohemian San Telmo district, the new port development at Puerto Madero and the boutiques and eateries of Recoleta.

Hotel amenities include an impressive range of facilities for children. It also has a spa, with spotless heated pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and massage services.
Close

La Comarca

Add to Wishlist
Overview
La Comarca has picturesquely scattered adobe-style buildings which comprise this pleasant mid-range hotel are built using regional stone, wood and clay and painted in pastel shades that blend right into the Technicolor landscape. They sit amongst lovely landscaped grounds of tall trees, cacti, wild grasses and desert flowers.

There are standard rooms and individual cottages – the latter have a living area, kitchenette and terrace. All are stylishly decorated, with splashes of colour and local handicrafts. There is a restaurant, bar and wine cellar that holds wine-tasting sessions. Leisure facilities include a heated swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and small spa offering massages and beauty treatments.
Close

Vinas de Cafayate

Add to Wishlist
Overview

Vinas de Cafayate's modern property, which has been constructed with  neo-colonial  flair, is situated in the centre of extensive vineyards at the foot of Cerro San Isidro. It’s a stately place, with colonnades shading a terracotta veranda from where you can survey the vines and to granite hills and a ravine beyond. The guest rooms are classically cosy with large bathrooms

Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, library, and lounge with open fireplace - it can get a little nippy at night. The smart gourmet restaurant uses produce from its own organic kitchen garden. The establishment doesn't produce its own wine but it has an impressive wine cellar, from which you can choose an excellent wine to accompany your dinner. 

 

Close

Hosteria Casa Andina

Add to Wishlist
Overview

Tolar Grande is an isolated village – virtually the only community of any size in Argentina’s remote, chilly, high altitude Puna desert in the northwest Andes. Although nowadays it is developing and new facilities are being added, the basic infrastructure is meagre indeed, so the discovery of this friendly and cosy property is a delight for visitors. It is owned and managed by the local community). It’s simple but attractive inside with tiled floors and beamed ceilings. 

Although the guest house is not staffed during the day, you’ll get a warm welcome when you arrive. There are just four compact guest rooms and a suite;  each has heating and hot water shower. The plain white walls and tiled floors are offset by classic puna tones of slate and red in their fabrics.

One of the nicest things about this little hotel is its relaxing, toasty lounge, heated by a wood burning stove, with sofas and a complimentary tea/coffee station. Simple meals, including breakfast are taken at either of the two comedors (simple eateries) which are within 100m of the hosteria.

Close

Hosteria de Altura el Penon

Add to Wishlist
Overview

This friendly, community-owned property is the closest the remote salty wilderness of Argentina’s northwest Andes (Puna) gets to rustic-chic. It is a comfortable, homely and small adobe-brick inn just five minutes’ walk from the plaza in the quiet rural village of El Peñon.  It has just a handful of spacious guest rooms, well-heated by unusual exterior wood burning stoves. The dining room has a warm and welcoming feel with native textiles hanging from adobe walls and an open fire with a couple of relaxing armchairs.

Breakfast is continental-style homemade biscuits and pastries, and the hotel serves simple dinners. There’s a weak wifi signal in the dining room – but don’t rely on a connection.

Close

Hotel la Candela

Add to Wishlist
Overview

Colonial Salta is rich with colonial mansions, once family residences but many of which, like this one, La Candela, have been converted into small and friendly hotels. The mid-range property has a great location close to the historical centre, but is a peaceful oasis with a charming palm-shaded garden embellished with lawns and pretty pot plants set around a terrace framing an outdoor pool.

Guest rooms are bright, cheerful and a bit retro, with a simple style which nods both to colonial Spanish elegance and a provincial guest house. They are well equipped with modern facilities however. The suites have Jacuzzi bathtubs and junior suites feature both living room and balcony. Other facilities include a cosy sitting room, breakfast room, snack bar and TV lounge. It’s popular among European visitors and families are welcome.

Speak to an expert Travel Consultant or send us your enquiry today.

Tailor-made holiday

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for over 37 years.
We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Articles you may like

Browse our inspiration area of the site. It's packed with insider travel tips, Top5s, competitions, events, recipes and holiday ideas for Central and South America sure to whet your travel appetite.

Our favourite off-the-beaten-track ac...

Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, Peru

6 Olympic sporting holidays

Rio Olympics

The Latest Beauty Trend: Wine Baths

Cavas Wine Lodge

Eating Between the Lines: Patagonia

Eating between the lines
More inspiration

Other holidays you may be interested in

View all holidays
Signature Patagonia: Glaciers of Chile and Argentina

Signature Patagonia: Glaciers of Chile and Argentina

Private journey

17 days from £4,645pp

Torres del Paine Chile

Self-drive Patagonia: The open road to Torres del Paine

Private journey

20 days from £5,172pp

Capiabara Ibera Wetlands

Argentina Wildlife: Tropical wetlands and Patagonia

Private journey

16 days from £6,283pp

Active Patagonia: Classic Treks in Argentina and Chile

Active Patagonia: Classic treks in Argentina and Chile

Private journey

14 days from £3,225pp

Close

Please select a Start Date

Please select who's going

Please select the number of rooms

Not enough rooms have been chosen

Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure

Check available dates and pricing for this trip in four easy steps.

When Would You Like to Travel?

Step 1 of 4

If your preferred travel date is not shown there are a number of reasons why this might be. Please just let us know and we'll be happy to take a closer look for you.

Who's going?

Step 2 of 4

Our online booking system allows for up to four travellers per booking. If your group is larger than this please get in touch and we'll be happy to help process this for you.

Number of rooms required

Step 3 of 4

Our online booking system allows for up to four travellers per booking. If your group is larger than this please get in touch and we'll be happy to help process this for you.

Holiday price total

Step 4 of 4

Tour:

Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure

Departure date:

Travellers:

Room type:

Total:

The total price above excludes international flights at beginning and end of your trip. To add flights speak to one of our experts on 020 8747 8315.

Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure

13 days from £3,464pp

Price excludes international flights at the beginning and end of the trip

 

Private Journey

 
 

Dossier  - Print friendly

 

Journey with the UK's NO1 specialist in travel to latin america

 
Meet Our Specialist

Ben Line, Travel Consultants

Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
 

We love latin america

A passion for the region runs through all we do

All our Consultants have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America

Up-to-the-minute knowledge underpinned by over 38 years' experience

 

travel with confidence

Fully bonded and licensed

ATOL-protected

On your side when it matters

Book with confidence, knowing every penny is secure

The real latin america

Our insider knowledge helps you go beyond the guidebooks

We hand-pick hotels with character and the most rewarding excursions

Let us show you the Latin America we know and love

Travel Marketing Awards Travel Marketing Awards  Food and Travel 2016 Awards Good Web Guide Awards Wanderlust

Feefo - Gold Trusted Service 2018

Food and Travel Magazine Readers' Awards - Tour Operator of The Year 2016

Selling Travel Agents Choice Awards - Best Tour Operator to Latin America 2016

Sunday Times Travel Magazine - Editor's Award 2013

Guardian and Observer Travel Awards - Top Ten Small Tour Operator: 2012

Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards - Best Value Tour Operator 2011

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards - Top Ten Specialist Tour Operator 2016

Wanderlust Readers' Travel Awards - Top Ten Tour Operator 2015

British Travel Awards - Best Small Tour Operator to Central and South America 2012

Latin American Travel Association - Award for Customer Service 2012

Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards - Best Specialist Tour Operator 2011

Close

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to our twice monthly newsletter and be the first to know about our latest news, offer and competitions.

Sign up with...

Your email

Or...

Using a social account is fast and means you don't need to remember a password.

We never share your data either - see our terms & conditions

Facebook Connect

Remember, you can unsubscribe at any time.

To see how we take care of your data please review our Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing – we’ll be in touch!

You are not subscribed. Some error happened.

Share this Page

Social share page will open in new window

Send a friend

reCaptcha_try_again

Page Full Path: /sitecore/content/JLA/Home/destinations/argentina/holidays/off-the-beaten-track-argentina-remote-puna-adventure

Page ID: {CB87F805-310D-48C7-A8B2-AE1EFDE1ED2B}

Page Name: off-the-beaten-track-argentina-remote-puna-adventure

Page Display Name: Off the beaten track Argentina: Remote Puna adventure

Page Template Name: T013-Private-Tour-JJ

Page Template ID: {1987AD35-218E-4B05-8DCF-B80B79F469E7}

Parent ID: {5464D922-F510-41C9-BD93-DA9FAE6A1C15}

Parent Name: holidays

Parent Display Name: Holidays

Parent Template Name: T007-Tours

Parent Template ID: {C007F36D-3091-4A02-8D0A-2302CE1DCA8E}