Catamarca (Land Of Volcanoes)

DAY 1: CATAMARCA (D).

Arrive Catamarca. Brief city tour and overnight in a country house.

DAY 2: CATAMARCA - FIAMBALÁ (B, L, D).

Depart on the Adobe Route, a tourist circuit between Tinogasta and Fiambala, running through old colonial mud and straw buildings. Pass through Batungasta, an Inca site which dating back to the time of the Inca rule (1471-1536). Arrival into Fiambalá and visit to the Museum of Man, created with the discovery of three naturally mummified bodies dating back 500 years.

Travelled distance: 325 km (202 miles)

Travel time: 6-7 hours

Maximum altitude: 1.575 MASL (5.167 ft)

DAY 3: FIAMBALÁ (B, L, D).

Today explore the Seis miles Route, a section of National Route 60 that begins in Fiambalá and ends at the San Francisco Pass, considered the second highest area in the world after the Himalayas. Pass through the Quebrada de la Angostura, and view the Ojos del Salado volcano, the most active volcan of the planet, the Inca Huasi Summit, Tres Cruces, San Francisco and El Muerto volcanoes. Observe the flamingos on the mountain lake at Las Grutas.

Travelled distance: 400 km (249 miles)

Travel time: 9 hours

Maximum altitude: 4.726 MASL (15.505 ft)

DAY 4: FIAMBALÁ (B, D).

Morning at leisure to enjoy the Fiambalá Thermal Baths. Afternoon trip to take in the Taton Dunes, a sea of sand that contains some of the largest dunes in the world, as the Federico Kirbus dune, which is over 1,200 metres high.

Travelled distance: 91km (56 miles)

Time travelled: 3-4 hours

Maximum altitude: 1.200 MASL (3.937 ft)

DAY 5: FIAMBALÁ - BELÉN (B, L).

Today take Route 60 to join National Route 40 and head towards Londres to visit the Shincal (or Shinkal) Ruins of Quimivil, a pre-Columbian archaeological site on the Inca Trail. Continue to Belén.

Travelled distance: 210 km (130 miles)

Travel time :4-5 hours

Maximum altitude: 1.300 MASL (4.265 ft)

DAY 6: BELÉN - ANTOFAGASTA DE LA SIERRA (B, L, D).

Depart along the mythical National Route 40 passing through Hualfin, Cuesta de Randolfo and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Laguna Blanca, a wetland that is also a Ramsar Site. Continue to Antofagasta de la Sierra to visit the Los Negros volcanic field and the Archaeological Museum, which exhibits 3000-year-old mummies.

Travelled distance: 320 km (199 miles)

Travel time: 9 hours

Maximum altitude: 4.000 MASL (13.123 ft)

DAY 7: ANTOFAGASTA DE LA SIERRA (B, L, D).

Departure to the Indigenous community of Antofalla, located near the Volcano and Salar of the same Name. Tour through the Quebrada de Calalaste and Quebrada del Diablo, a route of contrasts.

Travelled distance: 220 km (136 miles)

Travel time: 10 hours

Maximum altitude: 4.620 MASL (15.157 ft)

DAY 8: ANTOFAGASTA DE LA SIERRA (B, L, D).

Visit the Galan volcano, with the largest crater on the planet, having a diameter of 40km. Pass the Laguna Grande with a large gathering of flamingos from December to March. See the Lagunas Diamante, Pabellon and 82°C thermal geysers.

Travelled distance: 350 km (217 miles)

Travel time: 12 hours

Maximum altitude: 4.760 MASL (15.617 ft)

DAY 9: ANTOFAGASTA DE LA SIERRA - CAFAYATE (B, L).

Today take an inland trail taking you to one of the jewels of the Puna, the Pumice Field. Admire the Carachi Pampa volcano along the way and on arrival, walk through the field. This area is declared Natural Protected due to its importance. Continue towards Cafayate.

Travelled distance: 458 km (285 miles)

Travel time: 11 hours

Maximum altitude: 4.050 MASL (13.287 ft)

DAY 10: CAFAYATE - SALTA (B).

Following a brief visit of the city, return to Salta through the Quebrada de Cafayate and view the interesting formations as the result of water and wind erosion. Transfer to Salta airport for your flight or extend your trip.

Travelled distance: 192 km (119 miles)

Travel time: 4 hours

Maximum altitude: 1.660 MASL (5.446 ft)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation - 9 nights in minimum 3-star hotels.

Meals - As specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

Luggage - One normal suitcase and one handbag per person included for hotel porterage.

Transfers - all airport transfers from arrival on Day 1 to final day (assuming specific group flights booked)

Tours (with local bilingual English-speaking guides) - Catamarca: The Adobe Route, The Seismiles, Taton Dunes, Shincal Ruins, Antofalla Salt Flat, Galan Volcano, Pumice Field. Salta: Quebrada de Cafayate.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

International flights and airport taxes to join the tour.

Tips for local guides / drivers.

Early Check-in / Late Check-out.

Travel Insurance.

NOTES

• Check required group flights at time of booking.

• Tour prices are based on private services.

• Passport copies required 30 days prior to arrival for all passengers.

• Not recommended for travellers with respiratory problems due to the high-altitude locations.

• Departure flight should be after 8pm on Day 10.