The Jewel Of The Puna (Tolar Grande)

DAY 1: SALTA.

Arrival into Salta and in the afternoon explore the city on a walking tour through its streets, churches, colonial buildings, and the High Mountain Archaeology Museum (MAAM).

Maximum altitude: 1.152 MASL (3.779 ft.)

DAY 2: SALTA - PURMAMARCA (B).

Today is spent visiting Humahuaca Gorge, Natural and Cultural Heritage Site at Uquia and El Hornocal, famous for its colour scheme.

Maximum altitude: 3.000 MASL (9840 ft.)

DAY 3: PURMAMARCA - TOLAR GRANDE (B, L, D).

Depart to the Puna along Salinas Grandes and San Antonio de los Cobres. Following lunch, continue until you reach Tolar Grande, via Pocitos and Diablo Salt Flats and Siete Curvas.

Maximum altitude: 4.500 MASL (14,850 ft.)

DAY 4: TOLAR GRANDE (B, L, D).

Today explore the area, first with a visit to La Casualidad Mine Camp.  A tour through its facilities tells the story of the ghost town it is today. Returning to Tolar, stop at Cono de Arita, an interesting volcanic formation and experience a walk in the middle of Arizaro Salt Flat.

Maximum altitude: 4.180 MASL (13.713 ft.)

DAY 5: TOLAR GRANDE - SALTA (B).

Visit Ojos de Mar (Sea Eyes), tiny lagoons with amazing turquoise waters and discover “living fossils”. Return to Salta via Abra Del Gallo (a mountain pass).  In the afternoon visit the museum in Santa Rosa de Tastil. Transfer to Salta airport for your flight or extend your trip.

Maximum altitude: 4.630 MASL (15,690 ft.)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation - 4 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) - Salta: Walking city tour with MAAM.  Jujuy: El Hornocal, Humahuaca Gorge, Trekking to Las Señoritas Gorge, Salinas Grandes (Salt Flat). Tolar Grande: Arita Cone, La Casualidad Mine or Santa María Lagoon, Ojos de Mar.

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

• January to March is rainy season.

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

• The Town Hall and MAAM closed on Mondays.

• During the winter season there are no flamingos in the Santa Maria Lagoon.

• Due to weather conditions the mine may close. This will be replaced with a trek to El Arenal.

• Departure flight required at 8pm on Day 5.

• Accommodation in Tolar Grande is based on small a homestead.

• Tour prices are based on private services.

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