THE ESSENTIAL OF THE ALTIPLANIC DESERTS
Description
Day 1 Buenos Aires. D Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we make a panoramic tour of the city, visiting the most relevant places. In the evening, we attend a dinner show to appreciate the magnetism of tango. Day 2 Buenos Aires / Salta. B Arrival and reception at Salta’s airport. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, the city awaits us in order to explore it by foot, walking along its streets, churches, colonial buildings and visiting the MAAM. Maximum altitude: 1.152 MASL (3.779 ft.) Day 3 Salta / Cafayate. B Departure to start our trip through the Calchaquíes Valleys, passing by the Obispo Slope, Del Tin Tin Straight, Los Cardones National Park, Cachi and De Las Flechas Gorge. Arrival at Cafayate. Travel time: 11/12 hours Maximum altitude: 3.348 MASL (10.984 ft.) Day 4 Cafayate / Salta. B In the morning, we visited the town, museum and winery to undertake the return to Salta touring the Quebrada de Cafayate and its formations. Arrival and Accommodation Travel time: 8 hours Maximum altitude: 1.683 MASL (5.522 ft.) Day 5 Salta / Purmamarca. B Early departure travelling through Del Toro Gorge in order to get to know the small town of San Antonio de los Cobres. After lunch (not included), we continue across the Puna up to Salinas Grandes Salt Flat and then we start descending through De Lipán Slope to Purmamarca. Travel time: 10 hours Maximum altitude: 4.170 MASL (13.681 ft.) Day 6 Purmamarca / Atacama. B In the morning, departure towards San Pedro de Atacama, passing by Paso de Jama border crossing. Arrival at this oasis in the middle of the desert. Travel time: 7 hours Maximum altitude: 4.400 MASL (14.436 ft.) Day 7 Atacama. B Departure to the Altiplanic Lagoons, which represent one of the seven sectors that embrace Los Flamencos National Reserve along with Chaxa Lagoon in the Atacama Salt Flat. During the tour, we visit the Miscanti, Miñiques and Toconao Lagoons. Travel time: 7/8 hours Maximum altitude: 4.220 MASL (13.845 ft.) Day 8 Atacama. B Early departure to El Tatio Geysers, the highest geothermal field in the world where we observe the steam and fumaroles produced by the high temperatures of its craters. During the afternoon, we enjoy the sunset in De La Luna Valley. Travel time: 9 hours Maximum altitude: 4.320 MASL (14.173 ft.) Day 9 Atacama / Villamar. B L D Departure to the border with Bolivia, Hito Cajón, from there we continue to the Verde lagoon, Dalí Valley, hot springs of Chaviri, Geysers of the Morning and the Laguna Colorada where we will appreciate the flamingos of James, unique in the world. Arrival in Villamar. Travel time: 8 hours Maximum altitude: 4.990 MASL (16.371 ft.) Day 10 Malku / Colchani. B L D In the morning visit to the Cave Paintings and Fort Necropolis of Tomas Lakjas, Valley of the Rocks and then continue to Uyuni passing by the towns of Culpina and San Cristóbal. During the trip and before going to Colchani, we visit the Cemetery of Trains to finally arrive at Colchani, where we stay at a salt hotel. Travel time: 8 hours Maximum altitude: 3.550 MASL (11.647 ft.) Day 11 Colchani. B L D Today we explore Uyuni Salt Flat, the largest in the world. During the tour, we will visit a salt processing plant, the Incahuasi Island where we can observe the giant Cactus, and the Pucara de Ayque. After enjoying lunch, which will be served on the Salt Flat, we have fun with a photo session and then we enjoy the sunset. Maximum altitude: 3.600 MASL (11.811 ft.) Day 12 Colchani / Tilcara. B L Early in the morning, departure to Argentina. On the way we stop in Atocha’s mining centre and Tupiza, in order to arrive then at Villazon- La Quiaca, from where once we do the migrations procedures. The trip continues through the Quebrada de Humahuaca to arrive in Tilcara. Travel time: 11 hours Maximum altitude: 3658 MASL (12.001 ft.) Day 13 Tilcara / Salta. B We explore the Humahuaca Gorge, Humanity’s Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and one of its best kept treasures, the incredible mountain range of El Hornocal, also called Cerro de los 14 Colores, whose viewpoint is at 4350 meters above sea level. Arrival in Salta. Travel time: 10 hours Maximum altitude: 4350 MASL (14.271 ft.) Day 14 Salta / Buenos Aires. B In the morning, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Day 15 Buenos Aires. B Day at leisure. At due time, transfer to the airport. Operational notes: Day 2: It is required to arrive by flight before 2PM The High Mountain Museum is closed on Mondays. Due to the closure of Cabildo (TUE) and Mercado de San Miguel (SUN). The points of interest to visit will be modified. Day 4: The Vine and Wine Museum closes on Mondays. Day 6: Please, ask about the frequency of the bus Purmamarca – S.P. de Atacama. Day 9: From May to October, the access to Colores Lagoon and De la Mañana Geysers in Bolivia can be affected due to weather conditions. Day 11: From December to April, due to the rains, access to the salt flat, Incahuasi Island and the Pucara de Ayque can be affected. To keep in mind: • During the rainy season, DEC-MAR. The tour may be affected. • Due to the characteristics of the Puna, we recommend that people with respiratory, cardiac or pressure illnesses take special care.
Location Map
Highlights
Exclusions
- Needed transfers;
- Accommodation: : 14 nights • Buenos Aires (2) - Salta (3) - Cafayate (1) - Purmamaca (1) - Atacama (3) - Villamar (1) - Colchani (2)- Tilcara (1);
- Tours: Buenos Aires: City tour - Dinner Tango show Puerto Iguazú: Argentinian Falls - Brazilian Falls Salta: Walking Tour with MAAM included - Calchaquíes Valleys and Del Toro Gorge Jujuy: Salinas Grandes Salt Flat - Humahuaca Gorge with Hornocal ;
- Meals: : 14 breakfasts – 4 lunches - 4 dinners ;
- Needed tickets to the Parks, Reserves and Museum;
Terms & Conditions for This Tour
These are the key terms that apply to tour bookings. They form part of your contract with 1860 Travels — see the full Terms & Conditions for the complete text.
Pricing, Inclusions & Exclusions
- Prices are per person unless stated otherwise, and may change at any time until your booking confirmation is issued.
- The Inclusions and Exclusions listed on this page are specific to this tour — anything not listed under Inclusions is excluded from the price.
- Prices exclude local taxes, charges, gratuities, food and beverages, and transfers unless expressly stated otherwise. Gratuities are entirely at your discretion.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Student and senior (60+) pricing requires valid ID at the time of booking and on the day of travel.
- Group tariffs may be available for parties of 10 or more — contact us for a quote.
Amendments & Cancellations
- Amendments to this booking can be made by contacting us at least 96 hours before the departure date.
- Cancellation notice must be received at least 1 week before departure, otherwise a 100% cancellation charge applies.
- Theatre tickets, dining products, and overnight tours cannot be amended or cancelled unless otherwise stated at the time of booking.
- For health or pandemic-related cancellations, options may include a travel credit voucher, rebooking on flexible dates, or a full refund, subject to the specific product's conditions.
- If you miss a coach tour through no fault of 1860 Travels, no refund will be issued; a discounted rebooking rate may be offered as a gesture of goodwill.
Refunds & Compensation
- If a venue cannot be visited during the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, a partial refund of the admission value may be issued at our discretion.
- No refund is given for non-operational air conditioning or washroom facilities on an assigned vehicle.
- Refund requests cannot be accepted more than 30 days after the tour's completion.
- Approved refunds are processed within 15–20 working days via the original payment method.
- Third-party tours where 1860 Travels acts as an agent are non-refundable and subject to the supplier's own terms.
Payment
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