15-Day The Essential of the Altiplanic Deserts Tour from Buenos Aires: Salta, Cafayate, Purmamarca, Atacama, Villamar and Colchani

What you'll experience

Highlights

15 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Buenos Aires

   Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
   
   In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic city tour starting at the historic Plaza de Mayo, witness to the country’s most significant events since 1810 and surrounded by iconic buildings. Continue to La Boca, with its colorful streets, once tenement housing and now home to the famous Calle Caminito, where Porteño art and cultural spirit come alive in every corner. Continue to your final stop in the elegant Recoleta, an aristocratic neighborhood that houses the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, resting place of many notable figures in Argentina’s history.
   
   In the evening, immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience: a tango lesson and a dinner show, where you will enjoy the magnetism and passion of Buenos Aires' most emblematic dance.

   

   Plaza de Mayo

   

   La Boca

   

   Recoleta Cemetery

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Tourist Category: LENNOX BUENOS AIRES/HUINID OBELI (3* SUP), First Category: NH TANGO (4*)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Buenos Aires - Salta

   In the morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Salta. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the hotel.
   
   In the afternoon, discover on foot the essence of Salta, “La Linda,” wandering through its colonial streets, historic churches, and plazas that preserve centuries of history. The walk begins at Plaza 9 de Julio, the heart of the city, surrounded by the Cathedral Basilica and the Historic Cabildo. From there, the tour continues to the Church of San Francisco, with its striking red façade, and the San Bernardo Convent, one of the city’s oldest buildings. The experience is enriched with a visit to the High Mountain Archaeology Museum (MAAM), where the famous Children of Llullaillaco, one of the most important Inca archaeological discoveries, are on display.
   
   A walking tour that combines architecture, history, and living culture.
   
   Maximum altitude: 1,152 meters above sea level

   

   Avenida 9 de Julio

   

   Church of San Francisco

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: ROOMIE HOTEL (3*), First Category: BRIZO SALTA (4*)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Salta - Cachi - Cafayate

   Experience the unique beauty of the Calchaquí Valleys. The tour begins with the Cuesta del Obispo, a winding mountain road that captivates with its natural viewpoints, before continuing along the historic Recta del Tin Tin, an ancient stretch of the Inca Trail. Further on, the landscape opens into Los Cardones National Park, where thousands of towering cacti dominate the scenery. The route then leads to Cachi, a colonial town with its charming church and cobblestone streets that invite you to step back in time.
   
   After some free time for lunch (included), continue along the legendary Route 40, crossing the astonishing Quebrada de las Flechas, a landscape of sharp rock formations that seem to reach toward the sky. Finally, in the late afternoon, arrive in Cafayate, a unique enclave in the valleys, surrounded by vineyards that provide the perfect setting for your stay.
   
   Total distance: 320 km
   Travel time: 11–12 hours
   Maximum altitude: 3,348 meters above sea level

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: LOS SAUCES (3*), First Category: IRAOLA (4*)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Cafayate - Salta

   Enjoy a unique day departing early from Cafayate towards Salta. The route passes through the magnificent Quebrada de Cafayate, a natural corridor where wind and water have sculpted rock formations that astonish travelers. Among the most notable are the Amphitheater, with its natural acoustics, and the Devil’s Throat, an impressive red canyon that invites photographs. Along the way, the landscape of vineyards, hills, and ravines accompanies the journey, showcasing the diversity of Salta’s geography. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
   
   Total distance: 197 km
   Travel time: 4–5 hours
   Maximum altitude: 1,683 meters above sea level

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: ROOMIE HOTEL (3*), First Category: BRIZO SALTA (4*)
5. 5

   Day 5 — Salta - Purmamarca

   Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Quebrada del Toro, where Andean nature reveals its full grandeur amid towering mountains and small villages that have preserved their ancestral traditions. As the road climbs higher, the landscapes become increasingly imposing until reaching San Antonio de los Cobres, a typical mining town located at over 3,700 meters above sea level, embodying the authenticity of life in the Puna. After lunch (not included), the journey continues toward the majestic Salinas Grandes, a vast white salt desert that dazzles with its immensity and brilliance. The trip concludes with the descent along the winding Cuesta de Lipán until arriving in Purmamarca, home to the magical postcard view of the Hill of the Seven Colors. Overnight stay.
   
   Total distance covered: 320 km
   Travel time: 10/11 hours
   Maximum altitude: 4,170 meters above sea level

   

   Salinas Grandes

   

   Mountain of the Seven Colors

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: HOSTERIA CASA DE ADOBE (3*), First Category: LA COMARCA (BOUTIQUE)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Purmamarca - San Pedro de Atacama

   In the morning, you will embark on an unforgettable journey to San Pedro de Atacama, crossing the majestic Andes mountain range through the spectacular Jama Pass. The road climbs across high-altitude landscapes where salt flats, vividly colored lagoons, and wind-sculpted rock formations create a scene of nature in its purest state. Throughout the journey, the immensity of the Altiplano and the silence of the desert invite contemplation. After approximately seven hours on the road, the route descends toward San Pedro de Atacama, a charming village of dirt streets and adobe houses that provides the perfect setting for rest and for connecting with the magic of the desert.
   
   Travel time: 7 hours
   Maximum altitude: 4,400 meters above sea level

   

   Andes Mountains, AR

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: CASA DON TOMAS (3*), First Category: ALTIPLANICO (4*)
7. 7

   Day 7 — San Pedro de Atacama

   Today, you are invited to enjoy one of the most iconic excursions in the Atacama Desert. The journey begins at the majestic Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile, where the horizon turns white and flamingos are reflected in the rose-tinted waters of Chaxa Lagoon. We then continue ascending toward the Altiplanic Lagoons, in a route that showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Chilean high plateau. These lagoons, located at over 4,000 meters above sea level, form part of Los Flamencos National Reserve, a natural sanctuary that protects unique ecosystems and a remarkable diversity of birdlife. During the excursion, we will visit Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, whose deep blue waters contrast beautifully with the ochre tones of the desert and the snow-capped peaks that surround them. The experience also includes a visit to the village of Toconao, renowned for its liparite-stone architecture and peaceful Andean atmosphere. A journey that beautifully combines nature, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
   
   Travel time: 7–8 hours
   Maximum altitude: 4,220 meters above sea level 

   

   Atacama Desert

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: CASA DON TOMAS (3*), First Category: ALTIPLANICO (4*)
8. 8

   Day 8 — San Pedro de Atacama

   Very early in the morning, we depart for the impressive El Tatio Geysers, the highest geothermal field in the world. At over 4,200 meters above sea level, the sunrise offers an unforgettable spectacle: columns of steam rising against the light of the sun as it emerges between the volcanoes. After the visit, we return through Andean landscapes where it is possible to spot vicuñas, vizcachas, and highland birds that inhabit the area.
   
   In the afternoon, the experience continues in the mystical Moon Valley, a natural wonder that amazes with its rock formations and almost surreal atmosphere. Here, the sunset paints the desert in golden, pink, and violet hues, offering a magical and unforgettable postcard of the heart of the Atacama Desert.
   
   Travel time: 9 hours
   Maximum altitude: 4,320 meters above sea level

   

   Moon Valley

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: CASA DON TOMAS (3*), First Category: ALTIPLANICO (4*)
9. 9

   Day 9 — San Pedro de Atacama - Villamar

   Today, you are invited to embark on a fascinating journey toward the Bolivian border, crossing landscapes that seem out of this world. After completing immigration procedures at Hito Cajón, we continue across the Andean plateau, where the contrast of colors and textures creates unique vistas. We will visit the enigmatic Laguna Verde, whose intense emerald color comes from the minerals in the ground, and the nearby  Dalí Valley, whose shapes and tones recall the paintings of the famous surrealist artist. Later, we will enjoy the hot springs of Polques and witness the geothermal power of the Morning Geysers. Finally, we reach the majestic Laguna Colorada, home to thousands of Andean flamingos, including James’ flamingos, a species unique in the world. After a day full of awe-inspiring sights, we arrive at the village of Villamar for rest.
   
   Travel time: 8 hours
   Maximum altitude: 4,990 meters above sea level

   

   Laguna Verde

   

   Laguna Colorada

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: JARDINES DE MALKU (3*)
10. 10

    Day 10 — Villamar - Colchani

    Get ready to discover the hidden treasures of the Bolivian Altiplano. In the morning, depart to visit the Rock Paintings and the Tomas Lakjas Necropolis Fortress, archaeological sites that tell the story of the life and beliefs of ancient Andean cultures. The journey continues to the impressive Valley of the Rocks, where wind and time have sculpted natural formations that rise from the desert like stone guardians. Later, the trip proceeds toward Uyuni, crossing the picturesque villages of Culpina and San Cristóbal, which preserve the essence of highland life amidst mountains and salt flats. Before continuing to Colchani, we will visit the legendary Train Cemetery, where old locomotives rest under the vast sky. Finally, arrival in Colchani and accommodation in a charming hotel built entirely of salt blocks, at the gateway to the majestic Uyuni Salt Flats.
    
    Travel time: 8 hours
    Maximum altitude: 3,550 meters above sea level

    

    Valley of the Rocks

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: PALACIO DE LA SAL (4*)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Colchani

    Explore the majestic Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest in the world, an endless landscape where the sky seems to merge with the earth. During this unforgettable day, we will visit a salt processing plant and learn about the artisanal work of local communities. We then continue to Incahuasi Island, an oasis in the middle of the white desert, covered with giant cacti reaching up to ten meters in height and offering unparalleled panoramic views. Later, we will discover the Pucará de Ayque, an ancient archaeological site that preserves the remains of ancient Andean cultures. In the heart of the salt flats, we will enjoy a specially prepared lunch, surrounded by absolute silence and the vastness of the landscape. Afterwards, we will have fun with a creative photo session and close the day by witnessing a magical sunset that paints the horizon in golden and pink hues.
    
    Maximum altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level
     

    

    Uyuni Salt Flat

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: PALACIO DE LA SAL (4*)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Colchani - Tilcara

    In the morning, depart for Argentina, crossing the majestic landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano. Along the way, we will stop at the mining center of Atocha, where daily life unfolds among mountains and ancient silver veins, before continuing to Tupiza, a picturesque town surrounded by reddish rock formations reminiscent of the landscapes of the Wild West. Later, we reach the Villazón–La Quiaca border crossing to complete immigration and customs procedures. Once in Argentine territory, the journey continues through the iconic Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a natural corridor where multicolored hills, traditional villages, and Andean heritage accompany the route. At the end of the day, arrival in Tilcara, one of the most charming towns in the region, surrounded by history, culture, and nature.
    
    Travel time: 11 hours
    Maximum altitude: 3,658 meters above sea level

    

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: TERRAZAS DE TILCARA (3*)
13. 13

    Day 13 — Tilcara - Salta

    Departure from Tilcara to explore the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first visit is to the Pucará de Tilcara, an ancient pre-Columbian fortress that offers magnificent views of the valley and provides insight into the history of the indigenous peoples. The journey continues to Uquía, where its colonial church preserves the famous “Angels with Arquebuses,” one of the most outstanding expressions of religious art in the Andean north. Later, arrival in Humahuaca, from where we ascend to the impressive Serranía del Hornocal, also known as the Hill of 14 Colors, whose viewpoint is located at 4,350 meters above sea level. After descending, the journey continues toward Salta, with a stop in Maimará to admire the Painter’s Palette, a formation that colors the mountains with various mineral hues. Arrival in Salta at dusk.
    
    Travel time: 10 hours
    Maximum altitude: 4,350 meters above sea level

    

    Quebrada de Humahuaca

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: ROOMIE HOTEL (3*), First Category: BRIZO SALTA (4*)
14. 14

    Day 14 — Salta - Buenos Aires

    Departure from Tilcara to explore the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first visit is to the Pucará de Tilcara, an ancient pre-Columbian fortress that offers magnificent views of the valley and provides insight into the history of the indigenous peoples. The journey continues to Uquía, where its colonial church preserves the famous “Angels with Arquebuses,” one of the most outstanding expressions of religious art in the Andean north. Later, arrival in Humahuaca, from where we ascend to the impressive Serranía del Hornocal, also known as the Hill of 14 Colors, whose viewpoint is located at 4,350 meters above sea level. After descending, the journey continues toward Salta, with a stop in Maimará to admire the Painter’s Palette, a formation that colors the mountains with various mineral hues. Arrival in Salta at dusk.
    
    Travel time: 10 hours
    Maximum altitude: 4,350 meters above sea level

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tourist Category: LENNOX BUENOS AIRES/HUINID OBELI (3* SUP), First Category: NH TANGO (4*)
15. 15

    Day 15 — Buenos Aires

    Depending on your flight schedule, we invite you to experience the city at your own pace: explore must-see museums, enjoy a mate tasting experience where, in addition to sampling this traditional infusion, you will learn about the customs surrounding it and discover myths and curiosities of a tradition that is part of everyday Argentine life. You may also visit one of the city’s viewpoints and be amazed by a panoramic view revealing the vastness of Buenos Aires and its blend of modernity and history.
    
    At the appointed time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator