Circuit 3 Details
In this circuit, we visit the Calchaquí Valleys, the Puna of Catamarca and Salta, and the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
Day 1: Salta - Cachi - Molinos
We begin our journey from Salta, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Lerma Valley and heading into the winding Cuesta del Obispo. We reach Cachi, a charming colonial town where we’ll have lunch at Bodega Puna, known for its high-altitude wines and exceptional vineyard views. After lunch, we continue along the legendary Route 40, enjoying the impressive landscapes of the Calchaquí Valley, until we reach Hacienda de Molinos, a historic site that offers an authentic and warm experience for our first night.
Day 2: Molinos - Cafayate
We continue along Route 40, surrounded by arid landscapes and colorful hills, towards Cafayate, the heart of the wine region of the Calchaquí Valleys. Along the way, we have opportunities to stop and admire natural formations, such as the Quebrada de las Flechas, a spectacular gorge with sharp rock formations. We arrive in Cafayate in the afternoon, where we can explore the town center, sample local wines at one of its famous wineries, and stay overnight in a cozy lodging.
Day 3: Cafayate - El Peñón (Catamarca)
We leave early for the province of Catamarca, passing through landscapes that change from mountains to arid plains, passing through small towns and unique spots along the way. We arrive at the town of El Peñón, a quiet community in the Catamarcan puna, where we’ll rest and prepare to explore the region's unique nature.
Day 4: El Peñón - Campo de Piedra Pómez - Carachi Pampa Lagoon - El Peñón
From El Peñón, we head to the impressive Campo de Piedra Pómez, a vast landscape of white and pink volcanic formations that create a unique, almost lunar effect. Later, we enjoy a rustic lunch by the Carachi Pampa Lagoon, with views of the lagoon and Carachi volcano. After exploring these landscapes, we return to El Peñón to spend the night.
Day 5: El Peñón - Crater of Galán Volcano
We dedicate this day to the imposing Galán volcano, which has the largest crater in the world. Here, we can explore the volcanic terrain and enjoy spectacular views of the turquoise lagoon inside the crater, home to flamingos and other Andean birds. We spend the day at this natural wonder before returning to El Peñón at sunset.
Day 6: El Peñón - Cono de Arita - Tolar Grande
We leave El Peñón heading towards Tolar Grande, a small, isolated town in the province of Salta. On the way, we stop at Cono de Arita, an enigmatic, pyramid-shaped natural formation rising over the Arizaro salt flats, creating a surreal landscape. We arrive in Tolar Grande at nightfall, where we spend the night.
Day 7: Tolar Grande - Salinas Grandes - Purmamarca
Our last day takes us to the famous Salinas Grandes, an immense white desert that seems endless. Before arriving, we pass through the magnificent Desert of the Devil, resembling Martian landscapes. We continue through the Salar de Pocitos until we reach National Route 52 to arrive at the Salinas. Here, we can take photos using the mirror effect on the salt and admire the vastness of the landscape. Finally, we head to Purmamarca, where we spend the night.
Day 8: Purmamarca - Tilcara - Humahuaca - Hornocal - Tilcara
The next day, we continue along Route 9 to reach Tilcara, the archaeological capital of Jujuy province, an internationally renowned tourist icon. Its church has been declared a Historical Monument. Here, you can visit the Archaeological Museum and the Pucará, a fortress built by the original inhabitants on rocks along the banks of the Grande River, where you can see houses, interior paths, and a ceremonial area at the top. At the base, there is a botanical garden with various regional flora species.
Tilcara is also known for its "Enero Tilcareño," a music and culture celebration that brings together young people and tourists worldwide for events that last through the night for several nights.
At the end of the route, at 3,000 meters above sea level, we reach Humahuaca, the historical capital of the Quebrada. Humahuaca is the center of Jujuy's carnival celebration. The town, with a purely colonial architecture, has several museums showcasing local crafts, folklore, paintings, and sculptures.
In the town hall, an ancient clock moves a life-sized image of Saint Francis Solano (the world's first life-sized image of a saint), revealed every noon to give its blessing in remembrance of his visit to Humahuaca. At the top of the staircase leading from the square, there is a Monument to the Warriors of Independence, which serves as a backdrop to a large amphitheater that hosts a music festival each year. Twenty-two kilometers from Humahuaca, we find La Serranía del Hornocal, a mountain range known as "the mountain of 14 colors." Its extraordinary landscape results from layers of minerals in various tones, creating a spectacular effect of colored stripes.
At over 4,300 meters in height, the Serranía del Hornocal offers breathtaking views and is an ideal destination for those seeking to appreciate the unique natural beauty and colors of the Andes. It is recommended to acclimatize to the altitude and make use of the nearby viewpoints to fully enjoy the scenery. We then return along the same road to Tilcara, where we will spend the night.
Day 9: Tilcara - Salta
