TOLAR GRANDE AND SAN GERÓNIMO VOLCANO

A private 4x4 journey with a high-altitude ascent (3D/2N)

A journey through some of the most remote landscapes of the Salta Puna, combining private 4x4 travel with high-altitude hiking.

Over three days, we follow part of the Train to the Clouds route, cross the Desierto del Diablo and the Arizaro Salt Flat, visit the Ojos de Mar and Cono de Arita, and climb San Gerónimo Volcano, whose summit reaches 4,950 metres above sea level.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Starting point: your accommodation in Salta
• Endpoint: Salta
• Travel style: private and tailor-made
• Transportation: 4x4 vehicle
• Main activity: ascent of San Gerónimo Volcano
• Overnight stays: Tolar Grande (1) and San Antonio de los Cobres (1)
• Maximum altitude: 4,950 m above sea level
• Approximate elevation gain: 500 m
• Physical difficulty: demanding due to the altitude
• Technical difficulty: low
• Languages: Spanish or English

DAY 1 – QUEBRADA DEL TORO AND TOLAR GRANDE

We leave Salta early in the morning and travel towards Tolar Grande. For the first 70 kilometres, we follow part of the Train to the Clouds route through the Quebrada del Toro and along National Route 51.

We continue to San Antonio de los Cobres, where there will be time for lunch.

In the afternoon, we continue in our 4x4 vehicle along National Route 51 and ascend to the Abra de Chorrillos, located at approximately 4,560 metres above sea level. From there, we travel towards Salar de Pocitos station and cross the extraordinary Desierto del Diablo before reaching Tolar Grande.

We spend the night in a hotel, refuge or family-run accommodation operated by members of the local community, according to availability at the time of booking.

• Route: Salta – Quebrada del Toro – San Antonio de los Cobres – Abra de Chorrillos – Salar de Pocitos – Desierto del Diablo – Tolar Grande
• Approximate distance: 364 km
• Road conditions: paved, gravel and mountain roads
• Maximum altitude: approximately 4,560 m above sea level
• Overnight: Tolar Grande

DAY 2 – OJOS DE MAR, ARIZARO SALT FLAT AND CONO DE ARITA

In the morning, we visit the Ojos de Mar, small lagoons with intensely coloured waters located just outside Tolar Grande. The early hours of the day usually offer the best conditions for observing them, when winds are less frequent and the water remains calmer.

We then begin our journey across the Arizaro Salt Flat, one of the largest salt flats in the Puna, following a road mainly used by the mining industry.

After approximately one hour, we reach the Cono de Arita, an extraordinary natural formation rising in isolation from the surface of the salt flat. There will be time to contemplate the landscape and take a short walk in the surrounding area.

We return towards Tolar Grande and then retrace part of the previous day’s route, crossing the Desierto del Diablo and Salar de Pocitos once again. At the end of the day, we arrive in San Antonio de los Cobres, where we spend the night.

• Route: Tolar Grande – Ojos de Mar – Arizaro Salt Flat – Cono de Arita – Tolar Grande – Salar de Pocitos – San Antonio de los Cobres
• Approximate distance: 200 km
• Walk: short and without technical difficulty around Cono de Arita
• Road conditions: gravel, salt flat and mountain roads
• Overnight: San Antonio de los Cobres

DAY 3 – ASCENT OF SAN GERÓNIMO VOLCANO

After breakfast, we leave San Antonio de los Cobres in our 4x4 vehicle and travel to the base of San Gerónimo Volcano, located at approximately 4,450 metres above sea level.

From there, we begin our ascent on foot towards the crater and summit, located at an altitude of 4,950 metres. The hike follows sandy terrain, slopes covered in volcanic material and sections of loose rock.

The ascent does not involve technical mountaineering, but the altitude, gradient and terrain make it physically demanding. The approximate elevation gain is 500 metres, and the complete ascent and descent take around three hours.

The pace will depend on the travellers’ fitness level, their response to the altitude and weather conditions.

After reaching the summit, we begin our descent and return to the vehicle. From there, we travel back to Salta, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m.

• Route: San Antonio de los Cobres – base of San Gerónimo Volcano – ascent and descent – Salta
• Approximate driving distance: 390 km
• Total hiking time: approximately 3 hours
• Starting altitude: approximately 4,450 m above sea level
• Maximum altitude: 4,950 m above sea level
• Approximate elevation gain: 500 m
• Terrain: sand, volcanic material and loose rocks
• Physical difficulty: demanding due to the altitude
• Technical difficulty: low
• Estimated arrival in Salta: 7:00 p.m.

SERVICES INCLUDED

• Private transportation in a 4x4 vehicle throughout the journey
• Experienced Spanish- or English-speaking driver and mountain guide
• Guidance and assistance during the hikes and the complete volcano ascent
• Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast
• One picnic lunch during the journey
• Passenger transport insurance covering passengers while travelling in the vehicle
• Operational coordination and assistance throughout the journey

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• Lunches, except for the specified picnic
• Dinners
• Drinks
• Entrance fees to sites or attractions, where applicable
• Personal hiking equipment
• Personal travel, medical, accident, rescue or evacuation insurance
• Personal expenses
• Any service not expressly listed as included

ACCOMMODATION

The programme includes two nights’ accommodation:

• One night in Tolar Grande
• One night in San Antonio de los Cobres

In Tolar Grande, accommodation options are limited and may include a hotel, refuge or family-run property operated by members of the local community. In San Antonio de los Cobres, we work with locally operated hotels and inns.

The establishments will be confirmed according to availability at the time of booking.

HIKES AND DIFFICULTY

The programme includes short walks at the Ojos de Mar and around Cono de Arita, as well as the main ascent of San Gerónimo Volcano.

The volcano ascent begins at approximately 4,450 metres and reaches an altitude of 4,950 metres above sea level. The complete hike, including the ascent and descent, takes approximately three hours and involves an elevation gain of around 500 metres.

No technical mountaineering experience is required, but the route follows slopes of sand, volcanic material and loose rocks. The main challenge is the altitude, so travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and previous hiking experience.

The driver-guide accompanying the passengers throughout the journey is also a mountain guide and completes the entire ascent with the travellers.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

• Hiking boots with good grip
• Comfortable walking clothes
• Warm layers for low temperatures
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Small daypack
• Water bottle
• Trekking poles, recommended for the ascent and descent

ALTITUDE AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS

The programme reaches a maximum altitude of 4,950 metres above sea level. The itinerary allows for a gradual ascent, with the first night in Tolar Grande and the second in San Antonio de los Cobres.

The journey takes place in a remote region with significant temperature variations, intense solar radiation and sudden changes in wind and temperature.

The volcano ascent is subject to the travellers’ response to the altitude, weather conditions and the mountain guide’s assessment. If conditions are unsuitable, the hike may be shortened, modified or cancelled for safety reasons.

VEHICLES AND OPERATION

The journey is operated in 4x4 vehicles with an experienced driver-guide familiar with the roads of the Puna. The same professional is also a mountain guide and accompanies the travellers throughout the complete ascent of San Gerónimo Volcano.

This is a private journey, and departure times are arranged in advance with the passengers. The itinerary may be modified if weather, road conditions or any safety-related circumstances affect the planned operation.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

The best time to undertake this journey is between April and November, when rainfall is less frequent and the roads are generally in better condition.

Winter may bring very low temperatures, snow or ice on mountain passes. During the summer, rainfall may affect roads, salt flats and river crossings.

The journey and volcano ascent are always subject to weather and safety conditions.

TAILOR-MADE OPTIONS

The programme can be adapted to the travellers’ fitness level, previous hiking experience, accommodation category, flight schedules, particular interests and travel pace.

Any modification may require a different duration or rate.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP

Tell us your preferred travel dates, the number of travellers, your preferred accommodation category, your experience with high-altitude hiking and any particular interests you would like us to consider.

We will confirm availability and prepare a private proposal for exploring Tolar Grande, the Arizaro Salt Flat and San Gerónimo Volcano.