A high-altitude 4x4 journey through the Puna de Atacama, the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Iruya. This private journey connects three emblematic regions of northern Argentina. Over three days, the route crosses dramatic gorges, salt flats, historic villages and high mountain passes, revealing some of the most extraordinary geographical and cultural contrasts in Salta and Jujuy. The itinerary combines the historic railway route of the Train to the Clouds with El Alfarcito, San Antonio de los Cobres, Salinas Grandes, Purmamarca, the Serranía del Hornocal and the spectacular mountain road to Iruya.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Starting point: passengers' accommodation in Salta city
• End point: passengers' accommodation in Salta city or Jujuy International Airport
• Travel style: private, tailor-made service
• Recommended group size: 2 to 4 travellers
• Vehicle: private 4x4 vehicle suitable for mountain routes and gravel roads
• Guide: professional Spanish- or English-speaking driver-guide
• Maximum altitude: approximately 4,350 m / 14,272 ft at the Serranía del Hornocal
• Season: year-round. Between January and March, heavy rainfall may temporarily affect some gravel roads, particularly the access road to Iruya.

DAY 1 - SALTA / QUEBRADA DEL TORO / SAN ANTONIO DE LOS COBRES / SALINAS GRANDES / PURMAMARCA

We leave Salta and begin our ascent through the Quebrada del Toro, following much of the historic railway route of the Train to the Clouds. As we gain altitude, the vegetation gradually changes and the landscape becomes increasingly arid and mountainous. Along the way, we can see viaducts, tunnels and zigzag sections built to help the railway overcome the steep gradients of the Andes. If our journey coincides with the train's operating day and schedule, we may also see the Train to the Clouds travelling along one of these sections.Near the end of the Quebrada del Toro, we visit El Alfarcito. The community project established by Father Chifri is home to a mountain school, an artisan market, a small museum and a café. We then continue to San Antonio de los Cobres, in the heart of the Puna de Atacama, where there is time for lunch. Depending on the travellers' interests and the time available, we can make an optional detour to visit the La Polvorilla Viaduct. From San Antonio de los Cobres, we travel north along approximately 95 kilometres of gravel road before joining National Route 52, which leads towards the international border crossing with Chile. We then reach Salinas Grandes, where we can walk on the salt flat and take photographs. Our journey continues with another ascent to 4,170 metres above sea level, followed by the winding descent along the Cuesta de Lipán to Purmamarca, where the first day ends.

• Starting point: Salta
• End point: Purmamarca
• Approximate distance: 450 km / 280 mi
• Maximum altitude: approximately 4,170 m / 13,681 ft
• Accommodation: Purmamarca, not included
• Meals included: none

DAY 2 - PURMAMARCA / HUMAHUACA / HORNOCAL / IRUYA

After breakfast, we take advantage of the morning light to visit the Hill of Seven Colours and Purmamarca's street market. We also walk the Paseo de Los Colorados, an approximately 3-kilometre circuit through striking red rock formations.We then board our vehicle and begin travelling through the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its outstanding natural, historical and cultural value.

We continue to Humahuaca, the historic town that gives the gorge its name, where there is time for lunch. From there, a detour of approximately 24 kilometres takes us to the Serranía del Hornocal, also known as the Hill of Fourteen Colours. Its viewpoint, located at around 4,350 metres above sea level, offers one of the most impressive views of the journey. We retrace our route to Humahuaca and continue north. Leaving the main road, we return to a gravel road that passes through Iturbe, a former railway village beside the Río Grande. The road climbs to Abra del Cóndor, a mountain pass at approximately 4,000 metres above sea level on the border between Jujuy and Salta. From there, we begin a spectacular descent along a narrow, winding road to Iruya, a small colonial village that appears to hang among the mountains.

• Starting point: Purmamarca
• End point: Iruya
• Approximate distance: 190 km / 118 mi
• Maximum altitude: 4,350 m / 14,272 ft at the Serranía del Hornocal
• Walk(optional): approximately 3 km / 1.9 mi and 45 minutes along the Paseo de Los Colorados
• Accommodation: Iruya, not included
• Meals included: none

DAY 3 - IRUYA / TILCARA / SAN SALVADOR DE JUJUY / SALTA

After breakfast, we leave Iruya and climb the mountain road once again to Abra del Cóndor. From there, we return to the Quebrada de Humahuaca and continue to Tilcara. In Tilcara, we can visit the Pucará, a partially reconstructed pre-Hispanic settlement occupying a strategic elevated position above the gorge. The visit involves an approximately 30-minute walk, and the admission fee is not included. In the afternoon, we continue towards the outskirts of San Salvador de Jujuy and then take the old National Route 9 back to Salta. This section passes through lush subtropical vegetation, creating a striking contrast with the arid and desert landscapes experienced during the previous days.

Arrival in Salta is expected at approximately 6:00 pm. The journey may also end at Jujuy International Airport.

• Starting point: Iruya
• End point: Salta or Jujuy International Airport
• Approximate distance to Salta: 324 km / 201 mi
• Maximum altitude: approximately 4,000 m / 13,123 ft at Abra del Cóndor
• Accommodation: not applicable; the journey ends in Salta or at Jujuy International Airport
• Meals included: non

INCLUDED SERVICES

• - Private 4x4 vehicle throughout the journey.
• - Professional Spanish- or English-speaking driver-guide.
• - Passenger transport insurance and applicable taxes.
• - Assistance with selecting and booking accommodation.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• - Accommodation, unless expressly included in the quotation.
• - Lunches, dinners and beverages.
• - Admission fees to archaeological sites, museums and other paid attractions.
• - Personal travel insurance or medical assistance.
• - Personal expenses and tips.
• - Services not expressly listed as included.

ACCOMMODATION

Overnight stays are in Purmamarca and Iruya. Accommodation is quoted separately according to category, availability and travellers' preferences. The final selection is confirmed at the time of booking.

ALTITUDE AND ROUTE CONDITIONS

Most of the journey takes place between 2,300 and 3,800 metres above sea level. The highest point is the Serranía del Hornocal viewpoint, at approximately 4,350 metres / 14,272 feet.This journey can be undertaken throughout the year. Between January and March, heavy rainfall may temporarily affect some gravel roads, particularly the access road to Iruya.

VEHICLES AND OPERATION

The route combines paved highways, mountain roads and extensive gravel sections. The service is operated in a private 4x4 vehicle and allows the pace of the stops to be adapted within the operational requirements of the itinerary. The route and schedules may be adjusted due to weather conditions, road conditions, attraction availability or instructions issued by local authorities.

LA POLVORILLA VIADUCT

The visit to the La Polvorilla Viaduct is optional and can be made from San Antonio de los Cobres when the travellers are interested and the time available allows the detour to be included without affecting the rest of the day's itinerary.

TAILOR-MADE OPTIONS

The journey can be adapted to flight schedules, accommodation category, travellers' interests, preferred pace and final destination. Any modification may require a different duration or quotation.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIP

Tell us your travel dates, the number of travellers, your preferred accommodation category and any particular interests you would like us to consider. We will confirm availability and prepare a private proposal for your journey through the Puna, the Quebrada de Humahuaca and Iruya.