3-Day Private 4x4 Andean Puna Expedition to Tolar Grande

3 Days Round trip from Salida desde Salta Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the red formations and narrow passages of the Desierto del Diablo
02 Cross the immense white expanse of the Salar de Arizaro by private 4x4
03 Stand before the perfectly shaped Cono de Arita rising from the salt flat
04 Admire the vivid blue waters of Ojos de Mar near Tolar Grande
05 Experience the silence, changing light, and vast horizons of the Andean Puna

Leave the familiar landscapes of Salta behind and enter one of the most remote regions of the Argentine Andes on this private 4x4 expedition across the high-altitude Puna. Travel through red desert corridors, vast salt flats, and volcanic landscapes shaped by wind and time, with stops at remarkable sites such as the Salar de Arizaro, the Cono de Arita, and the vivid blue Ojos de Mar near Tolar Grande. Long stretches of empty road, changing light, silence, and immense horizons are part of the experience, while your local driver-guide adapts the route to weather and road conditions, always prioritizing safety in this remote environment.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Salta

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

From Salta to Tolar Grande through the high-altitude Puna

Day 1 | Salta - Quebrada del Toro - Santa Rosa de Tastil - San Antonio de los Cobres - Desierto del Diablo - Tolar Grande

Early morning departure from Salta, beginning the ascent towards the high-altitude landscapes of the Puna.

Travel through the spectacular Quebrada del Toro, surrounded by changing mountain scenery, until reaching San Antonio de los Cobres, the main town of the Salta Puna.

After a short stop, continue deeper into the high desert, passing through increasingly remote landscapes before crossing the remarkable Desierto del Diablo, known for its intense red colours and unusual geological formations.

In the afternoon, arrive in Tolar Grande, a small Andean village surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, and vast high-altitude deserts.

Overnight in Tolar Grande.

Day 02

Salar de Arizaro and Cono de Arita exploration

Day 2 | Tolar Grande - Salar de Arizaro - Cono de Arita - Tolar Grande

After breakfast, depart for a full day exploring some of the most impressive landscapes around Tolar Grande.

After enjoying the area, continue towards the immense Salar de Arizaro, one of the most striking landscapes of the region.

The main afternoon visit is the Cono de Arita, an extraordinary natural formation rising almost perfectly from the salt flat and one of the most iconic sights of the Salta Puna.

After the visit, return to Tolar Grande.

Overnight in Tolar Grande.

Day 03

Ojos de Mar and return to Salta

Day 3 | Tolar Grande - Ojos de Mar - San Antonio de los Cobres - Salta

After breakfast, visit the Ojos de Mar, small turquoise-blue pools located just outside Tolar Grande and surrounded by the volcanic landscape of the high desert.

After the visit, begin the return journey towards Salta, passing once again through the Puna and San Antonio de los Cobres.

From there, gradually descend through the Quebrada del Toro, leaving the high-altitude desert behind and returning to the greener valleys surrounding Salta.

Arrival in Salta in the late afternoon/evening.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Salida desde Salta 1 city · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private round-trip transportation from Salta in a 4x4 vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Salta
Professional driver-guide throughout the three-day expedition
Fuel and vehicle operating costs throughout the route
Two nights of accommodation in Tolar Grande
Breakfast on days 2 and 3
Picnic lunch on day 2
Bottled water throughout the journey
Individual snacks during the road trip
First-aid kit carried in the vehicle
Guided visits to the locations listed in the itinerary

What's Not Included

Domestic and international flights
Airport transfers in Salta
Accommodation in Salta before or after the expedition
Lunch on days 1 and 3
Dinner on days 1 and 2
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Entrance tickets and local community access fees
Travel and medical insurance
Medical treatment or emergency evacuation expenses
Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities

What to bring

Valid passport or identification document
Small overnight bag suitable for a three-day journey
Warm jacket and layered clothing
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Lip balm and personal toiletries
Personal medication
Camera or mobile phone and portable power bank
Cash in Argentine pesos for meals, entrance fees, and personal expenses

Know before you go

Pickup is from the reception of your centrally located hotel in Salta. Please provide the hotel name and address before departure. The exact pickup time will be confirmed the day before the tour.
Simple local accommodation in Tolar Grande for two nights. Depending on availability, guests may stay in a local guesthouse or in a family homestay. Facilities are comfortable but basic and reflect the remote location.
This expedition travels through remote areas at elevations above 4,000 metres.
- Bring warm layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Temperatures may change considerably between daytime and night.
- Walks are generally short but take place at high altitude and on uneven terrain.
- Carry a valid passport or identification document throughout the journey.
- Accommodation is simple and may be provided in a local family home, subject to availability.
- The itinerary may be modified due to weather, snow, or road conditions. Safety takes priority over completing every scheduled visit.
- Satellite internet is available subject to coverage and technical conditions; continuous connectivity cannot be guaranteed.
- English-speaking guide is available when selected and confirmed at booking.