5 dream places in the Argentinian Puna
Get to know 5 iconic sites in the region on a journey through the provinces of Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca. A trip where magical landscapes merge with the typical culture of the area.
It is enough to open a map and see where the Argentine Puna is located to notice that it is far from large urban centers. This is one of the many attractions that invites you to travel to this region, which promises an intense adventure through unique places of captivating beauty in the world.
The traveler who explores this vast territory comes across salt flats, valleys, deserts, geological shapes and colors that seem to come from another planet. All dotted with small villages where history permeates and passes through buildings, customs and gastronomy.
In this article, we tell you five must-see places to immerse yourself in this region.
1) Salinas Grandes: one of Argentina's natural wonders
Discover the white immensity of one of the largest salt flats in Argentina in Jujuy, after crossing the extraordinary Cuesta del Lipán. The Salinas Grandes create surreal landscapes that seem to stretch to infinity. Walking on the saline surface accompanied by a guide and contemplating the spectacle of its changing reflections under the sun is a unique experience. And for those expecting a little more, it is a great idea to spend a night glamping in the luxury camp to contemplate the beauty of starry skies in an environment surrounded by nature.
Tip: The best time to travel to the salt flats is from April to November, although in rainy seasons, they are filled with water and offer stunning turquoise colors.
2) Cusi Cusi Valley of the Moon: a hidden hollow in the Puna
A lunar world opens up in the heart of the Puna of Jujuy: Cusi Cusi Valley of the Moon also in Jujuy. This desert landscape captivates with its rock formations eroded by wind and time, giving away colors and textures that configure scenarios worth exploring. Stopping at the viewpoints to take pictures is a must.
Just five kilometres away, the picturesque village of Cusi Cusi is also worth visiting to get to know its inhabitants, their ways of life, and also buy handicrafts.
Tip: It is recommended to take an excursion to visit the place during the months that go from March to April and from October to November.
Read more: in Solar de la Quebrada: What is the tour of the magical towns of Jujuy like?
3) An epic journey aboard the Train to the Clouds
A classic of the Argentinian Northwest and the Puna of Salta is the tour aboard the legendary Train to the Clouds, whose route reveals panoramic views that take your breath away. The route reaches the Viaduct of La Polvorilla, a masterpiece of engineering 4,220 meters above sea level –the mythical Route 40 passes under it.
Tip: The tour can be done all year round and, as it is very demanded, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance.
4) Tolar Grande: time for adventure
The magic of Tolar Grande, a town in Salta located in the middle of the desert, invites you to some adventure. From there you can reach the mysterious Cone of Arita, a geological formation at the foot of the Salar de Arizaro that astonishes with its perfect symmetry and fascinating history.
This area also has more dazzling sites, like the Devil's Desert, the three turquoise lagoons, known as the Ojos de Mar, and the Laguna de Santa María, populated by pink flamingos and other typical birds of the Puna.
Tip: Taking an excursion with a specialized guide is the best option to get to know the area in depth.
Read more: What to do in Cafayate: Discover the magic in the province of Salta!
5) Antofagasta de la Sierra: the beauty of the Catamarca puna
The tranquility of Antofagasta de la Sierra is the starting point to get to know the limitless beauty of the Pumice Stone Field. This surreal landscape, at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, created by volcanic activity, offers a unique experience in the midst of rock formations that seem to have been sculpted by the wind.
Other must-sees in the region are the Antofalla and Hombre Muerto salt flats, as well as the incredible Laguna Blanca Provincial Reserve, which is surrounded by peaks higher than 6,000 meters above sea level.
Tip: Although it can be visited every month of the year, the ideal times are from September to November and from March to April.
Read more: 5 Days in Catamarca: Dunes, white rocks & culture
What is the Puna?
The Puna is a geographical and ecological region typical of South America, specifically the Andes. It extends across several countries, including Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. This region is located at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 4,800 meters above sea level.
This area has vegetation and fauna adapted to adverse conditions. The flora of the puna includes grasslands, grasses, and low shrubs, while its fauna includes species such as vicuña, guanaco, Andean condor, and various species of rodents and birds adapted to altitude.
In terms of ecology, the puna is a high mountain ecosystem that distinguishes itself by its extreme living conditions, which has led to the evolution of highly specialized species.
What is the weather like in the Puna?
The trip to the Argentine Puna is an unforgettable experience in an environment where nature exposes unique sites. But due to the particularities of its geographical location, it is important to plan your itinerary and, as a starting point, it is key to know the temperatures in the different times of the year.
Considering the dry continental climate, the low rainfall, the variable winds and the very contrasting temperatures between the coldest and the warmest months, as well as during the day, the strategy is to always wear different layers of clothing.
Read more: Alternative Wine Route: wineries and destinations in Northern Argentina
Recommendations for visiting the Puna
With peaks that rise over 3,500 meters above sea level, the Argentine Puna challenges even the most intrepid travelers. For this reason, in order to fully enjoy this majestic landscape, respecting the rhythms of the body and acclimatizing gradually are paramount.
It's also key to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and opt for light meals, which allow for a gentler adaptation to high altitudes. With these precautions, every step in the Puna allows travelers to absorb the unparalleled beauty of this destination.
Photo credits: Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca.