The Best Way to Visit the Puna of Argentina
A guide to one of South America's most amazing regions, featuring stunning landscapes from another planet and towns standing still in time.
Volcanoes, salt flats and colourful deserts at over 3000 metres above sea level are among the extraordinary landscapes that characterise the Puna, an outstanding region both in Argentina and in the continent. You can reach it from Salta, Jujuy or Catamarca, and get to know its highlights by following La Ruta Natural.
Where to start?
Most of these destinations in the Puna are inhospitable and far away from large urban centres, making them perfect for an intense adventure trip. They can be visited on guided tours departing from the City of Salta, San Salvador de Jujuy or San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, as well as from the touristic towns in the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
The Quebrada de Humahuaca can be explored from San Salvador de Jujuy, through the valleys up to the Puna. Near Purmamarca and through the Cuesta de Lipán, you can reach the famous Salinas Grandes. In the north of the province, the highlights are the Laguna de los Pozuelos and the Valle de La Luna in Cusi Cusi.
Surrounded by green valleys, the city of Salta is the gateway to the Puna of Salta. Through the Quebrada del Toro and along a paved road, National Route 51 climbs up to 4000 metres above sea level in San Antonio de los Cobres. From there, you can visit the Viaducto la Polvorilla, where the famous Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) passes. You can also travel to Tolar Grande to explore its marvellous salt flats and volcanoes.
Coming from the south, the gateway to the Puna of Catamarca is Antofagasta de la Sierra. This tourist town is 551 kilometres away from San Fernando del Valle. The scenery is an attraction in itself: slopes and scenic routes meet. The Laguna Blanca Reserve and the Campo de Piedra Pómez (Pumice Stone Field) are the must-see places in this area.
When to Go?
The best time of year to travel is during the dry season: April to May or October to November. The rainy season is generally from December to March, and some roads may become impassable.
Temperatures tend to be very low in winter and even on summer nights due to the altitude, so you should take warm clothes. If you are interested in birdwatching, we suggest you check the nature calendar on La Ruta Natural's website. It is advisable to take precautions against altitude sickness, heat stroke and dehydration to fully enjoy the experience.
Six Must-sees
Salinas Grandes
At 3450 metres above sea level, the Salinas Grandes get covered with water during the rainy season and the turquoise colour creates a unique scenery. Whether hiking or exploring its trails with local guides, this salt desert offers unique postcards and memories to remember. It can be visited all year round, either by vehicle or on excursions.
Salinas Grandes in Jujuy, at 3450 metres above sea level.
Cusi Cusi
The Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) in Cusi Cusi is a hidden gem in the Puna of Jujuy. It is a little known wonderful corner of Argentina: a valley with strange shapes, breathtaking landscapes and Martian colours along the sides of National Route 40.
Laguna de los Pozuelos
The Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument is one of the large wetlands of the Puna and a great day trip destination. Its landscape amazes birdwatchers and those who enjoy extreme and solitary views.
Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds)
If there is an image that identifies the Puna, it is that of the La Polvorilla Viaduct, an amazing engineering work that allows the passage of another icon, the Tren a las Nubes, which crosses the mythical National Route 40. The La Polvorilla Viaduct can be visited all year round. For the Tren a las Nubes, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance.
Tolar Grande
For travellers with an adventurous spirit, Tolar Grande is a wild place of spectacular beauty, featuring attractions such as the Desierto del Diablo, the Cono de Arita, the Ojos de Mar, the Salar de Arizaro, among many others.
Desierto del Diablo, one of the most isolated places in the Puna of Salta.
Antofagasta de la Sierra
Located 550 kilometres from San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Antofagasta de la Sierra and El Peñón are perfect to discover the many attractions offered by the Puna in Catamarca. This is a spectacular and yet little known area, with several volcanoes and the immense Campo de Piedra Pómez.
The Campo de Piedra Pómez, a sea of white rock at more than 3,000 metres above sea level in Catamarca.