DAY 1 | La Rioja - Ischigualasto (Valley of the Moon) / Talampaya Parks - San José de Vinchina
Departing from La Rioja we reach neighboring province San Juan to visit Ischigualasto Park (by driving in a convoy). This dazzling moonlike desert exhibits bizarre wind-eroded sandstone formations, reveals the evolution of vertebrate life, and represents with a complete sequence of continental sediments the entire Triassic Period (250-208 million years ago). We return to La Rioja to explore (unfortunately not on our own) the astonishing Talampaya Park and its invaluable geological and archaeological treasures. Main marvels are the colossal 160m deep Talampaya Canyon and the up to 80m high red cliff walls. Overnight accommodation in a homely hotel at San José de Vinchina (3,000 masl).

DAY 2 | Vinchina - Laguna Brava - Villa Unión
Heading into Andean heights the road winds upwards reaching an altitude of 4,200 m, where a magnificent panorama unfolds before us. Laguna Brava (Brave Lagoon) is an extensive altiplanic lake of salty waters, 17 km long and 4 km wide. The Reserve was established to protect native fauna like vicuñas, guanacos, foxes, flamingoes and hawks, and is surrounded by giants like the Veladero (6,436 m) and Bonete (6,872 m) volcanoes. In the afternoon we drive the same way back to spend the night at a pleasent hotel in Villa Unión.

DAY 3 | Villa Unión - Fiambalá
After following a snaking road along the beautiful Cuesta de Miranda, through 500-meters-tall red rock walls dotted with cactus, and passing by olive groves and vineyards, we enter the province of Catamarca, continuing through picturesque villages of adobe houses and churches. At the end of the day we enjoy the relaxing thermal waters, set among high granite walls, nearby Fiambalá (altitude 1,570 m). In this friendly town we overnight at a comfortable hostería.

DAY 4 | Monte Pissis / Green Lagoon - Fiambalá
A fabulous expedition up into the deserted Andean precordillera, along colorful high altitude lagoons and stunning mountainous landscape. When reaching a natural balcony, at 4.500 m, we behold a breathtaking view of untouched nature and of Mount Pissis, rising as the highest volcano of the world. It is a glacier covered massif with five summits and 6,882 (IGM) meters in height. As the track takes us down along Black Lagoon and penetrates deeper into the wilderness, we reach the emerald colored Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon). Doubling back down we return to Fiambalá, where we overnight in the hostería again.

DAY 5 | Fiambalá - Pumice Stone Field - Antofagasta de la Sierra
An exciting journey of incomparable backdrops and adventurous off road passages: A track that meanders through a riverbed in a scenic gorge, a steep road zigzagging up a mountainside with fantastic vistas, and the crossing of an ocean of sand and white-grey looming dunes. Immersed in a spectacular and endless volcanic landscape, we enjoy a surreal atmosphere walking onto another planet -- the 30 km2 Pumice Stone Field, its enormous pastel colored formations eroded into unusual shapes. After arrival at Antofagasta de la Sierra (3,440 masl), a green oasis lying in a vast an arid plain, we spend the night in a roomy guesthouse.

DAY 6 | Antofagasta de la Sierra
Today we explore the unspoilt, hidden marvels of the Puna. Attractive options near Antofagasta are a panoramic hiking up a volcano, its black lava streams flowing into a quiet lagoon, and/or the visit to interesting sites of petroglyphs carved into volcanic rocks. Also the excursion amidst marvelous mountain scenery to the remote Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon), inhabited by thousands of flamingoes, or the circuit through Salar Antofalla crossing striking passes of over 4,000 m, leave unforgettable impressions. We again overnight in Antofagasta de la Sierra.

DAY 7 | AdlS - Salar del Hombre Muerto - La Polvorilla - San Antonio de los Cobres
A desolate road leads northward along the second largest salt flat in Argentina, the Salar del Hombre Muerto (Dead Man's salt field), and onward into the limitless extent of the Andean altiplano until we reach the mighty La Polvorilla viaduct. At 4,220 m in altitude, it is the highest station of the Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds), and features 224 m long and 63 m high. A few kilometers ahead, we arrive at the ancient mining town of San Antonio de los Cobres (3,775 m), where we overnight in a restful hotel.

DAY 8 | SAC - Northern Calchaquí-Valleys - La Poma - Cachi - Salta
From San Antonio de los Cobres, the 'gate' to the Altiplano, the road climbs toward the highest road pass in America, the Abra del Acay, where a superb panorama opens up around us at an altitude of 4,985 m. Afterwards we enter the northern Calchaquí-Valleys and steadily descend through a delightful backdrop of sinuous gorges, passing green farmlands and several hamlets until we reach the enchanting village of La Poma. After arrival in Cachi we can walk around on its cobbled streets and between adobe homes painted white. On our way to Salta we enjoy beautiful views traveling through Los Cardones National Park, a desert of centenary giant cactus', and down the pretty serpentine road of Cuesta del Obispo (Obispo's Slope). Our trip finishes upon arrival in Salta, 'La Linda' (The Beautiful).