DAY 1 | La Rioja - Fiambalá
Departure from La Rioja heading westwards through the snaking red gorges of Cuesta de Miranda, and northwards passing by olive groves and vineyards, entering Catamarca province. End of day is a relaxing thermal bath in between of towering granite walls in Fiambalá. Overnight in a comfortable hostería (1,570 masl).

DAY 2 | Mount Pissis / Green Lagoon - Las Grutas (Paso San Francisco)
Fabulous off road drive up into the deserted Andean precordillera, along colorful lagoons. To an altitude of 4,200 m, a natural balcony unfolds a breathtaking panorama. The 'sixtyhundred' Mount Pissis, a glacier covered colossus of 6,882 (IGM) meters in height, dominates the landscape. As the track penetrates deeper into the wilderness, we reach the emerald colored Laguna Verde. Return down to follow the serpentine road up to Paso San Francisco, driving amidst fascinating backdrop to Las Grutas, near the Chilean border. Overnight in rustic dorm accommodation (4,000 m).

DAY 3 | Las Grutas - Peinado Volcano / Lagoon - Antofalla
A demanding but outstandingly beautiful, pure Andes off road journey. Slow drive up into the deep mountains through limestone gorges, heavy sand valleys and volcanic rocks, feasting the eyes on dramatic vistas of orange, white and black-colored peaks framing two lagoons, one olive green and one turquoise. After skirting around the Peinado volcano (5,741 m), an abrupt descent leads to its Lagoon of green-white and sharp blue waters. From here, an almost invisible sandy track leads to Salar Antofalla and along its surface, through out-of-this-world landscapes, until reaching the remote untouristy settlement of Antofalla. Simple accommodation in family house.

DAY 4 | Antofalla - Antofagasta de la Sierra
The tiny village of Antofalla is lying at the foot of the huge namesake volcano (6.409 masl) and at the edge of the Salar Antofalla, the longest of the world (140 km). Traversing this immense salt flat, the road steeply winds upwards, offering magnificent views of a bright whiteness hemmed in by grey, red and blue elevations. The trip continues crossing passes and through deserted mountains dotted with wildlife filled oases, until reaching Antofagasta de la Sierra (3,440 masl), 'the house of the sun' and main oasis of the Puna. Overnight at roomy hosteria.

DAY 5 | Antofagasta de la Sierra - Pumice Stone Field - Fiambalá
After leaving the plain of Antofagasta, immersion in a surreal and endless volcanic landscape, and dazzling walk among the otherworldly colors and shapes of the 30 km2 Pumice Stone Field. Then, exciting drive along adventurous stretches: the crossing of an ocean of volcanic sand and dunes, a steep road zigzagging down a mountainside, and a track that meanders through a riverbed. Arrival at Fiambalá and optional thermal spring bath. Overnight in comfortable hostería.

DAY 6 | Fiambalá - La Rioja
On paved road from Fiambalá to La Rioja. End of expedition.