| DAY | Day's Detail | 1 | Arrival in La Rioja and transfer to your hotel for overnight accommodation. |
2 | La Rioja – Londres – Belén – Laguna Blanca – El Peñón / Antofagasta de la Sierra. Depart at 8:00 a.m. from La Rioja and travel toward Catamarca, visiting Londres, the Inca ruins of El Shincal de Quimivil, and Belén. Continue through the dramatic Quebrada del Río Belén toward the Andes, passing El Eje, Puerta de Corral Quemado, Villavil, Quebrada de Indalecio, and Barranca Larga. Climb the scenic Cuesta de Randolfo to approximately 3,000 meters above sea level and visit the Laguna Blanca Biosphere Reserve, home to wild vicuñas. Continue across the volcanic high plateau, passing through El Peñón, and arrive in the afternoon at El Peñón or Antofagasta de la Sierra for overnight accommodation, depending on availability and operational planning. |
3 | Excursion to Campo de Piedra Pómez. Travel into one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the Argentine Puna, where wind and erosion have sculpted a vast labyrinth of white pumice formations. Enjoy a short trek through this surreal setting, passing near Volcán Carachi. The day also includes visits to archaeological remains such as the Pucará de la Alumbrera, at the foot of Volcán Antofagasta, and the petroglyphs of Peñas Coloradas. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon. |
4 | Excursion to Salar de Antofalla or Volcán Galán, depending on conditions and operational planning. Salar de Antofalla: Cross the Cordillera de Calalaste to enjoy panoramic views over one of the world’s longest salt flats, then descend to the remote village of Antofalla at the foot of the volcano of the same name. Continue along the salt flat to visit the colorful thermal pools of Ojos del Campo and the oasis of La Botijuela. Then we return to Antofagasta crossing the Portezuelo del Diablo, arriving to your accommodation at dusk.
Volcán Galán: Ascend to the rim of one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas (40km diameter), with sweeping views over the immense crater and the striking turquoise waters of Laguna Diamante. The excursion also includes the geothermal field of Volcán Galán, with steaming vents and thermal water flows. Return to your accommodation at dusk. |
5 | Return journey to La Rioja. After breakfast, depart across the high plateau and descend back toward La Rioja. Arrival in La Rioja is expected at dusk. Overnight stay at hotel. |
6 | Departure transfer to La Rioja airport or bus terminal. |
