Big Tolar

72 hrs
From
1.017.796 ARS


Discover a charming town nestled in the highlands of Salta. Throughout our journey, we'll explore captivating spots like San Antonio de los Cobres and the vibrant Devil's Desert. On this exciting three-day adventure, you'll be mesmerized by breathtaking landscapes, with the Arite Cone and the Llullaillaco Volcano—renowned globally—standing out as the highlights of your photo collection!

Tour Description

Perched at 3,400 meters above sea level, Tolar Grande is a captivating town located in the Puna of Salta. Situated 357 km from the city of Salta, reaching this destination involves traversing through towns rich in cultural, geological, and scenic significance. Join us on this unforgettable adventure!



Day 1: Your journey begins with a departure from Salta city at 7:30 am, heading towards Tolar Grande. Our first major stop is the Quebrada del Toro , an iconic route shared by the Train to the Clouds. As we navigate through the Quebrada, we’ll also visit the bustling village of Santa Rosa de Tastil . By noon, we’ll reach San Antonio de los Cobres , where a delightful lunch awaits.

At 2:00 p.m., our journey continues towards Tolar Grande, passing through the Abra de Alto Chorrillo , the highest point of our excursion at 4,560 meters above sea level. From here, we'll descend a thousand meters, venturing further into the heart of the Puna of Salta, surrounded by salt flats and volcanoes. Our highlight for the day is the Devil's Desert , where we’ll enjoy a walk amidst mountains and the mesmerizing play of light created by the sun. After soaking in this breathtaking scenery, we’ll proceed to Tolar Grande, where a warm dinner and comfortable accommodation await.




Day 2: Our second day commences at 9:00 am with breakfast, giving us a glimpse into the lifestyle of the local inhabitants. Accompanied by a local guide, we will then explore Ojos del Mar and El Arenal , spending around two hours marveling at this site. This stop is ideal for walking and capturing stunning photographs of the seven volcanoes of the Andes Mountains visible from the viewpoints: Socompa , Aracar , Guanaqueros , Pulares , Salin , Arizaro , and the renowned Llullaillaco volcano , celebrated as the second highest active volcano on the planet. Afterward, we will return to town for lunch, refreshments, and a brief respite before heading to the Salar de Arizaro , the largest salt flat in Argentina and the third largest in the Americas. This hour-long journey will include photo stops en route to the Arite Cone , a unique volcanic feature within the salt flat. After enjoying our time at the Cone and Salar, we’ll head back to Tolar Grande for dinner and another overnight stay.


Day 3: At 8:30 am, we’ll depart from Tolar to retrace our path back. We’ll pause for technical and photo stops in Pocitos and San Antonio de los Cobres , arriving back in the city of Salta by the afternoon.

What’s included?

What’s included:

- Transport - Driver/guide

What’s NOT included:

- Accommodation - Food/drinks - Extra expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour to the Arita Cone and Tolar Grande explores the Salta Puna region and the Arizaro Salt Flat, with iconic stops such as Ojos de Mar (Eyes of the Sea) and the Devil's Desert. It typically departs early from Salta city or another agreed-upon location, traveling through Andean landscapes, mining towns, and salt flats. The tour includes tourist transportation in a 4x4 vehicle or minivan, a licensed professional guide (usually bilingual), roadside assistance, and stops for nature photography. Lunch may be a boxed lunch or at the traveler's expense, depending on the operator. Local entrance fees are not always included. Limited spaces available for a safe experience. Please confirm the meeting point and time.

Depending on the agency and the season, the excursion can be done as a very long full-day trip or as a 2-day/1-night tour with an overnight stay in Tolar Grande. It's an adventure trip with many hours of driving at high altitude and sections of gravel road, but the hikes are short and require little physical exertion. General fitness, good hydration, and prior acclimatization are recommended. Families and senior travelers can participate if they do not have altitude sickness issues. Groups are usually small to optimize time and safety. Please review the detailed itinerary, estimated transfer times, and included services before booking.

To enjoy your trip through the Salta Puna region, dress in layers: thermal base layer, fleece, waterproof windbreaker, comfortable pants, and warm socks. Wear trekking boots or sneakers with good traction. Essentials: a warm hat or cap (depending on the season), UV sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm, gloves, and a buff. Bring 1.5–2 liters of water per person, energy snacks, cash for local expenses, your ID/passport, medical insurance, and a portable charger for your phone and camera. Add a personal first-aid kit and trash bags. Avoid strong perfumes and new clothes. In summer, pack a rain jacket; in winter, bring extra layers.

The trek reaches altitudes above 3,500 meters (10,500 feet) and may cross passes over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). To prevent altitude sickness, arrive well-rested, stay hydrated, eat light meals, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and move slowly. If your doctor approves, consider preventative medication (e.g., acetazolamide) or Andean natural remedies. People with heart or respiratory conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, pregnant women, or very young children should consult a doctor beforehand. Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Inform your guide of any symptoms (severe headache, nausea, shortness of breath). Purchase travel insurance.

The best time to visit Cono de Arita and Tolar Grande is usually from April to November, with clear days ideal for photographing the high plateau landscapes. In winter, the nights are very cold and the wind picks up; in summer (January–March), rain can occur, making gravel roads impassable and delaying the tour. Always check road conditions before traveling. Prioritize licensed operators, well-maintained 4x4 vehicles, local guides, and valid insurance. Bring cash, as connectivity and electronic payments are limited in the Puna region. Respect environmental regulations and sacred sites.

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Big Tolar

72 hrs
From 1.017.796 ARS

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Big Tolar