5 dream places in Puna, Argentina

Discover 5 iconic places of the region as you travel through the provinces of Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca. A journey in which magical landscapes merge with the typical culture of the region.

You only need to open a map and look at where Argentine Puna is located to notice that it is located away from major urban centers. This is one of the many features that invite you to travel to this region, which promises action-packed adventures through unique places of mesmerizing beauty in the world.

A traveler exploring this vast territory encounters salt flats, valleys, deserts , geological shapes and colors that seem to come from another planet. All of them are dotted with small villages where history permeates the buildings, customs and gastronomy.

In this article, we tell you five must-visit places to immerse yourself in this region.

1) Salinas Grandes: one of Argentina's natural wonders.

Discover the white immensity of one of the largest salt flats in Argentina in Jujuy, crossing the extraordinary Cuesta del Lipan. Salinas Grandes creates surreal landscapes that seem to stretch to infinity. Walking along the salty surface with a guide and watching the spectacle of its changing reflections under the sun is a unique experience. And for those who expect a little more, it's a great idea to spend a night at a luxury campsite to contemplate the beauty of the starry sky surrounded by nature.

2) Kusi Kusi Moon Valley: A Hidden Hollow in Pune.

The lunar world opens in the heart of Pune: The lunar valley of Kusi-Kusi is also located in Jujuy. This desert landscape is mesmerizing with rock formations eroded by wind and time, blooming colors and textures that create scenarios worth exploring. Be sure to stop at the observation decks to take photos.

Just five kilometers away is the picturesque village of Kusi-Kusi, which is also worth a visit to get to know its inhabitants, their way of life, and also purchase handicrafts.

3) An epic train journey into the clouds.

A classic of northwest Argentina and Puna Salta is the legendary train tour "Train to the Clouds" itinerary which offers panoramic views that will take your breath away. The route reaches the La Polvorilla Viaduct, a masterpiece of engineering at an altitude of 4220 meters above sea level, under which passes the legendary Route 40.

4) Tolar Grande: Adventure Time

The magic of Tolar Grande, a city in Salta located in the middle of the desert, invites you to adventure. From there you can reach the mysterious Cone of Arita, a geological formation at the foot of the Salar de Arizoro that amazes with its perfect symmetry and fascinating history.

There are more magnificent places in the area, such as the Devil's Desert, three turquoise lagoons known as Ojos de Mar, and Laguna de Santa Maria, inhabited by pink flamingos and other typical birds of Puna.

5) Antofagasta de la Sierra: the beauty of Catamarca Puna.

The tranquility of Antofagasta de la Sierra is the starting point for discovering the boundless beauty of the pumice field. This surreal landscape at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, created by volcanic activity, offers a unique experience among rock formations that seem to have been created by the wind.

Other attractions of the region are the salt flats of Antofalla and Hombre Muerto, as well as the incredible Laguna Blanca provincial reserve, surrounded by peaks over 6,000 meters above sea level.

What is Puna?

Puna - geographical and an ecological region typical of South America, particularly the Andes. It extends across several countries, including Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. This region is located at an altitude of 3500 to 4800 meters above sea level.

This area has vegetation and fauna adapted to adverse conditions. Puna's flora includes grasslands, grasses and low shrubs, and its fauna includes species such as the vicuña, guanaco, Andean condor, and various species of rodents and birds adapted to altitude.

In terms of ecology Puna is a high-altitude ecosystem characterized by extreme living conditions, which led to the evolution of highly specialized species.

Source: argentina.travel