Atacama Desert Overland Tour: Argentina and Chile

Your Atacama Desert driving adventure begins in Salta, the capital city of the province of the same name. You’ll spend the afternoon on a walking tour of the colonial buildings, bustling streets, and pretty churches. You’ll make a stop at the High Mountain Archaeology Museum, seeing the “Children of Llullaillaco,” one of the most important archaeological findings of recent years.

Note: The Town Hall and the MAAM close on Mondays. San Miguel ‘s Market closes on
Sundays. The itinerary could be modified.

Today on this overland tour in Argentina and Chile is all about the natural beauty just outside of Salta. Drive to explore the Calchaquies Valleys, Los Cardones National Park, the Del Obispo Slope, Tin Tin Straight, and the Cachi and De Las Flechas gorges. Make sure you’ve got your camera charged!

Note: Pablo Díaz Museum closes on Mondays.

You’ll spend the night in Cafayate.

Sleep in a bit or spend a little longer enjoying breakfast today, as you’ll enjoy a relaxed morning before heading back to Salta in the afternoon.

Note: The Vine and Wine Museum closes on Mondays.

Early this morning, hop in the van and begin a drive along the Del Toro Gorge in Jujuy province. Stop in San Antonio de los Cobres for a stretch, then continue along the puna (plateau) to Salinas Grandes Salt Flat, a scene out of a movie.

After marvelling at the salt flat, it’s on to Purmamarca for the evening. The De los Siete Colores Hill is nearby, and it’s a scenic spot to admire as the sun sets.

Spend the morning exploring Jujuy province, an area defined by unusual rock formations. Get to know the Humahuaca Gorge, a Cultural and National Heritage Site.

Return to Purmamarca at the end of an adventurous day.

Note: There is an optional extension to visit Hornocal (De los Catorce Colores Hill) available, please enquire for more information.

Early today, begin your drive to San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy the scenery of the desert passing by as you approach your hotel for the night,

Spend this day of the Atacama Desert Overland Tour strolling the otherworldly Atacama Salt Flats, a wide partially-evaporated salt lake surrounded by red mountains. Watch out for flamingos here! Next up is Chaxa Lagoon, another favourite spot for local flamingos- fittingly, as it’s part of Los Flamencos National Reserve.

Watch the sunset at De la Luna Valley before turning in for the night.

Rise early and grab your coffee before heading out to the El Tatio Geysers, the highest geothermal field in the world. Watch the steam fumaroles produced by the scorching craters, a crazy sight!

Tonight it’s back to San Pedro de Atacama.

After breakfast, it’s back to Salta. Savour your last few hours cruising through the Atacama Desert.

On your final day of your overlanding in Chile and Argentina, you can spend your time as you please before it’s time to head to the airport. Adios!