Bariloche is Argentina at its most picture-perfect. Alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks and scenery that would not feel out of place in Switzerland.
Yet Argentina has another side entirely.
For this edit, we journey north to high deserts, vast salt flats and remote landscapes shaped by centuries of Andean culture. Explore the canyons of Quebrada de las Conchas, watch flamingos gather on high-altitude lakes, and spend time on estancias where a way of life still influenced by gaucho traditions continues today.
It’s Argentina at its most raw, remote and revealing.
Quebrada de las Conchas
Begin your El Penon desert adventure by crossing the Quebrada de las Conchas, a 65km canyon awash with fossils dating back millenia. Here the landscape takes on burgundy, rust and violet hues, its unique geological rock formations carved over time by the wind and rain.
Laguna Grande Reserve
Continue through the desert highlands of the Puna, driving to the high altitude Andean lake of the Laguna Grande Reserve. A saline lake sitting at 4150m above sea level, it sees spring and summertime visits from three South American flamingo species: Chilean, Andean and James’ (also known as Puna).
Salar de Antofalla
Descend to the Salar de Antofalla, one of the most inhospitable places in Salta province. The extensive salt flat lies adjacent to the isolated town of Antofalla, which only around 40 residents call home. Amidst this arid desert landscape, the town retains a few willow and poplar trees, alongside a small area of pasture.
Estancia Los Petreros
Culminate your El Penon desert adventure with a stay at the traditional Estancia Los Petreros, a working organic cattle farm with old-world charm. From the gauchos that still work on horseback you’ll learn about their rural Argentine lifestyle, getting involved with everything from sheep shearing to driving cattle.
If you’d like to see Argentina better, speak to Specialist Paul Bird about our Deserts & Gauchos of Northwest Argentina itinerary.