{"id":2716,"date":"2015-07-06T15:50:31","date_gmt":"2018-09-14T22:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dexotic.com\/?post_type=product&p=2716"},"modified":"2025-06-14T12:42:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T15:42:34","slug":"tolar-grande-3-day-tour","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/dexotic.com\/en\/tours-in-argentina\/tolar-grande-3-day-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Tolar Grande 3 day trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

This three days tour will allow you to enjoy both the local\u2019s kindness and the mind blowing<\/strong>\u00a0landscapes such as El Desierto del Diablo (The Devil\u2019s Desert), the amazing Ojos de Mar, the sand dunes, the impressive Arizaro salt flats and the mysterious Arita cone.<\/p>\n

Visit one of its smallest andean towns, a tiny oasis born from the mining industry and train workers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s travel to the heart of the Puna (Northwestern Argentina high-altitude desert).<\/p>\n

3 day trip to Tolar Grande\u00a0Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
DEPARTURES<\/strong><\/td>\nAll year round with groups of, at least, four people and favorable weather conditions. If you are travelling alone, ask to join one of our groups<\/a>!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DEPARTURE PLACE<\/strong><\/td>\n7:30am at the passenger\u2019s accommodation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ARRIVAL TIME ON DAY 3<\/strong><\/td>\naround 6pm on the third day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING<\/strong><\/td>\nComfortable sportswear, sneakers with sole, cap, sunglasses, a coat and sunscreen. How is the weather in northern Argentina?<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
INCLUDE<\/strong><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/i>Transfers<\/td>\n<\/i>Guide<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/i>Insurance<\/td>\n<\/i>Pickup at your place<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NOT INCLUDED<\/b><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/i>Food and Drinks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/i>Museum Tickets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/i>Accommodation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

First part of the trip to Tolar Grande: arriving at the Puna<\/h2>\n

Climbing next to the tracks of the\u00a0worldwide famous Train to the Clouds<\/a>\u00a0through the impressive Quebrada del Toro (The Bull\u2019s Gorge) we travel from Salta to San Antonio de los Cobres.<\/p>\n

We will also make a visit to the archaeological site in Santa Rosa de Tastil, enjoying its museum which is part of the Qhapaq \u00d1am project; the old Inca roads.<\/p>\n

The real mystic roads into the Puna will appear between San Antonio de los Cobres and Tolar Grande. Breathtaking salt flats, mountains, volcanoes, deserts and tiny andean villages will appear next to the road until we get there and visit it along with some of its locals.<\/p>\n

We will enjoy a typical andean dinner in one of their restaurants and learn more about life there and the products they make and sell for a living.<\/p>\n

Some of the activities include visiting the Ojos de Mar (spring of very salty water in the middle of the desert), the enormous Arizaro salt flats and climb El Arenal, where we can enjoy the view of 5500 meters high mountains such as Aracar, Mac\u00f3n, Llullaillaco, Socompa, among others.<\/p>\n

Main highlights of Tolar Grande trip<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • The best conserved archaeological site in Northwestern Argentina: Santa Rosa de Tastil;<\/li>\n
  • The tracks of the most famous train in Argentina: the Train to the Clouds;<\/li>\n
  • Argentina\u2019s biggest salt flats: Arizaro;<\/li>\n
  • One of the oldest living organisms in the world: the stromatolites in the Ojos de Mar;<\/li>\n
  • Meeting the most numerous native population in the Puna: the Kollas;<\/li>\n
  • One of the most colorful desserts;<\/li>\n
  • An almost perfect natural cone;<\/li>\n
  • And many more surprises!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Complete itinerary<\/h2>\n

    Day 1<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    07:30 hs: We start our trip from the city of Salta through the Quebrada del Toro making a stop in Santa Rosa de Tastil.<\/p>\n

    After a lunch stop in San Antonio de los Cobres, we continue towards Tolar Grande. We will cross the Alto Chorrillo pass at more than 4500 meters above sea level (maximum height during this tour) and enjoy the immensity of La Puna and its beautiful and impressive desserts and volcanoes.<\/p>\n

    After a short walk around the Devil\u2019s Dessert, where the sunlight and shadows beautifully play with the mountains, we continue towards Tolar Grande where we will enjoy our first dinner at a family restaurant. Accommodation is provided at the public shelter or a family house.<\/p>\n

    Day 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    09:00 h: After eating breakfast at the family restaurant, we continue our tour with a visit to the Ojos de Mar and El Arenal, where we will walk for around two hours, making several photo-stops to appreciate the seven Andean volcanoes: Llullaillaco, Socompa, Aracar, Guanaqueros, Pulares, Salin and Arizaro.<\/p>\n

    We will make a stop in the town again for lunch, using the restrooms and collecting some water before heading to the biggest salt flats in Argentina (the 3rd biggest in America): el Salar de Arizaro (5500 square kilometers).<\/p>\n

    After crossing the enormous, white sea (ideal for taking beautiful pictures), we will arrive to the Cono de Arita and hike for about 30 minutes to its base. It is not allowed to climb this natural formation for it is considered sacred by the local people.<\/p>\n

    We will then have some free time and finally a short visit to a local mine.<\/p>\n

    Day 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    After two days of immersing into the impressive nature of the area and getting to know some of the locals and their friendliness, we begin our journey back to Salta hoping you collected many memories and enjoyed your days here.<\/p>\n

    Duration of each day\u2019s activities<\/h2>\n

    First day<\/strong>: 12 hours
    \nSecond day<\/strong>: 8 hours
    \nThird day<\/strong>: 12 hours
    \nCovered distance by car<\/strong>: 950 kilometers<\/p>\n

    What should I bring to Tolar Grande?<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • Small or medium size backpack, comfortable clothes and coat, flashlight, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, comfortable hiking shoes, water (2 liters per person per day), sleeping bag<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      What temperature should I expect in Tolar Grande?<\/h2>\n

      From October to March<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      It is usually quite nice during the morning, around 12 degrees. The temperature starts rising and it can reach up to between 20 and 30 degrees. After 7pm, you should expect lower temperatures which can get to 0 by midnight.<\/p>\n

      From April to September<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      The day starts a bit later in order to let the sun rays heat the environment a little bit. Expect cold temperatures in the morning (-8 or -10) that will reach around 10 – 15 during the day. At night, the temperature will go below 0\u00ba again.
      \nCheck the forecast before starting your adventure!<\/p>\n

      What services can I find in Tolar Grande?<\/h2>\n

      Heating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Water for showering is hot but it is more complicated to heat it during the winter. We always recommend taking a shower around midday. Heating is mainly achieved by burning wood, gas tanks or electric heaters. The three methods are quite expensive in this area, so they are basically used during winter time.<\/p>\n

      Accommodation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      There are three basic options; family houses, the municipal hotel (6 rooms with private bathroom) and the public mountain shelter (36 beds distributed in two large rooms).<\/p>\n

      Eating<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      There are two family restaurants that cook menus. Usually consisting in soup + main course (beef, chicken or pasta) + dessert (they offer a variety of local recipes). There are also at least two shops where you can find drinks, cookies and other snacks.
      \nSome families who provide accommodation also offer meals.
      \nIf you have any food restrictions because of your cultural, religious or health situation, we advise to bring your own food since not all of the places will offer a suitable option.<\/p>\n

      Communications<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      There is only one mobile phone antenna in the area and which also provides an internet service (quite slow and sometimes not working, though). Expect Whatsapp not to work, you can communicate via SMS.
      \nThe best option is to let everyone know that you will not be able to communicate during your stay in Tolar Grande.
      \nSan Antonio de los Cobres and Olacapato have much better reception and landlines.
      \nIf you are planning on traveling by yourself, make sure you carry some sort of satellite phone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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