Trip report: Argentina’s Northwest

hi everyone, I’m just back from a 5-week trip to Argentina’s Northwest and San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. This was my second visit to the area—20 years apart—and my third trip to Argentina overall. still just as stunning! this time I explored the El Peñón and Antofagasta de la Sierra region in Catamarca province; I can’t recommend it enough. the road from Cafayate is good—easy in a Renault Logan—and once you’re there you’ve got 4x4 excursions and hikes. way fewer tourists than around Salta, and the landscapes are totally different. happy travels!

Hi Docquint, We’re heading to Peru in October (visiting friends in Lima) and then making our way south. Atacama in Chile and a stop in northeastern Argentina. Could you share any tips for exploring these regions—agencies, prices for a tour, etc.? We loved Uyuni and the southern Lípez in Bolivia. After that, southern Argentina, the Lake District (still figuring out the details), and returning via Buenos Aires. Open to all suggestions. Traveling with backpacks and local buses. Thanks in advance! Chantal

Sorry for not replying sooner! I visited Bolivia over 20 years ago and back then I went to the southern Lipez region. I did it again this March—under snow! Lots of people and a bit disappointing. I highly recommend the San Pedro de Atacama area—you can easily spend 4 days there, then head to northern Argentina to do the northern loop above Salta before descending the southern loop to explore the Catamarca region, which I discovered this year: El Peñón, Antofagasta de la Sierra. The roads are good and doable with a regular car (if you have a 4x4, you can take the route through Tolar Grande). The Bariloche region is very beautiful but feels less dreamy than Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, where you can do amazing treks in an extraordinary setting. We were lucky to see lots of wildlife on our way to the Valdés Peninsula, even though we were out of season. I’ve only seen a small part of Peru from Bolivia, so I’m not sure if the landscapes are similar. The Putre region in northern Chile is supposedly very beautiful—my daughter loved it. Have a great day!

Thanks for the reply... Of course, San Pedro is on the agenda for heading into Argentina afterward. Before that, I’d love to check out northern Chile—Pica and maybe push as far as the Salar de Huasco. I’m not sure if any agencies offer day tours from Pica. I’m slowly mapping out the route to Salta and then making several stops on the way down to Perito Moreno. Have a good evening