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Big Tolar

5 reviews
72 hrs
From
1.017.796 ARS


A quaint town set high in the hills of Salta. Throughout our day, we will also explore other notable locations, including San Antonio de los Cobres and the vibrant Devil's Desert. This three-day journey promises breathtaking views, with the renowned Arite Cone and Llullaillaco Volcano being the highlights of your photo collection!

Tour Description

Tolar Grande is a charming town nestled in the Puna of Salta at an altitude of 3400 meters. Situated 357 km from the city of Salta, the journey to this town takes you through various culturally, geologically, and scenically significant locations. Embark on this adventure with us!



Day 1: Our excursion kicks off from the city of Salta at 7:30 am, heading towards Tolar Grande. Our first stop is the Quebrada del Toro, a path famously traversed by the Train to the Clouds. As we travel through the Quebrada, we will also visit the bustling town of Santa Rosa de Tastil. By noon, we will reach San Antonio de los Cobres, where we will enjoy lunch.

At 2:00 p.m., we continue our journey to Tolar Grande, passing through the Abra de Alto Chorrillo, the highest point of our tour at 4560 meters above sea level. We will then descend a thousand meters to delve deeper into the Puna of Salta, surrounded by salt flats and volcanoes. Our highlight for the day is the Devil’s Desert, where we will hike amidst mountains and unique light displays created by the sun's position at our arrival. After soaking in these views, we will proceed to Tolar Grande for dinner and an overnight stay.




Day 2: Our second day starts at 9:00 am with breakfast in another local dining room, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture. We will then set off with a local guide to visit Ojos del Mar and El Arenal, spending approximately two hours there. This stop offers excellent opportunities for walking and capturing stunning photos of the seven volcanoes of the Andes Mountains visible from this vantage point: Socompa, Aracar, Guanaqueros, Pulares, Salin, Arizaro, and the renowned Llullaillaco volcano, famous for being the second highest active volcano in the world. We will return to town for lunch, freshen up, and restock on water before heading to the Salar de Arizaro, known as the largest in Argentina and the third largest in America. This one-hour journey includes photo stops until we reach the Arite Cone, a unique volcanic formation within the Salar. After exploring the Cone and the Salar, we will return to Tolar Grande at sunset for dinner and another overnight stay.


Day 3: At 8:30 am, we will depart from Tolar, retracing our initial route. We will make technical and photographic stops in Pocitos and San Antonio de los Cobres before arriving back in the city of Salta in the afternoon.

What’s included?

What’s included:

- Transport - Driver/guide

What’s NOT included:

- Accommodation - Food/drinks - Extra expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

The excursion usually departs very early from Salta city in a 4x4 vehicle heading towards the Salta Puna region. The route crosses valleys and the Andean highlands, with photo stops at landscapes such as the Devil's Desert, the Ojos de Mar (Eyes of the Sea), and the immense Arizaro Salt Flat, before reaching the Arita Cone viewpoint. There is time for short walks and sightseeing. The full-day tour takes 14–16 hours due to the long distances; the 2-day/1-night option includes an overnight stay in Tolar Grande for a more relaxed pace. Please check exact schedules, pick-up points, and included services when booking your tour.

The route traverses high altitudes of the Andean plateau. Tolar Grande is located at approximately 3,500–3,600 meters above sea level, and some sections exceed 4,000 meters. The difficulty is low to moderate: short walks are made across salt flats and rocky terrain, but the altitude requires caution. Stay hydrated, eat light meals, avoid alcohol and strenuous activity, and consider coca tea/leaves or medication prescribed by your doctor for altitude sickness. For conservation and cultural respect, the Arita Cone is not climbed; it is viewed from scenic overlooks. People with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their healthcare professional beforehand.

Due to the dry climate and wide temperature variations of the Puna region, dress in layers: thermal base layer, fleece, and waterproof windproof jacket; hat, buff, gloves, and trekking boots. Essentials: high SPF sunscreen, UV sunglasses, lip balm, water (1.5–2 liters per person), energy snacks, camera with extra batteries, and a trash bag. Bring cash in case of no cell service for payments in Tolar Grande, personal documents, and travel insurance. In colder weather, pack extra thermal clothing. Avoid loose plastic bags: the wind is strong. Stay on marked trails, do not remove salt or rocks, and keep the environment clean.

The best time for an excursion to the Arita Cone and Tolar Grande is from April to November, during the dry season in northern Argentina. In summer (December to March), rain and storms can occur, affecting gravel roads and salt flats. There is a wide temperature range year-round: cold mornings and nights, sunny middays with intense UV radiation, and frequent winds. Occasional snowfall at higher altitudes can close passes. Check the forecast, road conditions, and conditions in the Puna region with your tour operator before traveling. If you're looking for clear skies for landscape and star photography, winter offers exceptional visibility.

According to the tour operator, the price typically includes round-trip transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, an expert guide in the Andean region, basic insurance, and stops for photography and landscape interpretation. A boxed lunch or lunch is sometimes included; please confirm which meals and drinks are included on your voucher. Personal expenses, tips, and any community contributions/local income are not usually included. Reservations for this tour to Tolar Grande are limited; it is advisable to book in advance and review the cancellation or rescheduling policies due to weather. Bring cash and keep in mind that cell phone signal is limited in the Puna region of Salta.

Questions

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Traveler Class

Single Couple With friends

Cost Level

Average

Cancellation Policy

General terms

Type of Activity

Sightseeing

Big Tolar

5 reviews
72 hrs
From 1.017.796 ARS

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What they say

Reviews

Qué experiencia alucinante la excursión al Cono de Arita y Tolar Grande con Best South America Tours. Desde Salta salimos temprano en 4x4 y cada tramo fue más increíble: el Salar de Arizaro, Ojos de Mar y ese cono perfecto parecen de otro planeta. La guía fue atenta, contó historias locales y nos cuidó por la altura. Organización impecable, paradas para fotos y almuerzo riquísimo. Consejo: lleven abrigo, agua y ganas de sorprenderse. Volvería sin dudar.

Paisajes marcianos y atención de lujo en el altiplano salteño profundo

J’ai fait l’excursion à Salta avec Best South America Tours et, franchement, c’était le kiff total. Guide super cool, infos claires, pauses photo aux quebradas rouges, petits villages, empanadas et maté partagés. On a roulé jusqu’à Cafayate, paysages de folie, organisation nickel et timing relax (zéro course). Bus propre, conducteur prudent, petit groupe sympa: ambiance au top. Je recommande à fond à ceux qui veulent découvrir le Nord-Ouest argentin sans stress. Je repartirais demain, les yeux fermés.

Salta: aventure andine aux couleurs inoubliables

¡Increíble aventura! El tour al Cono de Arita y Tolar Grande superó todas mis expectativas. Los paisajes son de otro planeta y cada parada fue una sorpresa. El guía siempre atento, explicó todo genial y nos hizo sentir cómodos. Recomiendo llevar cámara, ¡no te querés perder ni un segundo! Si te gustan los viajes distintos y la naturaleza, este tour es imprescindible. Sin dudas volvería a hacer otro recorrido con ellos.

Un viaje surrealista por paisajes únicos: Cono de Arita y Tolar Grande imperdible

Wow, what an awesome day! The Big Tolar tour with Best South America Tours was incredible. The scenery around Salta is out of this world—huge colorful mountains, salt flats, and super friendly guides. I learned so much about the area, and we stopped for some delicious local food along the way. Highly recommend if you want something adventurous and unforgettable!

Jaw-dropping landscapes and fun vibes with Big Tolar

Esse tour foi simplesmente incrível! Os lugares são impressionantes, muita natureza e paisagens de tirar o fôlego. A equipe da Best South America Tours foi super atenciosa, explicou tudo direitinho e deixou o clima leve. Recomendo muito pra quem quer conhecer o melhor de Salta sem preocupação!

A melhor aventura pelo Grande Tolar em Salta! Sensacional!

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Big Tolar

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