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Desert tours in Argentina

Q: When to go in Argentina?

Argentina is a huge country, so the climate varies from region to region. To the northeast, the climate is sub-tropical, whilst the central region is humid and the south the coldest. The best time to visit the country is between March and April and October/November; it's best to avoid the glacial cold that can affect the south, the heatwaves that hit the north and the rainy season. The lovely Buenos Aires is best visited during the Argentinian Spring, which is during the European Autumn, as the weather is pleasant. If you're planning to hike in Patagonia, any time of year will do!

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What to do in Argentina?

With its end of the world feel, Argentina attracts and surprises. Its very rich unique culture, its varied breath-taking scenery or even its dynamic and bustling capital city, Buenos Aires, mesmerise travellers. Whether you choose to concentrate on one area, or alternatively travel the breadth and width of the country, a trip to Argentina has what it takes to satisfy all your desires. Its landmass covers a part of the luxurious amazon forest, pampas plains, and also the steppes and glaciers of Patagonia for enthusiasts of extensive hikes and treks. Argentina also shares two of its geographical landmarks between its neighbours, who are witnesses to the incredible diversity that the country has to offer: in the north-east the majestic Iguazu Falls are divided into three parts; one in Brazil, another in Paraguay, and finally the most spectacular falls of the park which are home to the Devil’s Throat, on the Argentinian side. Nearly 4,300km from there, at the southernmost point of the country, Argentina covers a third of the legendary Tierra del Fuego, the rest of which is controlled by Chile. Ushuaïa still remains to this day the Eldorado of escapism in the hearts of adventurers. So, are you ready for your trip to Argentina ?

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When to go in Argentina?

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Start planning your desert tour in Argentina

The largest Spanish speaking country in the world, Argentina is also the eighth-largest nation on Earth, occupying almost half of South America. Its capital city is Buenos Aires, and beyond the urban sprawls the country features diverse climatic areas, from polar regions in the south to dense rainforests as well as arid deserts.

What makes Argentina's desert landscapes unique?

From unique geological formations to major paleontological centers, Argentina’s deserts have all manner of intriguing assets. There are alkaline lakes, vast salt flats, and tall volcanic mountains. See frontier towns, oases, stone fields and rocky gorgeous throughout the country’s deserts.

The best desert tours and excursions in Argentina

Argentina has plenty of activities for desert expedition seekers, and there are a variety of desert landscapes to explore, each unique and exciting in its own way. These are some of the best desert excursions for travelers to Argentina.

Be awe-inspired by the Arizaro salt flats and salt lake

The Salar de Arizaro, or the Arizaro salt flats, is an extension of the arid Puna de Atacama. It's a spectacular, mineral-rich expanse of salt-weathered rocks on dry lake beds. This area is so rich, minerals like salt, iron, onyx, marble, and copper are mined here.

Hike the Conchas gorge

This fascinating, cavernous landscape offers a glimpse of what is happening beneath the surface of Argentina’s desert. The layers of red rocks visible on the Conchas gorge are striking, and hiking here is a real highlight. The gorges begin around Salta city and continue up to the Quebrada de las Conchas at Cafayate, where you’ll find deep sandstone and clay formations of around 50 million years old.

See pre-Incan Ruins of Quilmes

This pre-Columbian settlement dates back to AD 850, once the largest settlement of the ancient Quilmes people. Renowned for their fierce resistance of the invading Incas during the 15th century, the Quilmes also repelled Spanish armies for 130 years. The ruins are vast and fascinating, and best explored with an expert guide.

Visit flamingos at the Laguna Grande reserve

The Laguna Grande is a saline lake inside the crater of the Galan volcano. In spring, hundreds of small Parina birds, also known as Puna flamingos, reside here. The southern and Andean flamingo species also congregate here for the summer and during nesting periods. When numbers are at their peak, it can be an astonishing sight.

Quench your desert thirst at Antofalla

Between the high-altitude desert and the low-lying salt flats, Antofalla is a green oasis where pure mountain spring water flows in abundance. This majestic valley is peppered with molles and alamos trees, with the majority of residents here keeping and shepherding llamas.

Tips for planning a desert tour in the destination

The northwest and Puna regions of Argentina are accessible all year round, so get an English-speaking guide or take a self-drive adventure, but the best time to visit is from October through December, or April through June to avoid the crowds.