DESTINATION PUNA
Explore the Puna, an UNPARALLELED AND Majestic PARADISE
Geography and Climate
The Puna is a vast plateau with internal mountain ranges that rises to an average of 4000 meters above sea level. Temperatures in the Puna are cold throughout the year, with values below freezing at night. The dryness of the air makes the cold more tolerable due to the low humidity. In winter, temperatures can be extreme, reaching as low as -30 degrees Celsius. The thermal amplitude is considerable, with daily temperature differences of between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, which is common in the region. Rainfall is very scarce, mainly between December and February, if they manage to cross the surrounding mountains. Rainfall decreases from north to south, with an annual average of only 70 mm.
In contrast, snowfalls are more frequent to the south and west, occurring in June and July. Generally, snowstorms develop quickly and are preceded by strong winds.
THE HEIGHT FACTOR
Due to the high altitude, which averages 4000 meters, the Argentine Puna is in contact with more rarefied atmospheric layers. This means that the mixture of gases in the air (oxygen, nitrogen, ozone, among others) is different from that of lower altitudes. As a result, there is a decrease in oxygen, which forces the human body to compensate with accelerated breathing. After a period of adaptation, the body adjusts. In addition, the atmospheric pressure is significantly lower. As Alonso (2010) explains: "A human being at sea level supports a column of air equivalent to a difference of 4000 meters more than that supported by an inhabitant of the Puna". This decrease in pressure can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and deafness.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SPENDING ONE OR MORE NIGHTS IN THE PUNA
It is essential:
- Start the trip only after a period of rest in lower altitude areas (one day is enough) and not in conditions of physical or mental fatigue.
- Hydrate constantly during the trip.
- Maintain balanced eating habits, avoiding excessive eating or drinking before and during the trip.
- Always follow the instructions of our guides.
Trips that include one or more nights in the Puna are not recommended for people with cardiovascular problems or those who suffer from hypertension or hypotension.
Suggestions for packing your luggage:
- Refillable 1 liter water bottle, to avoid the use of disposable plastics.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (essential throughout the year).
- Cap or hat, also for all year round.
- Warm gloves (wool or similar materials), useful throughout the year.
- Warm clothing (during the winter, add jackets, overalls, polar fleece, scarf, etc.).
- Windbreaker (essential due to frequent winds).
- Wool and/or cotton socks, preferably thick.
- Comfortable shoes for trekking.
- Thermal suit in winter (pajama type, to wear under clothing).
- Personal belongings.
ROUTE SHEET
From La Rioja
National Route Nº38, continuing along National Route Nº 60, passing through the towns of Aimogasta and Alpasinche. Then, National Route Nº 40 through the city of Belén (Catamarca) to El Eje, from where you turn west to Route Nº 43 to El Peñón.
From San Miguel de Tucumán
Drive through National Route Nº38 to the town of Famatina, and then take Provincial Route Nº307, continuing towards Amaicha del Valle, where you will find the connection with National Route Nº40, you will drive on this route passing through the town of Santa María (Catamarca) until you reach El Eje, where you will take a turn to the west to Route Nº 43 towards El Peñón.
From the city of Salta
National Route Nº 68 to its connection with the famous National Route Nº 40. The trip starts heading south, passing through Cafayate, Amaicha del Valle and Santa María, up to El Eje, the connection point with Provincial Route Nº43 to El Peñón.
travel responsibly
Dear traveler, you are about to live a UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD. For this reason we invite you to contribute to ensure that the landscapes you travel through remain unaltered by man and that in the future, your children and grandchildren will be able to travel and experience them as you do.
Basic Standards:
- Don't stray from the track or path. Why? The tracks you mark will take dozens of years to erase.
- Do not drive vehicles on volcanic slopes, lagoon edges and salt flats. Why? It is the best way to destroy a very fragile landscape in these areas.
- Do not leave any kind of garbage, even organic. Why? The Puna is a totally isolated place, everything you leave behind stays there forever.
- Avoid driving in off-road areas with vehicles that are not prepared to do so. Why? The secondary roads of the Puna are mostly suitable only for 4×4 vehicles, with double spare wheel and with radio or satellite communication.
- Don't leave bottles in the apachetas. Why? Pachamama does NOT want garbage.
- Always travel with qualified guides and/or baqueanos who know the area. Why? To travel safely, to understand as much as possible about the place, to learn to respect the Puna, its inhabitants and its animals.
- Do not leave elements such as covers or writings. Why? Because they cause the worst negative visual impact.
- Always give notice of the places to go and estimated time of return. Why? So that someone can come out to rescue you, it is easy to get lost and/or have mechanical problems among others, you can inform the police or relevant local authorities.
- Do not harm or disturb the animals of the Puna. Why? They are wild animals and their existence is in danger if you do so.
How to care for the ecosystems of the High Andean Lagoons
- NEVER TOUCH OR DIVE IN THE WATER OF THESE LAGOONS: besides being saline, they have an extreme PH (high or low) and many of them have a very high arsenic content.
- DO NOT DRIVE A 4X4 TRUCK THROUGH WET SALT FLATS OR COLORED MUDS: besides ruining a fragile and unique ecosystem, you risk getting bogged down, since under the salt there can be a very muddy terrain. You would also be ruining the tires of your truck because the chemical composition of these environments is extremely aggressive.
- DO NOT DISPOSE OF GARBAGE OR WASTE: the input of organic matter kills these ecosystems that survive only under extreme conditions.
- DO NOT TAKE AWAY A MEMORIAL: these structures are alive, if you take a piece of them as a souvenir, besides ruining an ecosystem that takes a long time to regenerate, you will have to throw away your souvenir very soon because the smell of sulfur and methane compounds that they give off will accompany you all the trip and then there will be nothing left but mud and salt.
- NEVER GO ALONE: (the mountain must be respected). For safety reasons it is recommended to access the attractions of the Puna with authorized tour providers or at least with an authorized local guide in case you travel with your own vehicle.
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT DESTINATION IN EL PEÑON
Transform your vacation into an unforgettable adventure in an extremely magical place.
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