Photo Expedition (new itinerary)
PUNA, the plateau of dreams
MARCH 11-22th 2026
Discovering a new planet
The off-road adventure of a lifetime in the remote highlands of northwestern Argentina
NOTE
For 2026 we’ve designed a revised and truly wild itinerary that includes two tented camps in remote locations, featuring views likely never captured before by any photographer (except maybe a few NASA scientists!).
This is not an ordinary trip, nor a typical photo tour: we are about to embark on one of the most exhilarating experiences of a lifetime. Crossing the Argentine Puna is an experience that defies description. The concept of space and time is dramatically redefined once you are immersed in these surreal, boundless landscapes.
During this incredible adventure, we will take you to one of the most remote places on Earth: we’ll wander through stunning rock formations, surrounded by dozens of volcanoes, salt lakes, sand dunes, vast depressions, colorful lagoons filled with flamingos, massive basalt fields, and incredible pumice stone fields. Millions of years ago, Earth must have looked exactly like this. Northwestern Argentina (NOA) is a vast territory full of geological and natural wonders. Within the morphology of the Central Andes lies a high-altitude region bounded by a volcanic range to the west and a mountainous chain to the east. This region corresponds to the Altiplano (Peru/Bolivia/Chile) or the Puna (Argentina). It stretches from Lake Titicaca in Peru, through Bolivia, and ends in northwestern Argentina, where our expedition will take place. Although this Andean plateau belongs to a single geotectonic unit, it contains crucial physical differences and a variety of landscapes that will leave you breathless.
The Puna is the natural continuation of the Bolivian Altiplano, although the latter is much more open and elevated. Here, instead, we’re in a region internally fractured by mountain chains and depressions.
Climatically, the Puna is considered a high-altitude desert with some of the most extreme temperature swings in the world: in some periods, daytime temperatures can reach 25–30°C, while nighttime lows can occasionally drop to -25°C!
Locals say a single day here holds all four seasons: from 8–11 am it’s spring, 11 am–4 pm is summer, 4–6 pm is autumn, and winter arrives at night.
You’ll encounter astonishing locations both geologically/botanically and photographically, landscapes that will make you feel like you've left planet Earth behind!
LANDING ON MARS...
NASA has long studied Earth in search of the region most similar to the Martian surface. For many years, attention was focused on Chile’s Atacama Desert due to its extreme dryness, exotic salts like nitrates, and complete lack of organic matter.
Some researchers later proposed the Argentine Puna as an even more extreme environment.
Rainfall is nearly nonexistent, winds can be fierce, temperature swings are dramatic (up to 61°C), and winter temperatures can reach -30°C. Sand and salt accumulate in the plateau’s depressions, forming landscapes devoid of any vegetation. Traveling through the Puna is an overwhelming experience, like landing on Mars or perhaps on a planet not yet discovered.
THE EXPEDITION
Robust 4x4 vehicles and specialized overland equipment will be necessary for travel on the Puna and the surrounding dirt roads. We’ll carry detailed maps, first aid kits, satellite communication devices, ample supplies of water, fuel, and spare tires.
This will be a true expedition. In this high-altitude plateau, marked roads are rare, and every detail will be planned in advance to provide excellent service even in the remotest areas. Keep in mind that the Argentine Puna is nearly half the size of Italy! Transfers will be long (from 2–3 up to 6–7 hours per day) but comfortable, and absolutely worth it.
Each turn will offer a new surprise. You’ll be gripped by childlike curiosity that won’t fade until you board your flight back home! For most of the trip, we’ll sleep in warm, comfortable beds and enjoy delicious Argentine cuisine. For two nights, however, we’ll have the immense privilege of sleeping under the stars: our exceptional guides will set up a tented camp in one of the most remote places you’ll ever explore. The Peinado area, home to the incredible 5741m volcano, will be our paradise for two days! Photography, exploration, contemplation, gourmet meals, and shared experiences will define this spectacular journey. We’ve designed a wild, fresh itinerary, and we’ll even photograph views likely never captured before (except maybe by NASA scientists). It sounds unbelievable, but it’s true!
THE POWER OF TESTIMONY
Many of the places we will photograph will be completely unfamiliar to you. As you may already see in the images featured in this program, several locations have no official names, or rather, they are so remote that simply witnessing them is a rare privilege. In the Puna, lodging options are extremely limited, and we won’t encounter another person for long stretches of off-road travel.
The landscape will be all ours, with its silence, its infinite spaces, its surreal colors and shapes. Bearing witness to these territories through pure contemplation is a unique experience, especially in a time when the internet makes it seem like the whole world has been "geo-mapped" and there are no more remote places left to discover. Luckily, that’s not true! In the Argentine Puna, you’ll feel the privilege of being alone in the rawest and most surprising nature, with endless opportunities for photographic exploration. It will be a great honor for Andrea to accompany you on this unforgettable experience.
HIGH ALTITUDE
We’ll often be at fairly high elevations, with an average altitude of 3500m and a maximum of 5200m during a day hike to the spectacular Mina Julia.
We will sleep only two nights above 3500m (still under 3900m), meaning the risk of altitude sickness will be minimal. Please keep in mind that altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The key is to ascend gradually and avoid unnecessary physical effort. If needed, our guide will always have coca mate (a traditional drink that helps alleviate altitude symptoms) and oxygen.
ITINERARY
1° GIORNO: Departure from Europe (we recommend arriving in Salta a day early to rest before the tour officially begins)
2° GIORNO: Arrival in Salta, Argentina (via Buenos Aires). Hotel check-in and introduction to our adventure. If flight times allow, we’ll visit the fascinating Museo Arqueológico de Alta Montaña. Dinner and overnight stay.
3° GIORNO: A long transfer will take us directly into the Puna to El Peñón (~3500m), where we’ll rest for two nights. We’ll drive through the beautiful Quebrada de las Conchas and begin to witness the incredible scenery awaiting us. Hotel check-in, dinner, and overnight stay. (Approx. 8 hrs)
4° GIORNO: A grand start! Full-day photo tour of the incredible Carachi Pampa Lagoon with its wild colors and flamingos, Las Dunas Blancas, and the mind-blowing Pumice Stone Field, one of the most surreal landscapes you’ll ever witness (we’ll hold a powerful sunset/blue hour session here).
5° GIORNO: Early wake-up to reach a newly discovered site (unreachable before 2025): El Ala del Angel Caído, named after the spectacular rock formation where we’ll shoot at sunrise. Then we’ll head deeper into untouched, tourist-free territory and reach the majestic 5741m Volcan Peinado.
Our team will be ready with a fully equipped tented camp for our 2-night stay in this remote area. Few travelers have ever reached this spot, the main visitors here are NASA scientists! (Approx. 6 hrs)
6° GIORNO: Full day to explore and find the best photographic compositions for golden hour and sunset. You’ll feel like a true explorer. Second and final night in the tented camp.
7° GIORNO: Transfer to the tiny village of Antofalla, on the edge of the vast Salar de Antofalla. We’ll stay with a local family (B&B). We’ll photograph surreal lagoons and the salar’s stunning colors. (Approx. 5 hrs)
8° GIORNO: A long day-trip to the highest altitude point of the trip: the ghostly 5200m Mina Julia mine. Epic views of smoking volcanoes and Martian landscapes along the Chilean border.
At sunset, we’ll focus on the iconic Cono de Arita, rising mysteriously from the Salar de Arizaro. Return to Antofalla, overnight stay.
9° GIORNO: Return to El Peñón via a unique landscape formed by the giant Galán volcano caldera and its gem-like Laguna Diamante.
Expect stunning colors, fumaroles, pyramidal peaks, and our last surprise: Laguna Grande, teeming with flamingos (hundreds, even thousands!). Sunset photo session and final night in the Puna.
10° GIORNO: Breakfast and transfer back to Salta via the charming town of Cafayate and another pass through Quebrada de las Conchas. Final night in Salta. (Approx. 8 hrs)
11° GIORNO: Departure from Salta
12° GIORNO: Arrival in Europe
Optional: Spend an extra night in Salta for a more relaxed return.
FAQ
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
This photo tour is ideal for anyone passionate about landscape and nature photography, whether you're a beginner or experienced photographer. Even non-photographers (such as travel companions) are welcome. Although the focus is on photography, we’ll seek out the most magical moments, often at sunrise or sunset, though we’ll also shoot throughout the day to make the most of every opportunity. More and more nature-loving travelers with no previous photography background are joining our trips. These tours differ from typical tourism, they’re more introspective, unhurried, and focused on meaningful connection with the land. Andrea will be there to offer photographic guidance based on the atmospheric conditions and terrain, all of which he’s explored before. The tented camp areas will be new even to him, but are strongly recommended by our trusted local guide with whom Andrea has worked for 7 years. We’ll enjoy nearly 12 hours of daylight for exploration.
HOW MANY NIGHTS IN TENTS?
We’ll spend 2 consecutive nights in tents.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN SLEEPING BAG OR MAT?
If you own a warm, high-quality sleeping bag, we recommend bringing it. If not, the local tour operator will provide sanitized sleeping bags and sleeping pads.
GROUP SIZE?
Maximum 6 participants to ensure a friendly, intimate group and freedom for everyone to shoot. This allows Andrea to offer personalized guidance to each participant.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Recommended photo gear:
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DSLR or mirrorless camera
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Wide-angle and medium telephoto and/or telephoto lens
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tripod
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remote shutter
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Graduated/ND/polarizing filters (optional but strongly recommended)
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Drone (highly encouraged—no flight restrictions and minimal wildlife!)
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Small camera backpack (avoid bulky trekking bags—most locations are car-accessible with short, easy walks)
Clothing: classic trekking gear as hiking boots, thermal base layers and pants, windbreaker/K-way, down jacket, hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (essential at high altitude) Dress in layers to adapt to rapid temperature changes.
A detailed packing list PDF will be sent to all participants closer to departure.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date).
VACCINATIONS
None currently required.
DETAILS
Dates: March 11–22, 2026
Tour leader: Andrea Pozzi
Fee: 4450€
Max group size: 6
Physical level: Medium. Most photo spots are easily accessible, but altitude and temperature swings can make even easy walks more tiring. Everyone reacts differently to high elevations. We’ll spend 2 nights in tents, with nighttime temperatures expected above freezing. A larger tent will be available for dining and resting.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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All accommodations: family stays, 3–4 star hotels, shared double rooms, and tented camp
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Travel insurance
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On-site transport via two 4x4 vehicles (e.g., Toyota Hilux)
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Fuel and vehicle insurances
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Drivers/local guides available 24/7
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Support staff for remote camp setup
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Snacks and water during excursions
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GPS tracking of vehicles
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Starlink connection upon request
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Constant radio contact between vehicles
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Professional Italian photographer fluent in Spanish and English
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Entry fees to all sites visited
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Transfers to/from Salta airport
NOT INCLUDED
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International flights
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Single room supplement (price upon request; not available during tented nights)
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Alcoholic drinks and tips
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Meals in Salta (except breakfast)
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Airport transfers in Buenos Aires (if applicable)
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Anything not specifically listed under “Included”
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
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The tutor has led many photo tours in these specific areas (all images in this program were taken by Andrea)
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Andrea speaks fluent Spanish and English
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We work with one of the top local tour operators
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Andrea is a full-time professional landscape photographer with over 10 years’ experience organizing photo tours, especially in South America
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Fresh, exciting itinerary, designed for true explorers and photographers
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Enthusiasm, expertise, joy, and passion!
NOTA BENE
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You can easily and quickly reserve your spot by paying a deposit through the dedicated form on the website of our trusted tour operator, Punto Viaggio Snc.
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For any information regarding flights or travel insurance (whether for quotes or general advice), please contact the tour operator directly:
Punto Viaggio Snc di Luca Fanciullo | tel. +39 349 1082377 | email. luca@puntoviaggio.com
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We will have two 4x4 vehicles at our disposal: one driven by the local guide and one by the tour leader. To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to interact with Andrea during transfers (in addition to radio communication), participants will rotate between vehicles as needed.
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Please note: The itinerary may be subject to unexpected changes due to weather conditions or logistical reasons. In such cases, we will rely on the extensive experience of our local guide, who will always prioritize safety.
This is a one-of-a-kind journey with limited availability, and spots are expected to fill up quickly.
If you're interested, don't hesitate to book now, this is your chance. We truly hope to accommodate each of you! T
Thank you and see you soon.
CONTACTS FOR INFO AND BOOKINGS
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Andrea Pozzi (main photographer): info@forgottenlands.it | 320 7025033
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Luca Fanciullo di Puntoviaggio snc: luca@puntoviaggio.com | 349 1082377
Un viaggio in collaborazione con PuntoViaggio e GrandiViaggiFotografici