 These words describe Puna: land, salt desert and sky.This high plateau is over 4,000 metres above sea level and it amazes tourists with its snow-capped peaks, its silent volcanoes, its wide seas of salt, its abandoned mines, its lagoons of pink flamingos, its vicuñas against the skyline… All these things come together to create an almost unreal atmosphere. One of the most interesting aspects of this remote region is the culture of its people, who, from the pre-hispanic times, could adapt to the hard conditions. Little towns like San Antonio de los Cobres, Tolar Grande y Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes have kept the Incas’ traditions. Such is the origin of some customs like the celebration of Pachama, “Misachicos” and “Señaladas”. Photo-Safaris. Photography fans will be delighted by the huge deserts of salt, the volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, the bush covered in tola, yareta and muña-muña, the clear skies, the blinding sun and the majesty of llamas and vicuñas.  Typical CraftsThe typical crafts of the area are the different items woven with llama wool and decorated with Andean designs, such as hats, socks, scarves, vests and sweaters. The Pachamama CelebrationIs the most representative celebration of this area and a marvelous example of the fusion between heathen inca customs on the Christian faith. It takes place every August 1st. and in the ceremony locals offer gifts to the Mother Earth or the “Pachamama”. Pre - Hispanic culture in Santa Rosa de TastilIn Quebrada del Toro, on the way to San Antonio de los Cobres, one can visit the site Santa Rosa de Tastil. This pre- Hispanic settlement at 2,500 meters above sea level used to be an important city where, is thought, more than 2.200 people used to live between the 1.336 and the 1.436 AC. Some vestiges are kept in the museum located in town, 100 meters away from the archeological site. Salinas Grandes“Salinas Grandes” are one of the most important attractions in this circuit. They are located north of San Antonio de los Cobres and they look like an endless white horizon that the sun illuminates with different colours. Tourists can also learn old techniques of salt exploitation. Tolar GrandeFor people who prefer more exotic locations, the little hamlet of Tolar Grande is an excellent choice to enjoy the magic landscapes of Puna. From there one has a wonderful view of the Llullaillaco Volcano, amazing salt lakes and sceneries. For experts, the mountain challenge. In this region of the Andes is possible toclimb volcanoes and mountains of more than 5.000 meters, that where venerated by the incas and converted in the highest sanctuaries. |
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