Salinas Grandes - wasteland of salt

We start strengthened from the extraordinary breakfast buffet with fruits, cornflakes and even yoghurt. First we want that Cerro de los Siete Colores take a closer look at which one comes into its own in the morning sun than on the evening before. We wander that Passeo de los Colorados along and around the amazing rock formation, which offers countless photo opportunities.

After an empanada, we drive through the wild landscape deeper into the side valley. The Road climbs incessantly in spectacular hairpin bends up to a height of 4170 m above sea level and the pass height of the Cuesta de Lipàn. Even at this height, some Quechua Indians have set up their stands.

They have a little further Puna plateau Reached around 3500 meters above sea level and can already see the glittering white in the distance Salinas Grandes. The Routa 52 leads on an elevated route directly over this wasteland of salt. The left side of the lagoon has about 10 cm of water, while the right side is completely dry. I wade barefoot into nowhere. The shallow, crystal clear water reflects the sheer endless expanse of the Puna surrounded by some snow-covered Andean giants. We buy fresh empanadas and a lama figurine carved from a salt crust from an indigenous family.

A little further I want to take a photo of the brittle salt crust and sink in with your shoes ankle-deep. Socks and shoes are full of mud and salt, which I wash out in the water-bearing lagoon across the street and Niki watches with amusement.

At the second parking lot we walk barefoot into it sheer dimensionless white. The sharp salt crust is anything but pleasant to walk on. But aching feet is definitely worth it in this extraterrestrial setting.

After crossing the pass we find ourselves in thick clouds. The low sun now ensures fabulous lighting conditionswhich makes the cacti and rock formations appear even more spectacular.

Back in Purmamarca there is a well-deserved shower before we go to dinner - late as always.