The steeling beauty of Argentina’s north-western Altiplano, the Puna, is quite something to behold. Between Salta to the west and the borders of Chile and Bolivia this elevated (4,500m) plateau of wildly striking and desolate landscapes is filled with the more rare sights of Salt Flats, flamingos, ancient Incan trails, desert labyrinths, herds of llamas and vicuñas, the turquoise ponds of Ojos del Mar, the oasis of Antofajita, and mud-brick pueblos (towns).

Tolar Grande is the largest of the mud-brick towns at the heart of the Puna and a good base from which to explore this underrated and almost (for most travellers) unknown destination, meaning you won’t be bumping into many package tourists which in turn contributes to the allure of this remote corner of Argentina.