Andean Altiplano
Starting from Rio de Janeiro, or São Paulo, we will cross the continent all the way to Salta, Argentina, on the foot of the Andes Cordillera.
Distance traveled: 800 km in 10 hours
From Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo by the Dutra highway. As we leave São Paulo we will drive down the coastal mountain range, traverse the Ribeira valley and drive up the coastal mountain range, entering the state of Paraná.
Distance traveled: 700 km in 9 hours
After a night's rest in Curitiba, we will drive west, slowly descending the Paraná basin, with its extensive basalt fields. We will spend the night on the border with Argentina.
Distance traveled: 700 km in 9 hours
In the third day of our trip, already in Argentina, we will descend the Paraná basin until we reach the pampas, the vast plain covered with pasture. We will follow the Paraguai river towards the Paraná river. By then we will be deep in the Plate river basin, where much of South America's history unfolded. The jesuit missions were established here. Upon arriving at the majestic Paraná river, we will be in the city of Corrientes, where we will spend the night.
Distance traveled: 800 km in 10 hours
In the fourth and last day of our trip we will cross the Paraná river and drive through the Chaco towards the Andes Cordillera, slowly gaining altitude. At the end of the day, we will arrive in Salta La Linda, portal to the Altiplano.
From Salta, one can undertake many trips around the Andean Altiplano. Useful information: <ul>distance from Rio de Janeiro to Salta: 3,100 kilometers;</ul> <ul>time from Rio de Janeiro to Salta: 4 days (assuming 8 horas of driving per day);</ul> <ul>total distance covered in this trip: 10,000 kilometers;</ul> <ul>minimum time recommended for this trip: 3 weeks.</ul>