Antofalla (Argentina)

In the province of Catamarca, Antofalla is a village-oasis in the middle of nowhere. On the edge of the Salar de Antofalla, the hamlet is inhabited by 8 families who mostly make their living through agriculture, raising animals and crafts.

I had the chance to explore this unique place during my stay in North West Argentina after first stopping about 80 km away in Antofagasta de la Sierra. Before you get to the village you have to drive alongside the magnificent Salar de Antofalla. It's difficult to imagine anyone living in this desert zone. As soon as we arrived in Antofalla we were welcomed by the village chief who explained about the region's mining past. The village's main street is called Soledad (which means solitude in Spanish), a perfect name for the feeling of isolation we had during our trip. 

Among the interesting things to see near to Antofalla are the wonderful Laguna Colorada at the foot of Carachi Pampa volcano, which, as its name indicates, is red. You have to see it to believe it! In the distance we could see some vicunas grazing peacefully while a colony of pink flamingoes drank from the lake. You also shouldn't miss Ojo de Agua de Antofalla, another red lake very close to Salar d'Antofalla.